Strengthening the policy impact of multidimensional metrics given attention constraints: constructing linked metrics

Calls for integrated multi-sectoral policy approaches recognize that dimensions of development are interlinked and often multidimensional measures. Yet this may generate a proliferation of multidimensional metrics focused on different vulnerable groups, and create competition between advocacy groups, diluting their collective impact. It also may overlook the cognitive and time constraints that limit policymakers’ attention and form an important bottleneck to effective institutional responses. This paper therefore recommends developing linked and synergistic measures for vulnerable groups that maximise common ground, while offering population-specific insights. We illustrate our general proposal by building an individual linked Child Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) that uses the already-identified deprivations of each child according to Nepal’s National MPI, and appends to this two age-specific indicators using parameters that cohere with the National MPI. The results illuminate wider facets of child poverty (by gender, age and indicator among others) and identifies as poor all children formerly identified as poor plus additional children. The linked National and Child MPIs have consistent policy messages on shared indicators, while the Child MPI provides additional group- and child-specific insight. This general strategy could be applied to many groups and might consolidate rather than partition the vital attention of both policymakers and advocacy groups.