Investing in People to Fight Poverty in Haiti: Reflections for Evidence-based Policy Making

This comprehensive World Bank report analyzes poverty trends in Haiti from 2001 to 2012, examining both monetary and multidimensional aspects of poverty. The study reveals improvements in poverty reduction driven primarily by transfers and non-agricultural income generation, while identifying persistent challenges in rural areas where poverty remains concentrated. The analysis covers income generation opportunities and constraints in both urban and rural settings, highlighting the importance of remittances and internal transfers as poverty reduction strategies.

The report examines barriers to human capital accumulation, particularly in education and healthcare access, noting significant disparities between urban and rural areas and across income quintiles. It analyzes household vulnerability to various shocks including natural disasters, with particular attention to the 2010 earthquake's impact. The study evaluates Haiti's social protection framework, identifying gaps in coverage and effectiveness of existing programs. The report concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations focusing on improving urban and rural livelihoods, enhancing access to and quality of health and education services, and strengthening risk management and social protection systems.