Varfërinë

Varfërinë is the Albanian word for poverty, referring to a state in which individuals or households lack enough resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education. Poverty can be described in several ways: absolute poverty, which denotes a minimum standard of living that is not met, and relative poverty, where income is far below the prevailing level in a given society. Many analyses also use multidimensional poverty, which includes deprivation in health, education, living standards, and access to services, beyond income alone.

Causes and risk factors are diverse and interconnected. Economic shocks, unemployment or underemployment, low wages, job informality, high housing and utility costs, insufficient social protection, and debt can contribute to poverty. Other factors include discrimination, conflict, climate-related disasters, and geographic or social marginalization. Vulnerable groups often include children, the elderly, rural residents, single-parent households, ethnic or linguistic minorities, and migrants.

Measurement of poverty relies on income or consumption thresholds as well as multidimensional indicators. Absolute poverty lines use a fixed amount of resources, while relative poverty lines compare a household’s resources to a society’s median. The multidimensional poverty index (MPI) combines indicators of health, education, and living standards. Data typically come from household surveys and national statistical systems.

Policy responses aim to reduce poverty through social protection (cash transfers, pensions, unemployment benefits), progressive taxation, access to affordable housing, health care, and education, as well as targeted programs in nutrition and rural development. Effective poverty reduction often requires integrated strategies that promote job creation, inclusive growth, and social inclusion. See also poverty and social policy.