Title: How do drought periods boost rural unemployment? Empirical evidence of Iran

Authors: Alireza Alipour

Addresses: Department of Rural Development, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, P.O. Box 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract: Drought periods are one of the major challenges in many countries that have affected various economic and social factors. The impact of drought on rural unemployment is one of the most important research issues that have not been well studied. In this study, using time series data and econometric methods, the effect of drought on rural unemployment in Iran was investigated. The results showed that drought periods have affected agricultural and non-agricultural GDP. Between these two variables, non-agricultural GDP growth significantly reduces rural unemployment. Therefore, in addition to the effects of drought on other components affecting rural unemployment, such as the quality of rural living and rural working environments, drought also increases rural unemployment by reducing the growth potential of the Iranian agricultural sector. Rural credits and the ratio of rural incomes to rural expenditures were also identified as other important factors affecting rural unemployment. Finally, targeting rural credits to increase non-agricultural occupations consistent with rural characteristics was presented as the most important policy recommendation of the study.

Keywords: drought periods; rural unemployment; econometric analysis; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2026.151363

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2026 Vol.39 No.1, pp.21 - 38

Accepted: 03 Jun 2024
Published online: 26 Jan 2026 *

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