The water poverty index as an assistant tool for drawing strategies of the Egyptian water sector

Developing strategies for the water sector in integrated manner is essential. The present study details the development and uses of the Water Poverty Index (WPI) to be applied as a holistic tool for the conceptualization of water strategies in Egypt. The WPI herein considers the following: (i) water availability; (ii) access to water taking into account energy as a factor to water system operation; (iii) capacity to manage the water system considering the gender perspective; (iv) allocation of water uses considering the economic value of water; and (v) quality of the environment. The developed WPI was applied at the Egyptian governorates level and priorities to be achieved in their water sector were determined. The study concluded that, WPI as a summarized index combines into a single number a cluster of data is considered a robust tool to assist decision makers in determining priority to conduct prospect development plans in the water sector.