Deprivation levels in Zambia, 2006 – 2015: an analytical profile

Abstract

Zambia has registered impressive economic growth rates since the beginning of this millennium. The question is whether this has resulted in commensurate impacts on reduction in deprivation suffered by a significant percentage of the Zambian population. Has the growth been pro-poor and pro-vulnerable? This paper explored this question by examining the changes in the levels of deprivation during the period 2006-2015. The methodology involved the construction of indices of deprivation based on 15 selected variables and the construction of an aggregate measure of deprivation using these indices. The data used are obtained from the Zambia Living Conditions Monitoring Survey reports for 2006, 2010 and 2015. Based on the results obtained, some key conclusions and policy suggestions have been made.

Keywords: Economic growth, poverty, vulnerability, deprivation index, inequality