Question

Which of the following variables are included in the Human Poverty Index?
(A). The probability of not surviving till the age of 40.
(B). The adult illiteracy rate.
(C). The number of people who do not have access to clean water.
(D). The number of small children who are underweight.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Note that the HPI has been superseded by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) since 2010. However, questions on HPI still appear in exams. For HPI-1, remember the three key areas: Longevity (not surviving to 40), Knowledge (illiteracy), and Living Standards (no clean water, underweight children).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Conceptual Understanding:
The query concerns the components of the Human Poverty Index (HPI). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed the HPI to assess national deprivation levels. Two versions existed: HPI-1 for developing nations and HPI-2 for developed nations. The variables presented align with HPI-1.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Human Poverty Index for developing countries (HPI-1) evaluated poverty across three deprivation dimensions:
1. Longevity and Health: Assessed by (A) the probability of not surviving to age 40 at birth.
2. Education: Measured by (B) the adult illiteracy rate.
3. Standard of Living: A composite measure comprising:
- The proportion of the population lacking reliable access to improved water sources (C).
- The percentage of children underweight for their age (D).
Consequently, all four listed variables were integral to HPI-1.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Variables (A), (B), (C), and (D) are all components of the Human Poverty Index (HPI-1).