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Targeting and Evaluation

The MPI is used for different kinds of targeting:

Geographical targeting: When the MPI is calculate from surveys that can be disaggregated subnationally or from census data, it is possible to map poverty and use the MPI to examine the poorest areas. If this information is available over time, it can be used to monitor whether these regions are making progress in reducing poverty or if they are being left behind. Targeting of the poorest areas should be complemented with analyses of of more prosperous regions where large numbers of poor people live alongside wealthier citizens.

Household or individual targeting: The MPI can also be used to target households to ensure they receive benefits that will reduce their MPI deprivations. A well-designed MPI built directly from census data or from beneficiary surveys may have far fewer errors of inclusion and exclusion in identifying the MPI poor than Proxy Means Tests. It is also easy to calculate and explain.