Subnational multidimensional poverty dynamics in developing countries: the cases of Ecuador and Uruguay

Abstract

This paper studies deprivation dynamics at the subnational level, introducing a Local Multidimensional Poverty Index (“LMPI”), and focusing on multidimensional poverty in Ecuador and Uruguay between the last two available censuses, 1990–2010 and 1996–2011, respectively. As a first step, we construct the “LMPI” at the municipal level using microdata from both counties. Subsequently, we explore spatial and temporal dynamics through a set of tools such as thesalter graph, Moran’s I, Moran scatterplot, and spatial transition matrix. The results indicate that compared to Ecuador, Uruguay was initially in a better position in terms of the “LMPI”. However, Ecuador achieved a generalized reduction of the “LMPI” during the period of analysis, reaching levels close to that of Uruguay. Nevertheless, spatial persistence in the “LMPI” is observed.

Este trabajo estudia la dinámica de la “deprivation” a nivel subnacional por medio de un indicador llamado Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional (“LMPI”), que cubre la pobreza multidimensional en Ecuador y Uruguay entre los dos censos 1990-2010 y 1996-2011. Primero, construimos el “LMP” a nivel municipal para-ambos países usando microdatos. Después, exploramos la dinámica espacial y temporal usando “salter graph”, test de Moran y “scatter plot” de Moran y la matriz de transición espacial. Resultados muestran que Uruguay está en mejor posición que Ecuador inicialmente, sin embargo, Ecuador mejoro significativamente durante el periodo de estudio. Ambos países presentan persistencias espaciales en el “LMPI”.