Jamaica now has a poverty index that will enable government and other stakeholders to better track depravation and design appropriate support programmes.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which is a comprehensive measure for non-income poverty, was launched yesterday.

The index is a collaborative project by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Caribbean Development Bank and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

The PIOJ said the MPI is a complement to the current approach that is based on consumption.

The index brings attention to the multiple dimensions of deprivation that are faced by households and the policies that are needed to solve these issues.

Speaking at the launch, PIOJ Director General Dr. Wayne Henry noted that the MPI enhances the tool kit for planning and tracking development. 

Dr. Henry said the MPI supports evidence based decision making.