The Programme on Poverty Assessment & Knowledge Management (PAM) formally commenced on 31st December 2004, with a three-year sponsorship from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Prior to this, the Programme had a two-year ‘orientation phase’, as the Poverty Information & Knowledge Management (PIK) Programme, financed by CEPA. PAM is largely a continuation of the PIK Programme with some changes to reflect new orientations and priorities.
Rationale
Poverty measurement is important in identifying the nature and extent of poverty and its determinants, and to assess the impact of policies and programmes on the poor. Assessments of poverty guide the process of evaluating a nation’s progress in improving the quality of life of its citizens. They provide the necessary evidence to guide social development policy formulation and reform.
Sri Lanka has a long history of statistical capability that has resulted in a great knowledge base that could be used for policy making. However, the effective use and analysis of data is often held back by insufficient skills and lack of coordination, thus hindering the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of poverty reduction programmes. Whilst substantial effort has gone into information generation, insufficient emphasis has been placed on information dissemination and enabling more optimal use by researchers and policymakers.
Conceptual Approach
The task of enhancing current poverty measurement methodology emphasises the identification of poverty pockets by disaggregating data and developing indicators to measure aspects relevant to Sri Lanka, such as vulnerability, social exclusion and human security. Data generation contributes to filling information gaps and capturing poverty dynamics for example through panel data. The PAM Programme emphasises applied skills for practical and policy oriented purposes among development practitioners. Its approach to knowledge management combines innovative and service-oriented channels for information dissemination. PAM adopts a network approach to carry out its activities by forming collaborative partnerships. As a core programme within CEPA, it acts as a transfer and synthesising mechanism of knowledge and understanding gained across programmes into information sharing arenas.
Objectives
The overall objective is to produce and disseminate knowledge on poverty that is more appropriate and meaningful for poverty reduction efforts in Sri Lanka. Specifically, the Programme aims to:
- Review and refine current poverty measurement methodologies in order to develop a multidimensional approach to poverty analysis and reduction.
- Generate and disseminate data on poverty that will support a more holistic understanding and analysis of poverty.
- Improve the understanding and analysis of poverty among development practitioners.
- Enhance the dissemination of poverty information in order to ensure greater transparency and informed decision-making on poverty reduction.
