While it has become abundantly clear that neither overall economic growth nor targeted microlevel interventions inevitably reduce poverty in developing countries, much of the development literature continues to focus on these two approaches. Exploring a third, and more promising, avenue,
Fighting Poverty offers a systematic analysis of the link between employment and pro-poor economic growth.
The authors provide both conceptual frameworks and rich empirical evidence to demonstrate precisely how employment can serve to link growth with poverty reduction. They include in-depth case studies of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Uganda, and Vietnam.
“One of the best contributions to development strategy in recent years.... Islam and his colleagues deserve sincere thanks for providing us with such a rich intellectual pabulum.” —Navin Chandra, Indian Journal of Labour Economics
“Presents compelling arguments and detailed evidence for why employment should be featured in any development agenda.... It should be widely read and carefully studied.”—James Heintz, Development and Change
"Required reading for policymakers contemplating policy and institutional reforms that use economic growth as a means of reducing global poverty.... Highly recommended."—Choice