Volume-XII, Issue-III, May 2026 |
Multidimensional Poverty in Rural Nagaland: A Micro-Level Analysis Using the Modified Alkire-Foster Method Chubaienla Imchen, Assistant Professor, Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, Nagaland, India |
Received: 14.05.2026 | Accepted: 29.05.2026 | Published Online: 31.05.2026 | Page No: 109-120 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.03W.327 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
This study estimates the multidimensional poverty of two rural villages, Changdang and Lakhuni, of Mokokchung district of Nagaland using a modified Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology. The primary data on multidimensional poverty is collected through structured questionnaires from 50 households. It measures multidimensional poverty in three dimensions namely education, health and living standards using eleven indicators which are context specific to rural Nagaland. Multidimensionally poor was defined as households deprived in at least one-third of the weighted indicators. In Changdang 48 per cent of households were multidimensionally deprived and in Lakhuni 36 per cent. The combined Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) score was 0.183. The leading contributors to poverty were housing deprivation, poor sanitation, unsafe fuel for cooking and limited access to health care. The study also employed OLS regression analysis to investigate the relationship between education, occupation and multidimensional poverty. The results reveal that higher education and diversification of private and government employment mitigate multidimensional deprivation. Using Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, the paper argues that the poverty of rural Nagaland is not just a case of income deprivation but is characterised by the existence of multiple deficiencies in basic capabilities and living conditions. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions in housing, sanitation, health, education and job creation to promote inclusive rural development. | ||
Keywords: Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Rural Nagaland, Alkire-Foster Methodology, Capability Approach, Rural Development |