Multi-dimensional poverty measurement for photovoltaic poverty alleviation areas: Evidence from pilot counties in China

Poverty alleviation based on the use of photovoltaic panels has been designated one of “the ten large-scale poverty alleviation programs in China” since 2015. Given that most of the poverty objects to be identified are low-income families instead of regions, 30 pilot counties in China eligible for photovoltaic poverty alleviation projects have been measured by using a developed index system incorporating six dimensions. The results indicate: 1) Pilot counties vary widely in their poverty, with the highest poverty index more than three times that of the lowest. 2) The total annual poverty index declined from 2.01295 in 2014 to 1.89661 in 2016. 3) Among the six indices, finance and social production are the largest contributors to poverty, followed by income and social security. 4) The poverty indices of Qinghai, Ningxia and Gansu in Western China are smaller than that of Anhui and Shanxi, Central provinces. From the above results, this study recommends: strengthen the dynamic management of poverty-stricken areas, promote the development of “photovoltaic+” industry and evade a one-size-fits all poverty alleviation policy in the central and western regions. •Poverty of pilot counties in China eligible for PV-based poverty relief is measured.•Pilot counties vary widely in their poverty.•The total poverty index declined from 2.01295 in 2014 to 1.89661 in 2016.•Dimensions of finance and social production are the main contributors to poverty.•Central China should arouse great attention for the PV-based poverty relief program.