Multidimensional poverty in South-West Nigeria: Empirical insights from a household survey in Osun State

Abstract

By employing Alkire and Foster's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke methods of measuring poverty, this paper ascertained both monetary and multidimensional poverty among rural households in South-West Nigeria. Overall, 50.3% and 40.1% of households were found to be unidimensionally and multidimensionally poor, respectively. The results also revealed that living standards are the highest contributor towards the MPI, followed by access to the internet and education. A probit analysis shows that female-headed households and those headed by Muslims and particularly the Yoruba tribe are highly affected by poverty. Also, a household head's education, age, and income as well as a household's size significantly contribute to MPI, calling policymakers to prioritize the equal provision of health, education, and internet facilities in rural areas.