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This analytical tool illustrates advanced ways to measure poverty. It belongs to a set of EASYPol modules that discuss how to measure poverty according to different perspectives. In particular, this module will deal with generalised poverty gap measures, i.e. those poverty measures based on the definition of the poverty gap. The Sen index, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index, the Kakwani index and the Thon index will be discussed. Many public policies may have an impact on poor people. In policy work it is therefore important to simulate the impact of alternative policies on poverty and to rank policy options according to a wide range of poverty measures. This paper will provide the framework for such an analysis. 

For more information, see also:

• Impacts of Policies on Poverty. The Definition of Poverty. EASYPol Series 004
• Impacts of Policies on Poverty. Absolute Poverty Lines. EASYPol Series 005
• Impacts of Policies on Poverty. Relative Poverty Lines. EASYPol Series 006
• Impacts of Policies on Poverty: Distributional Poverty Measures. EASYPol Series 009
• Poverty Analysis: Poverty and Dominance. EASYPol Series 035

This paper is part of a FAO Policy series: EASYPol-Resources for policy making (in agriculture, rural development and food security). To find other EASYPol series' resources, go to the Policy Support and Governance website>Resources and type "EASYPol" in the free text search.