SOCIEUX+ in Panama:

Outlining public policies for addressing multidimensional poverty

In Panama, the ways to measure well-being and poverty have followed the trends in the CELAC and the World Bank since the 1970s. Recently, however, in June 2017, the government of Panama adopted the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) proposed by the United Nations (UN), which uses the Alkire and Foster method of calculating wealth and poverty.

The use of this index complements the measurement of poverty by income, since it incorporates other deficiencies or basic deprivations in areas such as housing, work, education, health, and environment. Periodic assessments of the situation will make it possible to make comparisons between different populations and geographic areas, allowing policies to be better oriented toward these groups and communities.

SOCIEUX+ contributed French and Venezuelan experts to provide an analytical framework of the dimensions and indicators of multidimensional poverty, which can accompany the definition of public policy objectives of poverty reduction. Furthermore, experts outline a work plan that identifies additional technical assistance activities to deepen the analysis and contribute to the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) in the formulation of public policy options for the reduction of multidimensional poverty in areas of particular deprivation.

SOCIEUX+ 2017-32 PANAMA, ACT. 1 (19.02 – 09.03.2018)