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How Accurate Is a Poverty Map Based on Remote Sensing Data ? An Application to Malawi

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  • Van Der Weide,Roy
  • Blankespoor,Brian
  • Elbers,Chris T.M.
  • Lanjouw,Peter F.

Abstract

This paper assesses the reliability of poverty maps derived from remote-sensing data. Employingdata for Malawi, it first obtains small area estimates of poverty by combining the Malawi household expenditure surveyfrom 2010/11 with unit record population census data from 2008. It then ignores the population census data and obtainsa second poverty map for Malawi by combining the survey data with predictors of poverty derived from remote sensing data.This allows for a clean comparison between the two poverty maps. The findings are encouraging - although thatassessment depends somewhat on the evaluation criteria employed. The two approaches reveal the same patterns in thegeography of poverty. However, there are instances where the two approaches obtain markedly different estimates ofpoverty. Poverty maps obtained using remote sensing data may do well when the decision maker is interested in comparisonsof poverty between assemblies of areas, yet may be less reliable when the focus is on estimates for specific small areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Van Der Weide,Roy & Blankespoor,Brian & Elbers,Chris T.M. & Lanjouw,Peter F., 2022. "How Accurate Is a Poverty Map Based on Remote Sensing Data ? An Application to Malawi," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10171, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10171
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