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Measuring Distribution of Wealth in Zambia Using Census Micro Data: An Application of Principal Component Analysis

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  • Floyd Mwansa

    (University of Lusaka, Zambia.)

Abstract

Census data for Zambia was used to estimate the distribution of wealth in Zambia by constructing the Wealth Index as a measure of socioeconomic status using Principal Component Analysis. The reliability of the index is observed from three fronts; coherence, robustness and validity in representing household socioeconomic status. Classifying the households across all quartiles is highly consistent and robust. The index s performance in predicting the welfare distribution is analogous to established and most widely used methods from Demographic Health Surveys, as evidenced by similarities in the statistical distributions. Unlike other survey estimates, the index has been produced at the subnational level, such as district, enabling the classification of Zambia s districts according to their socioeconomic status. The index can be used to predict other socioeconomic outcomes, such as education and health, via Small Area Estimation techniques and determine district-level resource allocation by the central government.

Suggested Citation

  • Floyd Mwansa, 2023. "Measuring Distribution of Wealth in Zambia Using Census Micro Data: An Application of Principal Component Analysis," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(3), pages 126-140, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eco:journ1:2023-03-13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    principal component analysis; Wealth Index; Socioeconomic Status;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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