UNDP/UNICEF Multi-dimensional Poverty Project

To support the development of a National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS), the project ‘Toward national measurements of multi-dimensional poverty in Trinidad and Tobago’ aims to create a better understanding of the multiple deprivations that citizens and particularly children face in Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking to a wide cross section of people, including children, the ensuing research sought to capture the views of the most vulnerable in determining how we define, address and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty, using measurements more nuanced and complex than simply income.

Looking at areas such as health, education, safety and security, this joint UNDP and UNICEF project and report was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services in Trinidad and the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development at the Tobago House of Assembly, in Tobago.

The project’s wider goal is to strengthen the coordinated, evidence-based and integrated delivery of social protection programmes that specifically address the needs of vulnerable families, women and children.

UNDP is providing technical expertise, as well as international best practice to support the Ministry, building institutional capacity to effectively develop regional level strategies and monitor and report on progress towards the attainment of targets.

As children are a key vulnerable population, good practices from other countries will also be shared as part of the South-South exchange approach of the UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area office.