Wenguang Zhang, Yifang Zhou, Wenjing Han & Yu Pang
School of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, PR China
Corresponding author: Dr. Wenjing Han
Email: hanwenjing@bnu.edu.cn

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From 2015 to 2020, under the implementation of the Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) strategy, China eliminated absolute poverty, making a notable contribution to global poverty reduction efforts. This study develops a multidimensional poverty measurement system for rural households in China, based on the FAO’s 2021 Rural Multidimensional Poverty Index (R-MPI). Utilizing data from a national household survey across 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020, this study evaluates the performance of multidimensional poverty reduction in rural China. By employing OLS, PSM, and DID methods, this study systematically assesses the effectiveness of China’s TPA strategy in reducing multidimensional poverty. Findings reveal that the TPA strategy has made significant strides in reducing multidimensional poverty among rural households, particularly in impoverished villages. The strategy effectively improved living standards and income, contributing to substantial progress in alleviating multidimensional poverty. However, challenges remain in ensuring food security, enhancing nutritional status, and promoting the sustainability of rural livelihoods. These insights not only deepen the understanding of multidimensional poverty in rural China but also provide valuable lessons for other developing countries facing similar challenges in poverty alleviation.

Keywords: multidimensional poverty; poverty reduction; Targeted Poverty Alleviation strategy; PSM-DID; rural China