Background, Scope of the Study and Research Methodology

Abstract

Over the years, conceptualisation, characterisation and discourses on poverty and development have undergone significant changes. In the past, economic improvement was considered the key goal and focus of development. Poverty reduction/alleviation was to be pursued within that framework, implying a trickle-down process, which has been of rather limited avail. The world is still left with significant poverty, and inequality is glaring and increasing globally and in most countries. The introduction of the concept of sustainable development has brought in new features to the understanding of development. Much emphasis is now found in economic literature that economic growth and per capita income are not necessarily the key goals to be achieved.