Multidimensional analysis of socio-economic, ecological and institutional approaches to reducing poverty in the Aral Sea region

Abstract

This article assesses, through a multidimensional approach, the effectiveness of state policy and of ecological and institutional reforms aimed at reducing poverty in the Aral Sea region- the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm Region. The study draws on Household Budget Surveys (HBS), the Alkire–Foster Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), International Labour Organization standards, and the NEET indicator; it also analyses Presidential Decree No. PF-143 and the "From Poverty to Prosperity" programme. The data are based on reports of the Statistics Agency (SIAT), UNDP, the World Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. According to the findings, between 2021 and 2024 monetary poverty fell from 20.8 % to 10.8 % in Karakalpakstan and from 19.9 % to 11.9 % in the Khorezm Region. At the same time, about 4.2 million people nationwide remain in multidimensional poverty. The results point to the need for a coordinated implementation of ecological restoration, human capital development, and institutional reform.