DPA’s Geographies of Inequalities Program Lead Agustina Perez (picture below) attended a regional workshop in Dakar, Senegal, from April 23rd to 25th, 2024. Hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) Inclusive Growth team, the workshop brought together stakeholders from Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other key organizations to reflect on the outcomes of the Integrated Local Multidimensional Poverty Index (LMPI) project. Agustina helped facilitated several sessions, including:
- Country Presentations on the Integrated Local MPI Methodology, Data and Results for Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia.
- LMPI, Policy and Programs: Group Mapping Exercise
- Synthesis Report and Guidance Note: What is New
The LMPI project, implemented in the aforementioned countries, aims to design inclusive and integrated solutions informed by data on multidimensional poverty and inequality at the local level. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap in understanding local-level deprivations and their impact on human development outcomes and social cohesion.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and presentations to evaluate the methodologies used in developing the LMPI, share insights from country-level data and results, and examine the extent to which LMPI findings informed the development of inclusive solutions. Additionally, it served as a forum for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and documentation planning. Participants exchanged experiences, lessons learned, and best practices associated with the LMPI process, laying the groundwork for sustaining and scaling up the initiative in other African countries.
Key discussions revolved around challenges and opportunities in implementing LMPIs into UNDP’s Inclusive Growth Portfolios and national policies. Participants contributed to mapping exercises aimed at identifying next steps and future directions for LMPI integration in Africa. Agustina also had the opportunity to present DPA’s MPI+, which is a part of our OPAL vision and ecosystem. Learn more about these initiatives by clicking the buttons below.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the potential of LMPIs to inform targeted poverty alleviation efforts and drive inclusive development agendas across the continent. The synthesis report and guidance note resulting from the workshop will serve as valuable resources for policymakers, practitioners, and development partners striving to address poverty and inequality at the local level.
The regional workshop highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing innovative approaches to poverty reduction and promoting inclusive development in Africa. Moving forward, stakeholders remain committed to leveraging the insights gained from the LMPI project to create lasting impact and improve the lives of communities across the region.
This project is a component of DPA’s Geographies of Inequalities Program. Click the button below to learn more about the Program.
