This thesis explores approaches for the reduction of poverty in the state of Portuguesa, Venezuela. Obstacles to the reduction of poverty in the state demand to be addressed by a more comprehensive poverty reduction strategy than is presently in evidence. Given the current strengths and vulnerabilities of Portuguesa, it is recommended that any such strategy minimally include the following elements: (1) fostering public participation, (2) creation of a poverty reduction task force, (3) creation of partnerships with non-governmental organisations to deliver public services, (4) encouraging the creation of cooperatives, (5) strengthening of rural development programming, (6) encouraging the creation of microcredit schemes, (7) supporting neighbourhood associations, (8) encouraging the formation of sports community leagues, (9) subsidising the acquisition of transport vehicles for farmers, (10) facilitating the acquisition of farmers production by cooperatives, and (11) providing improved information services (e.g. on the daily market prices of agricultural commodities).