Abstract
Multidimensional poverty remains a critical challenge in Malawi, exacerbated by climate shocks such as floods. Although existing studies have focused predominantly on income poverty, gaps persist in understanding the broader impacts of floods on multidimensional deprivation. This study examines how flood shocks intensify multidimensional poverty, leveraging data from the fifth Malawi Integrated Household Survey and climatic data from the University of East Anglia, along with a probit model and propensity score matching (PSM) to address selection bias. Results from the study reveal that flood shocks significantly increase multidimensional poverty, with poor households exhibiting higher MPI. Surprisingly, social cash transfers correlate with elevated MPI scores, suggesting potential targeting inefficiencies. These findings underscore the need for integrated policies to enhance resilience, including flood mitigation infrastructure, up-scaled social protection programs, and gender-sensitive interventions. By bridging the gap in climate-poverty research, this study highlights the importance of multidimensional poverty approaches in addressing poverty in Malawi and similar contexts, calling for qualitative and pilot-program research to refine policy effectiveness.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Multidimensional Poverty, Climate Change, MPI, MMPI, SPI
