A Conceptual Framework for Tracking Income Inflows and Outflows, Actual Poverty Level and Determination of Livelihood Opportunity for Adult Household Members Across the Bottom, Middle and Top of B-40

Abstract

The model and measurement criteria of poverty are subject to various interpretations based on the values and indicators employed. This paper proposes a framework to track the household poverty data based on holistic, comprehensive and wide spectrum of characteristics that measure and assess poverty and well-being in the districts of Baling, Kedah. It also aims that the framework can be replicated all over Malaysia and worldwide. The focus and objective of the study is to track the poverty household’s profile based on the real data through observing and exploring the compilation of poverty indicators, specifically on the source of income (income inflows), income outflows (expenses), income inequality, housing quality (comforts, condition, size), home furnishings and appliances, assets ownership (both productive and unproductive such as land, house, machinery, vehicle, fixtures and fittings, working tools, facilities), leisure and lifestyle (clothing, amenities, mobile phone, communication, transportation, smoking consumption, internet and entertainment subscription), level of education and competencies, health status and ability, food intake (frequency, size of serving, sufficiency, nutrition and security), electricity and water supply, degree of aid and support received from various parties, motivational level and local wisdom. This action study will be based on qualitative research methodology. The outcome of study will provide an intensive real-life data sets and clear action of tracking the household poverty profile. The findings are vital as it will be the basis to create, design and implement development programmes, projects and schemes such as anti-poverty projects and sustainable livelihood opportunities (SLO) for adult household members in order to achieve sustainable source of income (mata pencarian lestari).