2003年-世界发展银行全球_Benin___Poverty_Assessment_186页_13mb

Poverty Assessment in Benin (Report No. 28447-BEN)

Executive Summary

This report provides a detailed analysis of poverty in Benin, complementing the Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). It utilizes new quantitative and qualitative data to offer a more solid foundation for shaping effective poverty reduction strategies. The assessment highlights the need for better understanding of poverty dynamics, especially in light of the country's economic growth and its impact on poverty levels and inequality.

Core Content and Key Findings

Economic Growth, Poverty and Inequality

• Benin's Economic Performance: Benin has shown strong economic growth since 1996, with real GDP growth averaging over 5% annually. Social indicators such as health, education, and access to water have also improved.
• Growth Drivers: Economic growth has been driven by cotton production and the tertiary sector. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed.
• Poverty Trends: The incidence of monetary poverty increased during the 1990s, with rural areas experiencing higher poverty rates than urban areas.
• Future Outlook: To meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, Benin must significantly reduce population growth (targeting 2.7% per annum) and manage inequality effectively.
• Inequality Metrics: The Gini coefficient in 2003 was 0.356, indicating moderate inequality globally.

Millennium Development Goals

• Achievable MDG Indicators: Only two MDG indicators are likely to be achieved by 2015: halving extreme poverty and improving access to safe drinking water.
• Other Indicators: Indicators such as measles immunization, neonatal care, and primary school completion are unlikely to meet the 2015 targets due to slow progress or low baseline levels.

Poverty Today

• Poverty Levels: Based on the 2003 CWIQ survey, 22% of the population is extremely poor, and 39% is poor.
• Rural Poverty: Monetary poverty is more prevalent and deeper in rural areas.
• Perception of Poverty: Poverty is often defined in terms of nutritional insecurity and lack of access to basic services. It is perceived as a personal rather than household characteristic, with women often seen as poorer than men.
• Life Cycle Dimension: Older individuals may be considered relatively prosperous due to accumulated assets, while younger people, especially women, face higher poverty risks due to early childbearing and limited economic opportunities.
• Social Capital: Social networks are a key asset for the poor to cope with shocks. However, survival strategies often involve reducing consumption, seeking extra income, or migration.

Determinants of Poverty and Vulnerability

• Education: Higher education levels are linked to better household consumption and reduced poverty. However, adult illiteracy is high, especially in rural areas and among women.
• Employment: Most poor individuals are employed in agriculture or the informal sector. Irregular or unpaid employment is a major issue, particularly in urban and rural areas.
• Household Composition: Poor households tend to be larger and have more dependents. Female-headed and elderly-headed households are not necessarily worse off.
• Social Factors: The poorest are often social outcasts, living alone or without support. This includes homeless individuals, orphans, disabled people, and substance abusers.

Agricultural Sector and Poverty

• Agricultural Diversity: The agricultural sector is diverse, with smallholdings dominating production. Average farm size is 1.7 hectares for a seven-person family.
• Cotton Sector: Cotton accounts for 70% of total exports and 25% of fiscal revenues. It has significantly increased in production, leading to some community development.
• Cotton's Impact: Cotton production provides certain and cash-based income, which is a major draw for farmers. However, delayed payments have led to a debt trap.
• Environmental and Social Impacts: Cotton expansion has led to environmental degradation, including soil erosion and loss of forest cover. It has also increased social inequality and migration.

Poverty and Basic Needs

• Education Policy: The 1998 education policy prioritizes primary education. Abolishing school fees has potential for poverty reduction, but public spending is not well-targeted.
• Health Access: Poor people are more likely to suffer from health issues and rely on traditional healers. Access to modern health care is limited due to cost and cultural barriers.
• Nutrition and Water: Nutritional insecurity is a major concern in rural areas. Access to piped water and radio has improved, indicating increased monetization of rural economies.

Conclusion

This report underscores the complexity of poverty in Benin, emphasizing the need for targeted and inclusive policies to address both economic and social determinants. It highlights the importance of understanding the geographic, demographic, and economic factors that influence poverty and vulnerability, and suggests that future strategies must focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and basic services while addressing the structural challenges in the agricultural and economic sectors.