Anti-Poverty Policies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

This paper examines the challenges and strategies of anti-poverty policies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite modest progress in poverty reduction, the region remains vulnerable to economic shocks, conflict, and political instability, with poverty levels still considerable. The study highlights the role of both state and non-state actors in implementing poverty alleviation programmes, including social assistance, subsidies, and cash transfers. A critical analysis of the adequacy and coverage of these policies is provided, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts in countries such as Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. The paper also discusses the role of non-governmental organizations in shaping poverty reduction strategies and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive, data-driven social protection reforms that address the root causes of poverty rather than just its symptoms.