Understanding the nexus between poverty and climate variability in Egypt

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between climate conditions and money-metric poverty in Egypt at a sub-national level, aiming to understand the nuanced impacts of environmental factors on household well-being.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a geographically weighted regression, the study analyzes data on climate conditions, socioeconomic indicators and poverty rates across different regions of Egypt.FindingsThe analysis reveals complex relationships between climate conditions, socioeconomic factors, and poverty rates in Egypt. Higher education, asset ownership and urban residence are associated with lower poverty rates, while larger household size correlates with increased poverty. Temperature and precipitation show varied impacts on poverty between extreme and average climate conditions and across different regions, highlighting the need for localized strategies.Practical implicationsThe findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address the localized impacts of climate change on poverty. Policymakers can use the insights from this research to prioritize vulnerable areas and implement targeted measures to alleviate poverty and enhance climate resilience.Social implicationsBy identifying areas most susceptible to climate change, this research informs policies aimed at protecting marginalized communities from its adverse effects. It contributes to broader efforts to promote social equity and environmental sustainability in Egypt.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the climate-poverty nexus in Egypt, offering insights into the localized impacts of climate change on household well-being. The findings contribute to both academic discourse and policy development, guiding efforts to address poverty and climate vulnerability at the regional level.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2024-0317