ABSTRACT
Despite their primary importance, methods of measuring and monitoring poverty remain one of the weak points of the current PRSP processes. In Chapter 11 we revealed the main failings of household surveys as they are currently being implemented in poor countries, particularly in Africa. We suggested a certain number of directions for consideration by which these shortcomings could be resolved. Going beyond these corrective principles, we shall now present two original instruments that have been successfully applied on the ground in various developing countries: the 1-2-3 survey and Rural Observatories.1 These two survey systems illustrate the possibility of combining a certain number of basic criteria to put together an appropriate mechanism. After a general introduction to these two statistical operations, illustrated principally by the example of Madagascar, where for the moment experiments have progressed the furthest, we shall put into perspective their respective advantages and limitations, in particular by comparing them with the properties of other types of surveys covering the same subjects. Finally, we shall look at the common elements in the implementation of the two tools in order to determine the main strengths leading to their success. We shall pay particular attention to the characteristics distinguishing them from traditional methods, which enable them partially to overcome the shortcomings of such methods. As an example, we shall set out a few analytical results based on the data obtained by applying the two tools in Madagascar. By emphasising the figures and conclusions which are usually inadequate for drafting and evaluating policy, we shall uncover concrete means of improving the state of our knowledge of poverty and answering decision-makers’ questions, while at the same time demonstrating the possibility of achieving this at lower cost.
