Toward a spatial approach for convergence

Purpose: In recent years, there is growing recognition of the importance of geography and space in the analysis of economic convergence by focusing on the dynamics of monetary indicators. The analysis of spatial convergence based on socio-economic indicators are rare. These variables present a complement to understand the spatial dynamics of territorial units. The purpose of this paper is, first, to analyzes and describes trends in multidimensional poverty in Morocco and second it explores the convergence hypothesis. Design/methodology/approach: Data are driven from HCP (2017). It concerns 75 provinces over the period 2004 and 2014. In addition to the availability of data, this period corresponds to significant changes in public policy. The nature of the observations necessitates the use of the spatial analysis techniques. Findings: The results show that poverty is a geographical phenomenon with low speed of convergence. The paper propose some solutions to help policymakers implement an effective targeting policy aimed at reducing spatial inequalities in terms of multidimensional poverty in Morocco. Originality/value: The analysis of spatial convergence based on socio-economic indicators are rare. This paper will focus on the convergence of the poverty index for a developing country.