Abstract

The failure of attempts to tackle global poverty have bred cynicism and 'compassion fatigue'. Eradicating Extreme Poverty provides an urgently needed fresh approach which will re-energise action on this issue.

Rejecting traditional 'top-down' approaches, Xavier Godinot and his colleagues start from the experiences, capabilities and strategies of the poor themselves. They argue that the first step is a close connection with poor communities followed by a commitment to take action alongside them. Life-stories from Burkina Faso, France, Peru and the Philippines are used to show that the poor must be involved in their own liberation.

After decades of failed development policies, this book outlines a radical new approach which will enliven debate amongst policy-makers, researchers, students and academics.
'Offers a path towards the eradication of extreme poverty, and makes a compelling case for why we have no choice but trying'
Esther Duflo, Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics, MIT
'This important book argues convincingly that extreme poverty is a human rights crisis that demands urgent commitments from states to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for all'
Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International
'This gem of a book gets under the skin of poverty. It shows the human reality of poverty: the endless struggle for respect, and against indignity and stigma. Read it to learn what development should be about'
Duncan Green, head of research, Oxfam Great Britain
'Vital reading for all those working to end poverty'
Deepa Narayan, Director, Voices of the Poor project and former Senior Adviser at the World Bank