Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of multidimensional poverty in central Sudan utilizing two methodologies: (MPI) and multiple overlapping deprivation analysis (MODA). The research is based on primary data collected through structured questionnaires by the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2023, covering 43 administrative units in AlJezira State and interviewing 764 randomly selected households. The study revealed that approximately one-fifth of the population in the study area experiences multidimensional poverty, with significant deprivations in education, health, and standard of living. Additionally, child poverty is notably high, with a multidimensional headcount ratio of 26% among children under five, which decreases by 5 percentage points when applying a reweighted MODA approach developed by the researchers. The practical significance of this study lies in its potential to inform targeted poverty alleviation policies and interventions, particularly in rural areas and among young children. Theoretically, this research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the value of combining MPI and MODA methodologies to capture a more comprehensive picture of poverty. The innovative aspect of this manuscript is the application of a reweighted MODA approach, which provides a nuanced understanding of child poverty and offers new insights for policy formulation. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored strategies to address the multifaceted nature of poverty in central Sudan.