Poverty is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon encompassing both income and non-income deprivations. Apart from the paucity of income, various non-income deprivations that can affect people’s well-being include inadequate education, lack of health care, low-quality housing, lack of water and sanitation, or work in a hazardous environment, among others.

This guidance note complements the national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) handbook and builds on the findings of the regional review. It has two main parts. The first part introduces the MPI, followed by a brief note on deprivations in Asia and the Pacific, and how the MPI can serve as a policy tool to address these. The second part offers some guidelines to foster the uses of multidimensional poverty measures for planning and programming, and for targeting at local level.  

This guidance note is the second in a series of two knowledge products developed to support UNDP country offices in Asia and the Pacific in their efforts to end poverty in all its forms, everywhere. The first report takes stock of the calculation and use of multidimensional poverty measures in countries of the region. This accompanying guidance note backs the practical application of multidimensional poverty measures as a policy tool.