Work

Governance and poverty in sub-saharan Africa: a random forest approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Our study applies Random Forest classifier which challenges Logit to investigate the relationship between governance and multidimensional poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa using Afrobarometer 2022 data from multiple countries. The findings reveal that negative perceptions of governance such as high perceived corruption, dissatisfaction with public services, disapproval of political leadership significantly increase the probability of falling into higher poverty categories, while factors like higher education, urban residence, and access to public services reduce it. The results suggest that improving governance transparency, investing in education and health services, and promoting inclusive policies targeting rural and vulnerable populations are critical to reducing poverty. Classification JEL : I30, O15, C60

Source: SN Business & Economics

DOI: 10.1007/s43546-026-01547-1

Authors: Kouassi Sylvain Assienin, Auguste K. Kouakou, Christian K. N’da

Institution: Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé

Language: English

Topic: Income, Poverty, and Inequality

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4417179740