Cover
Volume 7, Issue Speical 7 (2026)

Published: November 5, 2026

Pages: 226-236

Research Article

The Impact of Structural Imbalances on Deepening Poverty: Iraq – An Analytical Study for the Period (2004–2023)

Raoof M. Neamah 1 Munaf M. Neama 1 Arshed M. Rashid 1
1Economics, Management and Economics, Al-Qadisiyah University, Diwaniyah, Iraq
History
  • Received: August 15, 2026
  • Available Online: November 5, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.56967/ejfb20261028

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the economic imbalances caused by local factors related to the nature of overall activity. These imbalances can be commodity-based, stemming from imbalances in aggregate supply and demand; financial, from imbalances in the general budget; or monetary, from imbalances between the supply and demand for money. Within this research framework, we can focus on the occurrence of these imbalances and their impact on deepening poverty, especially given that the Iraqi economy suffers from a set of structural imbalances: a rentier economy and dependence on crude oil, coupled with a clear weakness in the contribution of other productive sectors such as agriculture and industry. This has led to weak economic diversification and income inequality. The research is based on the hypothesis that there is a direct relationship between structural imbalances and high poverty rates in Iraq. To test this hypothesis, the descriptive and analytical methods were used, examining economic sectors and analyzing the evolution of poverty rates. The research concluded that dependence on a rentier economy, the inefficiency of fiscal policies and income redistribution, as well as developmental disparities between governorates, have all contributed to deepening poverty and fluctuating its rates. The results also showed that improvements in poverty levels were temporary and dependent on... The increase in oil revenues is a direct result of economic policies, and based on this, the research recommends diversifying income sources, strengthening the role of productive sectors, and improving the efficiency of economic and social policies to reduce structural imbalances and decrease poverty rates in Iraq.

Keywords

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