DIMENSIONS OF DEPRIVATION: ANALYZING HOLISTIC POVERTY IN BENIN

Abstract

The global challenge of eradicating extreme poverty, a key objective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), persists despite significant reductions in the number of people living in extreme poverty. Millions still struggle to meet their basic needs, particularly in developing countries, where one in five individuals subsists on less than $1.25 per day. Benin, in particular, has witnessed an alarming rise in monetary poverty rates. Government efforts to combat poverty, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, have yielded mixed results due to the inadequate selectivity and prioritization of interventions. Traditional one-dimensional analyses of poverty, which rely solely on income or expenditure, fail to capture the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty. Poverty encompasses not only financial hardship but also hunger, limited access to essential services, discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of participation in decision-making processes. To formulate effective policies for poverty reduction, it is imperative to consider a multidimensional approach that accounts for various socio-economic factors, including health and education. This study employs the Alkire and Foster (2007) methodology for multidimensional poverty analysis to identify the most pertinent poverty factors. By doing so, it seeks to guide government interventions in prioritized sectors and regions, facilitating a more comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation