Diversifying to alleviate poverty? A bibliometric analysis of the relationship between agricultural strategies and multidimensional poverty in rural Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Reducing multidimensional poverty in rural areas remains a major challenge for sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire, where the majority of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. This study examines the impact of agricultural diversification on multidimensional poverty among rural households. Using data from the nationally representative 2018–2019 EHCVM survey, and applying Simpson’s diversification index and the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty index, we assess how crop diversification influences deprivation in education, health and living standards. The econometric analysis, conducted using an instrumental variable probit model, reveals that agricultural diversification significantly reduces the risk of multidimensional poverty by 4.6 percentage points. The results show that households that practice greater diversification are more resilient to economic and climate shocks, with better access to food, income, and essential services. The study further highlights that deprivation in terms of modern energy use, household goods and education contributes most to rural poverty. These findings underscore the importance of promoting diversified agricultural systems, improving market access and addressing structural barriers in order to improve rural well-being. The study provides essential information for the design of integrated and inclusive agricultural policies aligned with national development goals and global poverty reduction programmes.