Childhood Poverty in Kyrgyzstan: Initial Literature Review

Summary

This literature review is the first stage of a programme of research by the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (CHIP). The two-year study seeks to understand the nature and causes of childhood poverty in Kyrgyzstan and how it varies geographically across the country. It also examines the extent of intergenerational poverty transmission, and whether chronic poverty is developing in Kyrgyzstan. A third focus of the study is the impact of local, state and donor responses in addressing this poverty.
This review aims to provide an analysis of existing material relating to poverty and poverty reduction, with a particular emphasis on understanding childhood poverty in the Kyrgyzstani context.

This involves:
• Analysing available statistical and qualitative data on poverty from social research conducted by Kyrgyzstani state agencies, international and non-governmental organisations (NGOs);
• examining children-related aspects of poverty by looking at key areas (i.e. nutrition, healthcare, education, social inclusion);
• analysing legislation, government social and economic policies, and the activities of international and non-governmental organizations in areas related to childhood poverty and wellbeing.