Eradication of poverty and the ending of hunger have long been recognised as among the most central challenges before human society. Equitable patterns of growth are essential for sustainable poverty reduction. The focus of this study is the intertwined role of national governments of South Asian countries and international agencies working on poverty related issues. The publication attempts to evaluate poverty within the region and also in a country-specific manner in order to better understand the reasons for different countries in the South Asian region having different levels of poverty and the characteristics of this poverty varying between countries. This publication is aimed at scholars and professionals in governmental and non-governmental organisations, social services organisations and the public.