Mapping Post-Conflict Child Poverty in Sudan: Household vs. Child Multidimensional Poverty Identifications

This study examines multidimensional child poverty in Sudan, assessing whether household-level Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) accurately reflect individual child deprivation. Using data from the 2022 Sudan Labor Market Panel Survey (SLMPS 2022), we calculated child-level MPI and compared it with household MPI, employing logistic and multilevel regression models to identify key determinants, including education, nutrition, living arrangements, and access to basic services. Spatial analysis using Local Moran’s I revealed significant clusters of child poverty in North, Central, East, and West Darfur, and Kassala, highlighting the compounded impact of structural inequalities and prolonged conflict on child well-being. Results show that household MPI underestimates individual deprivation, whereas child-focused MPI identifies vulnerable children, particularly those under five, who might otherwise be overlooked. These findings underscore the need for child-centered measurement to inform targeted policy interventions, including improved access to education, healthcare, and child protection, especially in conflict-affected regions. By integrating multilevel modeling with spatial analysis, this study provides a innovative approach to identifying and addressing multidimensional child poverty relying on individuals' data instead of household data, offering actionable insights for policymakers and humanitarian actors working to protect the most vulnerable children in fragile contexts.