The first ever of multidimensional poverty in Benin using the consensual or socially perceived necessities approach, found a high degree of consensus on the essentials for living in Benin. The needs of 33% of households were 'not satsified at all' for four or more of these essentials. 

The government of Uganda has successfully introduced measures of multidimensional poverty based on socially-perceived necessities into its national household survey. The research finds high levels of deprivation and will help target resources to where needed.

A common view exists about what is required for an acceptable standard of living in South Africa despite significant social, racial and economic inequalities. This standard is above that which much of the population obtains.