Poverty has many dimensions. The most commonly discussed concept of poverty is income poverty. A more holistic view of poverty defines it as the deprivation of human capabilities or the exclusion of people from a fuller participation in society. These deprivations manifest themselves as low life expectancy, illiteracy, morbidity patterns related to poor living conditions and lack of access to basic living amenities. The research presented in this booklet documents the 9th Open Focum on Poverty entitled "Why Poverty Persists" held in September 2000.