A Study of Multidimensional Poverty Index in the Gambia: Alkire-Foster Approach

Measuring and characterizing poverty using multiple dimensions of deprivation provides a more complete picture of poverty since the poor are not only those who lack income but also those who do not possess minimally acceptable standards in a number of dimensions of economic wellbeing. By utilizing the most recent nation's representative Gambia Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2013, this paper has empirically measured multidimensional poverty both at the national and subnational level by using the Alkire-Foster methodology and focusing on three dimensions of wellbeing: health, education and living standard. The multidimensional nature of Alkire-Foster methodology provides a deeper understanding of poverty and deprivation, thus it complements income poverty estimates to policymakers about the joint distribution of several deprivations. This study can be used to better design policy and target poverty alleviation programs, as well as allocating available resources in better ways at the national and local government area level. The Gambia's multidimensional poverty measurement indicators have been selected in order to provide a clearer way of designing programs that deliberately target the poor. It can help in monitoring and evaluating plans and programs for them. One of the main purposes of this paper is to compare Local Government Areas in terms of multidimensional poverty and thereby allow policy makers and other stakeholders to focus services and policies accordingly.