Data Absence Hampers Poverty Reduction Efforts in the Caribbean

The absence of up-to-date poverty and inequality data in the Caribbean leaves thousands, if not millions, unseen and unheard, undermining progress toward improving lives and ending poverty.

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we emphasize the urgent need to measure poverty in order to inform corrective policy measures, ensuring that no one in the Caribbean is left behind.

A World Bank study carried out in 2015 showed that nine Caribbean countries were data deprived, LILIA BURUNCIUC, World Bank Director for the Caribbean Region meaning they had one or less poverty estimates available within a ten-year period. The recommended frequency is 3-5 years (see chart showing the latest poverty data available by country).

This situation has not changed much since 2015. In 6 out of 18 countries in the Caribbean, national poverty estimates are available only for the 2000s. With the exception of Jamaica, which has a long history of monitoring poverty on an annual basis, and the Dominican Republic, the most recent poverty estimates are between 5 and 7 years old. In several countries, socio economic information such as unemployment rates and demographic characteristics, is also not collected regularly.

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Unless we have up-to-date poverty data, we are unable to measure progress toward poverty reduction and may in fact be heading toward higher levels of poverty and inequality.

Without the data, we are also unable to develop effective policies and interventions that address poverty, and social welfare spending could end up missing the mark completely.

What can be done?

At an individual level, we all need to advocate for governments to conduct and share assessments of poverty and the corresponding outcomes. By advocating for greater openness and transparency, we can contribute to the reduction of poverty and improved Caribbean lives and livelihoods.

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Author – Penny Bowen -Snr. External Affairs Officer – Caribbean
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  absence, Caribbean, data, poverty