Items considered essential in Benin and percentage whose needs for that item are satisified

Item % Essential % More or less necessary % No, not necessary % respondents reporting needs "not at all satsified"
Need to have access to drinking water 84% 15% 0% 26%
Need to take care of oneself when sick 84% 16% 0% 19%
Having a stable and long-term job 82% 18% 1% n/a
Need to be able to send children to school 79% 20% 1% 13%
Need to have access to electricity 77% 22% 2% 46%
Need to have three meals per day 74% 24% 2% 7%
Need to have a house 71% 24% 5% 16%
Need to have a radio 71% 28% 1% n/a
Need to have mode of transportation 68% 30% 2% 31%
Need to take care of own body (soap, barber etc.) 67% 32% 1% 11%
A good meal on festivities/celebrations (Sunday, ceremony, etc.) 64% 33% 4% 7%
Need to have personal care products 62% 36% 2% 15%
Need to have tables and beds 62% 36% 2% 36%
Have a change of clothes (at least two) 61% 36% 2% 10%
Need to have a spacious house 59% 37% 4% n/a
Need to be able to buy a television 59% 38% 4% n/a
Need to have several sets of shoes 58% 38% 4% 10%
Need to have meat or fish every day 57% 36% 7% 10%
Need to be able to take a taxi 56% 42% 2% n/a
Need to have birth control 55% 37% 8% n/a
Need to have cereals or food made from roots or tubers every day 51% 37% 12% 5%
Need to take vacation 51% 43% 6% 22%
Need to be able to take the bus 45% 46% 9% n/a
Need to be able to buy presents when needed 44% 51% 5% n/a
Need to have vegetables every day 43% 40% 17% 5%
Need to work day and night 17% 24% 60% n/a

Source: Source: Calculated from Benin DHS 2006; N =17,483

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