Ford, K., Sánchez, A. & S. Cueto (2026). What Works to Reduce Child Poverty in Peru? Young Lives Impact Case Study.

This case study presents evidence on what works to reduce child poverty in Peru, drawing from over two decades of data from the Young Lives study, demonstrating the unique value of longitudinal research in tracking human development across the life course and providing crucial insights for effective policy change.

Peru has achieved significant reductions in child poverty over the past two decades, with progress spanning from infancy through adolescence and into early adulthood. Evidence from Young Lives shows that public policies have delivered wideranging benefits for disadvantaged children and young people. However, deep-rooted inequalities persist with long-term consequences, while multiple shocks and crises – including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related weather events intensified by El Niño, and ongoing political instability – risk reversing hard-won gains and further exacerbating inequalities.

Young Lives’ longitudinal evidence shows that a broad, inclusive approach is essential for public policies to effectively target the diverse needs of disadvantaged children and young people. But supporting policymakers to deliver meaningful, progressive change is not just about generating robust data and evidence. It also requires effective ways to translate research into policy influencing, and, crucially, to maintain strong relationships that are built over many years.