La pobreza multidimensional en el Ecuador. Un análisis espacial

Abstract

This document analyzes the spatial scope of multidimensional poverty in Ecuador. The objective is to determine the existence of a mutual spatial dependence between different geographic sectors of the country and their variation over time. The geographical unit of analysis is the canton (municipality), for each of which the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the Multidimensional Poverty Rate (MPR) were calculated using data from the Population and Housing Census for the 1990s. 2001 and 2010. Among the main results reported, the spatial autocorrelation of the poverty indicators for the analyzed three years, is significant and positive in nature, which implies that poverty at the cantonal level is linked to the behavior of this phenomenon in its neighboring municipalities, showing a higher level of dependency in 2010. Likewise, it is possible to determine the probable conformation of poverty conglomerates. On the other hand, there is evidence of a reduction in poverty at national level throughout the analyzed periods. This decrease in poverty is due to factors such as the expansion of service coverage and improvements in educational attainment.