“Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report. (250 words)
The United Nations Multi Poverty Index (MPI) report measures poverty in terms of multiple deprivations in the areas of education, health, and living standards. According to the latest MPI report, the incidence of poverty (i.e. the percentage of the population living in poverty) is highest in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, while the intensity of poverty (i.e. the number of deprivations experienced by those living in poverty) is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
One key finding of the report is that income is still the most important factor in determining poverty, as those with lower incomes are more likely to experience multiple deprivations. However, the report also highlights the importance of other factors such as education and health in shaping poverty outcomes. For example, those with lower levels of education are more likely to live in poverty and experience multiple deprivations.
The report also notes that there have been some improvements in reducing poverty globally, with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty (i.e. living on less than $1.90 per day) declining from 17.2% in 2010 to 9.2% in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to reverse this trend, with the World Bank projecting that the number of people living in extreme poverty could increase by up to 115 million in 2021.
In conclusion, the MPI report highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty, and the need for policies that address both the incidence and intensity of poverty in order to effectively reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic growth.
