Issues in Indigenous Poverty and Development

The first part of this discussion paper attempts, within the inevitable data limitations, to present some picture of patterns of indigenous poverty over time. In addition, the first section examines some of the historical determinants that can explain the disproportionate poverty confronting Latin America's indigenous peoples today and provides an overview of diverse economic and survival strategies of indigenous peoples in Latin America today. The second section of the paper is concerned with measures to combat indigenous poverty through the policies and programs of governments and international actors including the IDB. As will be seen, there has been a tremendous growth in the attention given to issues of indigenous poverty and development over the past decade. Rather than a narrative account of policies and programs, the paper aims mainly to identify the main challenges and dilemmas that are now emerging.