Resource information
This study analyzes the complicated and
dynamic nature of welfare differences across space. The
objectives are two-fold. First, the study seeks to provide a
methodological framework useful for investigating the
determinants of the observed differences in the standards of
living between two regions at a given point in time. Second,
it aims to provide empirical evidence on regional welfare
differences to inform the policy debate surrounding regional
inequalities within countries. Chapter two sets the stage by
presenting the poverty profiles within and between regions
in each of the eight countries in study. Chapter three
reviews the methodology, based on the Oaxaca-Blinder (1973)
decomposition method used to asses the relative size of the
concentration and geography effect in welfare differences
across regions/areas. Chapter four reports the findings from
various comparisons conducted between urban and rural areas
within regions, and urban vs. urban (or rural vs. rural)
areas between regions. Chapter five focuses on the role of
internal migration within Latin America (LAC) countries.
Chapter six summarizes the available empirical evidence
regarding the poverty and welfare impacts of the two most
distinct types interventions associated with the
concentration and the geography views: conditional cash
transfers; and territorial development strategies. Chapter
seven summarizes findings and discusses some of their main
policy implications.
