So far, detailed poverty assessments are available for only a limited number of developing countries. Moreover, there are at present statistical problems in measuring aid, not only at overall levels (if all donors are to be taken into account), but also aid to sectors, in particular those meant to contribute to poverty alleviation. The question of which sub-sectors should be considered arises here.
The creditor reporting system of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) provides only an incomplete record of flows for DAC donors, due both to the way the system has been devised and to the inadequate reporting of DAC members. Improvements are also required in respect of flows from financial institutions and NGOs' information.