As an expert in the field of global poverty and inequality, I have spent a significant amount of time studying the various dimensions of poverty and the factors that contribute to it. The question of who and where the poorest of the poor are is a complex one, and it requires a nuanced understanding of the different forms of poverty and the contexts in which they occur.

Firstly, it's important to clarify what we mean by "the poorest of the poor." This term generally refers to individuals or groups who are living in extreme poverty, often without access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education. These individuals are at the very bottom of the socio-economic ladder and are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of economic downturns, natural disasters, and other forms of social and environmental stress.

One of the key indicators used to identify the poorest of the poor is the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which was developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). The MPI goes beyond income to consider various dimensions of poverty, including health, education, and living standards. Since 2014, OPHI has used more extreme MPI indicators to highlight the plight of hundreds of millions of people who face grinding hardships that are difficult for most to imagine. These are the destitute, or the poorest of the poor.

The destitute are found in every region of the world, but they are disproportionately concentrated in certain areas. According to various studies and reports, the majority of the world's extremely poor live in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. These regions are characterized by high levels of income poverty, poor access to basic services, and limited economic opportunities.

However, poverty is not just a developing world issue. Even in wealthy countries, there are individuals and communities who are living in extreme poverty. These can include homeless populations, those living in deep rural areas with limited access to services, and certain minority groups who face systemic barriers to economic and social mobility.

It's also important to note that poverty is not static; it is influenced by a range of factors that can change over time. Economic growth, political stability, natural disasters, and global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can all have significant impacts on poverty levels. For example, the pandemic has led to increased poverty rates in many countries as a result of job losses, reduced incomes, and disruptions to education and healthcare services.

Addressing the issue of the poorest of the poor requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and provides targeted support to those most in need. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and social protection systems; promoting inclusive economic growth; and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the resources and opportunities they need to improve their lives.

In conclusion, the poorest of the poor are those living in extreme poverty, facing grinding hardships and lacking access to the most basic necessities. While they are predominantly found in developing regions, poverty is a global issue that affects individuals and communities in every part of the world. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort that takes into account the complex and interconnected nature of poverty.

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Destitution: Who and Where are the Poorest of the Poor? Since 2014, OPHI has used more extreme MPI indicators to shine a light on hundreds of millions of people who each day face grinding hardships difficult for most of us to imagine: the destitute, or poorest of the poor.read more >>