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Reconceptualizing Global Multidimensional Poverty Measurement, with Illustration on Nigerian Data

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  • Decerf, Benoit Marie A
  • Fonton,Kike

Abstract

Multidimensional poverty measures can in theory make well-being comparisons that are less biased than those solely based on monetary poverty. However, multidimensional poverty measures suffer in practice from limitations that have led to criticisms. This paper presents the case for multidimensional poverty measures, two criticisms against their current implementations, as well as recently proposed solutions to improve on these criticisms. The paper develops a method for implementing these solutions in practice. The resulting well-being indicator is used to compare well-being across Nigerian states in 2019. This empirical illustration suggests that these solutions may substantially affect well-being comparisons. The paper also quantifies the potential bias inherent to comparing well-being solely based on monetary poverty. The results find substantially different well-being comparisons between the proposed well-being indicator and monetary poverty even though monetary poverty was (i) high in Nigeria in 2019 and (ii) very heterogeneously distributed across Nigerian states; and (iii) is integrated as one component of the proposed well-being indicator.

Suggested Citation

  • Decerf, Benoit Marie A & Fonton,Kike, 2023. "Reconceptualizing Global Multidimensional Poverty Measurement, with Illustration on Nigerian Data," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10577, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10577
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    Cited by:

    1. Decerf,Benoit Marie A, 2024. "Multidimensional Well-Being Measurement Practices : A Review Focused on Improving Global Multidimensional Poverty Indicators," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10800, The World Bank.
    2. Benoit Marie A Decerf, 2025. "A Quick-Fix for Perverse Incentives Inherent in Mainstream Multidimensional Poverty Measures," Policy Research Working Paper Series 11113, The World Bank.

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