The Battle Against Poverty: Colombia: A Case of Leadership

Colombia showed surprising results in the fight against poverty in the second decade of the 21st century, with monetary poverty dropping, extreme monetary poverty cut in half, and multidimensional poverty falling. This was accomplished under the leadership of President Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018) and the adoption of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), calculated according to the Alkire-Foster method and developed at the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). The Colombian approach to poverty offers lessons to other nations, academics, and decision-makers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the second decade of the 21st century, Colombia experienced remarkable strides in its fight against poverty. Monetary poverty declined, extreme monetary poverty was reduced by half, and multidimensional poverty fell significantly. Over five million Colombians were able to escape poverty, and inequality also saw a notable decrease. Despite facing an internal armed conflict and ongoing peace negotiations, Colombia emerged as a success story in poverty reduction. This achievement was attributed to the leadership of President Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018).

To understand how Colombia achieved this remarkable feat, former President Santos has written this important book, drawing on his experience and providing data and statistics to support his arguments. He emphasizes the significance of Colombia's globally pioneering adoption of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), developed at the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). Inspired by the work of Professor Amartya Sen, the MPI serves as a comprehensive measure of poverty and is used not only to assess the situation but also to guide social policy in Colombia.

The Colombian approach to poverty offers valuable lessons to other nations, academics, and decision-makers. By emphasizing political leadership and reliable poverty measurement, Colombia has demonstrated that progress toward social equality is possible. The country's experience showcases the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing poverty, encompassing economic growth, social protection, and human development.

This book provides a comprehensive account of Colombia's poverty reduction journey, shedding light on the strategies, programs, and policies that contributed to these achievements. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of poverty reduction in developing countries. By learning from Colombia's success, we can strive to create a more equitable and prosperous world for all.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192885234