Measurement of Multidimensional Child Poverty: Evidence from North Macedonia

This study describes the multidimensionality of child poverty and produces the first multidimensional child poverty indices in North Macedonia. We use the Alkire-Foster method to develop two age-specific (0-4 years and 5-17 years) child multidimensional poverty indices (MPIs) by leveraging secondary data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2018/2019 for North Macedonia and North Macedonia Roma Settlements. We find that the largest part of multidimensionally poor children are deprived within the range 33 - 39% of deprivations and the structure of multidimensional child poverty is similar for less, as well as for more intensely deprived children in both age-groups. Additionally, we identify the most deprived groups with respect to the area of living, ethnicity, and geographical location. The study provides general recommendations for policymakers to reduce child poverty in North Macedonia.