INCOME INEQUALITY AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN UZBEKISTAN: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This article examines the dual challenges of income inequality and poverty reduction in Uzbekistan, focusing on the period from 2021 to 2023. Despite significant strides in decreasing the poverty rate from 17% to 11%, an accompanying rise in income inequality, as evidenced by the increase in the Gini Coefficient from 0.31 to 0.35, has somewhat dampened these achievements. This analysis highlights the disproportionate growth in incomes favoring the wealthier segments of the population and assesses the impact of various governmental strategies aimed at mitigating poverty. The study suggests that targeted interventions, particularly in rural areas and among poorer households, could enhance the effectiveness of poverty reduction efforts and promote more equitable income distribution.