Multi-Poverty in Cameroon: A Dimensional Scores-Approach

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to capture multi-poverty with values for welfare dimensions rather than the typical approach of a composite welfare indicator. The method used is multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) modelling, which can be used to explain, measure and calculate the scores for five dimensions of welfare. Poverty analysis methods applied on these scores show that each type of poverty has specific determinants, although some determinants are common to several dimensions of poverty. Similarly, each region is affected by particular types of poverty while no form of poverty is unique to a single region. We thus propose to target multi-poverty via dimensional scores to formulate policy. A comparison with previous approaches shows that dimensional scores are more appropriate for identifying the specific needs of the population in the fight against poverty.

Keywords: MIMIC, multi-poverty, dimensional scores, capabilities and functionings approach

JEL Classification: I31, I32