Reasons for Slow Proliferation of Area Classification across Developing Countries

Despite the potential benefits of small area classification systems and their ability to help stakeholders in the public policy decision-making processes, numerous developing countries still lack these classifications. At the very basic level, some of the reasons for this slow proliferation (such as data access challenges) are obvious. However, there are some covert practices and misconceptions within some developing countries that make it challenging to develop small area classifications. This chapter discusses numerous examples of factors that contribute toward inhibiting the proliferation and uptake of area classifications across developing countries. It concludes by offering recommendations for mitigating barriers working against the proliferation of area classifications.