As per the latest estimates of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the poverty incidence of families in CAR improved from 18.6 percent in 2006 to 17.1 percent in 2009. In magnitude, the total number of poor families declined by 1.5 percent or from 56,346 to 54,949 families during the period.

Similarly, poverty incidence of population declined from 23.0 percent in 2006 to 22.9 percent in 2009. However In terms of magnitude, the total number of poor individuals actually increased from 338,270 in 2006 to 346,193 in 2009. Poverty incidence of families/population is based on the annual per capita poverty threshold. From 2006-2009, the poverty threshold in CAR rose by 24.2 percent or from P12,976 to P16,122.

Poverty incidence of families is the proportion of poor families to total families. Poverty incidence of population is the proportion of poor individuals to the total population. The poverty threshold or poverty line is the annual per capita income required or the amount to be spent to satisfy basic food requirements and other non-food basic needs.

For details of the latest regional and provincial poverty estimates visit
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/2009/default.asp