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How accurate is a poverty map based on remote sensing data? An application to Malawi

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  • van der Weide, Roy
  • Blankespoor, Brian
  • Elbers, Chris
  • Lanjouw, Peter

Abstract

This paper assesses the reliability of poverty maps derived from off-the-shelf remote-sensing data. Employing data for Malawi, it first obtains small area estimates of poverty by combining household expenditure survey data with population census data. It then ignores the population census and obtains a second poverty map by combining the survey with predictors of poverty derived from remote sensing data. The two approaches reveal the same patterns in the geography of poverty. However, there are instances where the two approaches obtain markedly different estimates of poverty. Poverty maps obtained using remote sensing data may do well when the decision maker is interested in comparisons of poverty between assemblies of areas yet may be less reliable when the focus is on estimates for specific small areas.

Suggested Citation

  • van der Weide, Roy & Blankespoor, Brian & Elbers, Chris & Lanjouw, Peter, 2024. "How accurate is a poverty map based on remote sensing data? An application to Malawi," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:171:y:2024:i:c:s0304387824001019
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103352
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Poverty; Small area estimation; Remote sensing data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies
    • Y91 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Other - - - Pictures and Maps

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