(MENAFN– The Conversation) Lagos is Nigeria’s economic center but has many poor slums.
Lagos slums face extreme poverty, lacking basic needs like food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Traditional studies often measure poverty mainly through income, but this overlooks other critical factors like access to education and healthcare.
To better understand poverty, our study used a multidimensional approach, which looks at various aspects of deprivation. We modeled this using a fuzzy set approach, which recognizes that poverty exists on a spectrum.
Our research, involving 400 individuals from five slums (Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje, Ijora Badia, and Amukoko), revealed significant differences in poverty levels. Makoko and Iwaya showed the highest poverty indices, indicating severe deprivation in education, sanitation, and nutrition.
Education was found to be the biggest challenge across all communities, with Makoko and Iwaya facing the most significant educational deprivation. Living standards and health indicators, including nutrition and access to medical care, were also concerning.
Policymakers should focus on improving education access, sanitation facilities, and waste management, especially in the most deprived areas like Makoko and Iwaya. Each slum has unique needs, so tailored interventions are necessary to effectively reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
Using specific data will help design targeted policies that address the diverse challenges faced by slum residents.
`
