Implementing a Multidimensional Poverty Measure Using Mixed Methods and a Participatory Framework

Recently, there have been advances in the development of multidimensional poverty measures. Work is needed however on how
to implement such measures. This paper deals with the process of selecting dimensions and setting weights in multidimensional
poverty measurement using qualitative and quantitative methods in a participatory framework. We estimate the multidimensional
poverty measures developed by Alkire and Foster for a particular group: persons with psychiatric diagnoses in the United States.
To select relevant dimensions and their relative ordering, two discussion groups are convened: one consisting of persons with
lived-experience expertise and the other consisting of people with mental health service provision or research expertise.
Several methods are used to convert dimension rankings into weights. The selection and ordering of dimensions differed between
the two discussion groups, as did the resulting poverty measures. For instance, the poverty headcount using the dimensions
and weights of the ‘lived experience’ group ranged from 20.61 to 26.96% as compared to a range of 18.62–33.19% using those
of the ‘provider/researcher’ group. One of the main results of this study is that the Alkire Foster method is sensitive to
the selection of dimensions and the methods used to derive rankings and weights. It points toward the limitation of relying
exclusively on small scale qualitative methods for the selection and ranking of dimensions. In addition, the participatory
framework used in this study was found to be essential in interpreting results, in particular with respect to the limitations
of the data set in measuring relevant dimensions.