Abstract:

In this study poverty profile income distribution and consumption expenditure of lowest 20 percent of income distribution is analyzed When Turkey 8217;s poverty profile is examined by using poverty lines it is seen that rural poverty is very high In the period 2002 2006 number of poor people living in urban areas has decreased significantly however it has slightly changed in the rural areas Besides in this study the poverty gap and poverty gap ratios of lowest 20 are estimated Poverty gap shows the amount of income transfer required for poor people to reach poverty line In 2002 the poverty gap of lowest 20 is estimated as 38 In 2005 the poverty gap ratio is calculated as 24 This means that when 24 of poverty line is transfered to poor people they can reach the poverty line When income share and poverty gap of lowest 20 is regionally analyzed South Eastern Anatolia West Black Sea Northeastern Anatolia Middleeastern Anatolia Meditarranean and Middle Anatolia regions are classified as the poorest regions In the last section of the study targets related to income distribution are proposed in addition to growth rates Especially income share of lowest 20 is proposed as a complementary target to the growth rates in Turkey Besides in this study a well designed social assistance system is advised in addition to pro poor economic policies Key Words: Lowest 20 Poverty Profile Poverty Gap Consumption Gap

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