By George M.O. Williams
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and other partners, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, launched the Local Multidimensional Poverty Index (LMPI) Report. The event, held at the Sierra Palm Hotel in Freetown, brought together government officials, development partners, and local stakeholders.
The LMPI report provides a detailed analysis of poverty in Sierra Leone, focusing on local dynamics. Conducted under the UNDP Regional Center for Africa (RCSA) Project, the study aims to enhance understanding of poverty at the community level to improve the design and implementation of policies and programs. Sierra Leone is one of four countries, alongside Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and Liberia, where the project has been piloted.
Andrew Bob-Jonny, Statistician General of Sierra Leone, explained that the report is based on data from the 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), compiled by Stats SL with support from UNICEF.
He emphasized that the LMPI addresses gaps in the Global MPI, which often does not reflect the realities of poverty in Sierra Leone. “We hope the findings will shape impactful policies that can change the narrative of poverty in the country,” he said.
Hassan Sankoh, a lead contributor to the study, described the multidimensional approach used in the survey. This method examines factors such as access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities to provide a holistic understanding of deprivation. Data collection involved both desk reviews and fieldwork, using tools like questionnaires and topic guides. “The primary focus was on households, with data collected using the KoboCollect server platform,” Sankoh added.
The report also received praise from the United Nations Resident Representative, Mabuara Tsuene, who highlighted its potential to drive significant progress in Sierra Leone’s poverty reduction strategies. “The findings should guide policies that reflect the daily struggles of the people,” Tsuene stated. He reiterated the UNDP’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction in the country.
The LMPI report is expected to complement traditional poverty measurements by providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by impoverished communities, paving the way for more inclusive and targeted interventions.