Multidimensional poverty analysis and its determinants in Rwanda

This paper analyses multidimensional poverty and its determinant in Rwanda by using Rwanda's demographic health survey and integrated household living conditions survey. Analytical techniques used include the current multidimensional poverty index, descriptive statistics and ordered probit regression. The results revealed that multiple deprivations are found mostly in the rural settings compared to urban areas. The standard of living dimension is largest contributor to multidimensional poverty in both rural and urban areas of Rwanda. In order to improve from multidimensional poverty and its determinants, policies towards supporting the promotion of women especially by reinforcing female's education and intensifying women's employment opportunities, strengthening family planning program and reducing poverty in regions with special focus on poverty reduction in rural areas, mainly in the western and northern provinces will be effective. In addition, supporting farmers who do not possess farmland and increasing vocation program may be also helpful for poverty reduction in Rwanda.