The multidimensional deprivation index (MDDI) is a measure of non-monetary poverty calculated at the household level based on deprivations in the six essential needs dimensions of the essential needs framework: food, health, education, shelter, WASH and safety.
The MDDI provides information about the share of households who are multidimensionally deprived (incidence); the amount of different deprivations (intensity) experienced by poor households; and which dimensions exhibit the largest degree of deprivation.
The indicator has been developed by WFP, based on the Alkire-Foster methodology, which is also used for the UNDP’s Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), and for many national multidimensional poverty indicators. The generic index has been adjusted to fit the information needs and data availability of the contexts in which WFP and partners operate.
Available Resources
Please find below some resources to help you collect, calculate and analyze the MDDI:
Technical Guidance Note
The ENA Guidance which describes how the MDDI is used in essential needs analysis. A detailed description of the indicator can be found on page 24. For more details on how to adjust MDDI to context, please refer to Annex 4 on page 52
Questionnaire Modules
The MDDI survey module can be found here
XLS Form
Access the XLS form of the MDDI module, designed in WFP Survey Designer. This can be converted to ODK form for consistent data collection across mobile and web platforms.
Scripts and Sample Data
Calculation scripts are available in the following formats:
For more information, please contact the Assessments and Targeting Unit in HQ VAM at global.assessmentandtargeting@wfp.org.