Multidimensional poverty and deprivation in informal settlements : a gendered perspective from the South African Multidimensional Poverty Index

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation and persistent socio-economic inequality continue to entrench multidimensional poverty within South Africa's urban informal settlements, with women and female-headed households experiencing disproportionate deprivation. This study analysed primary household survey data collected in 2023 from 322 households across three informal settlements in Tshwane (Pretoria) using an adapted South African Multidimensional Poverty Index (SAMPI) framework to examine gendered patterns of poverty. The findings indicate that 78 per cent of households were multidimensionally poor, with an average intensity of deprivation of 49 per cent, reflecting deep and overlapping deficits in living standards, education, and employment-related outcomes. Clear spatial disparities were evident across the settlements. Olievenhoutbosch recorded the lowest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value of 0.347, while Nellmapius exhibited the highest MPI at 0.409, signalling more severe and concentrated deprivation. Gender-based analysis further revealed that female-headed households consistently experienced higher levels of multidimensional poverty compared to male-headed households, underscoring persistent structural inequalities linked to labour market exclusion, caregiving burdens, and limited access to productive assets. The findings call for integrated urban policies that prioritise gender-responsive service delivery, targeted livelihood support, and improved access to housing, education, and employment opportunities within informal settlements to reduce multidimensional poverty.