The Determinants of Multidimensional Poverty in Nsukka, Nigeria

This paper explores factors that predict deprivation and are associated with multiple counts of deprivation in Nsukka, Nigeria. Different conceptions of poverty were constructed: the traditional money-metric measure and differing multidimensional constructs of poverty. Data from a survey of households in Nsukka were used. The counting and FGT methodologies were used to measure poverty and deprivation. Ordinary least squares, probit and counting models were also used to assess factors that predict poverty. The results indicate that between 70% and 78% of the population in the study is categorized as deprived or poor. The major determinants of deprivation across its various constructs include large family size, a low level of education, poor employment, rural location and poor health. In order to effectively alleviate poverty, an integrated approach that accounts for inter-linkages between factors associated with poverty is required.