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Volume 38, Issue 3 (2023)
GeoRes 2023, 38(3): 311-317 |
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Received: 2023/06/18 | Accepted: 2023/09/10 | Published: 2023/10/2
Received: 2023/06/18 | Accepted: 2023/09/10 | Published: 2023/10/2
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Ghenatian Jobzari E, Khorram Bakht A, Afifi M. Key Influencing Drivers of Sustainable Development of Jahrom City, Iran. GeoRes 2023; 38 (3) :311-317
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1- Geography Department, Larestan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Larestan, Iran
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Introduction
Today, the number of cities and the urban population are increasing worldwide, and one of the most important concerns of urban managers and officials is to enhance the quality of life of citizens within the framework of sustainable development [Komasi et al., 2022]. Currently, about 54% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and it is projected that this figure will reach approximately 66% by 2050 [United Nations, 2018]. Consequently, cities have become the primary arena for the pursuit of sustainable development [Ahern, 2011]. Urban sustainable development refers to advanced urbanization and modernization through long-term, stable urban growth and structural evolution within specific spatial and temporal scales [Yang et al., 2020]. In this sense, urban development should address the needs of present realities while also fulfilling the requirements of future development [Bibri & Krogstie, 2017; Yang, 2019]. Given that the rapid expansion of urbanization has become an undeniable reality in today’s world, leading to economic, social, and environmental crises, new concepts and approaches for future urban development have emerged [Zinatizadeh et al., 2021].
The concept of sustainable development was first introduced in the early 1980s, at a time when decades of unregulated growth under the name of development had manifested on a global scale. The Brundtland Commission (1987) defined sustainable development as a form of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and in line with their interests [Komasi et al., 2023]. Sustainable development has increasingly been associated with the concepts of quality of life, well-being, and livability. The idea of sustainability was initially presented in 1980 in the World Conservation Strategy issued by the International :union: for Conservation of Nature [Zhang, 2018; Wang et al., 2022]. Subsequently, the sustainable city was introduced as one in which economic growth, quality of life, and environmental protection coexist harmoniously [Verma & Raghubanshi, 2018]. In designing urban sustainable development models, the axes of economic sustainability, social sustainability, and environmental sustainability play strategic roles. In fact, the theory of urban sustainable development has been formed through the integration of these three perspectives [Vaezzadeh & Eyaseh, 2020]. Sustainable development can be discussed at multiple levels and across various scales, ranging from neighborhoods and districts to megacities and even global development [Mohammadi Deh Cheshmeh, 2021]. The ultimate vision and purpose of sustainable development is to create a better world. This concept, developed in response to challenges and in pursuit of favorable conditions along the path of development, encompasses three major dimensions: social, economic, and environmental [Farzaneh, 2021]. Sustainable development is therefore a critical issue of the 21st century, which must be considered in urban planning and design [Valizadeh & Dadashpour Moghadam, 2020].
Numerous domestic and international studies have investigated urban sustainable development from different perspectives. In this regard, Raeesghanavati et al. (2022) identify eight key drivers influencing the state of sustainable development in the port city of Mahshahr. These included domestic tourism development, urban development plans and programs, efficient local and macro-level management, education, communication networks, security, and the city’s geographical position. Safaiepour and Jafari (2022) have found that key drivers such as the oil and gas industry (74% impact), knowledge-based economy (64%), citizen political participation (73%), and elite-oriented development (64%) were highly influential in the sustainable development of Ahvaz. Out of the effective drivers identified, thirteen were recognized as key, among which entrepreneurship and innovation, the development of civil institutions, regional balance policies, public transport–based development, efficient urban management, sustainable revenues, and e-city infrastructure were of particular importance. Their findings showed that the urban development system of Ahvaz is unstable, largely due to inefficiencies in urban management practices, reflecting the vulnerability of sustainable urban development in this city.
Similarly, Mohammadi Deh Cheshmeh (2021), in a study on the role of urban development strategies in sustainable development in mountainous areas of Shahr-e Kord, reported the following influence coefficients: poverty alleviation (0.49), economy (0.15), tourism (0.36), human resources (0.20), infrastructure (0.56), governance (0.25), and transportation (0.16). Badiee et al. (2019), in an assessment of the environmental structure of Sanandaj, have demonstrated that strengths and opportunities were not effectively utilized to overcome weaknesses and threats; instead, weaknesses outweighed strengths, and threats overshadowed opportunities. The study recommended paying greater attention to integrated environmental management and environmental impact assessment as key tools for achieving sustainable urban development.
Internationally, Dadamo et al. (2022) have shown that severe inequalities persist across Italy, with three northern cities being prioritized more than many southern cities. Similarly, Yi et al. (2021) have measured the sustainability levels of 15 sub-provincial cities in China using a multi-criteria decision-making approach, finding that cities in southern and eastern China performed better than those in other regions. Overall, previous studies have largely focused on evaluating sustainability levels. However, in the present research, the city of Jahrom has been selected as a case study, and the issue of sustainable development has been examined from a future-oriented perspective.
Accordingly, the objective of this study is to identify the key drivers influencing sustainable development in the city of Jahrom
Methodology
This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in Jahrom County during 2022–2023. The data collection instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire. To develop the questionnaire, a list of factors influencing sustainable development was first compiled based on previous studies. These factors were organized into a 35-item open-ended questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. For the evaluation of the factors, the Delphi technique was employed, and the questionnaires were distributed among 40 experts. The participants were selected through the snowball sampling method, considering their expertise in sustainable development, and included university professors as well as urban managers and officials. After revising the questionnaire based on the feedback of the target group, the final version was prepared and subsequently distributed among 15 experts and urban managers for weighting. These individuals were chosen through purposive sampling.
Jahrom County is one of the counties of Fars Province, Iran, with Jahrom city as its administrative center. According to the 2016 census by the Statistical Center of Iran, the county had a population of 254,532. Covering an area of 5,768 square kilometers, Jahrom accounts for 4.7% of the total area of Fars Province. It is located in the southern part of the province, bordered by Shiraz to the north, Fasa to the east, Laristan to the south, and Firuzabad to the west. The county consists of four districts: Central, Khafr, Simakan, and Kordian. Its urban areas include five cities: Jahrom, Qotbabad, Khavaran, Bab Anar, and Duzeh. Jahrom is the third most populous city in Fars Province after Shiraz and Marvdasht, and the sixty-seventh most populous city in Iran
Findings
Based on the results of the questionnaire, 35 factors were identified as influential in the sustainable development of Jahrom. These included education, efficient management, public transportation, the city’s physical condition, air quality in Jahrom, urban development plans and programs, healthcare status, demographic changes, climate change, citizen culture, communication networks, migration (domestic and international), integrated macro-management, domestic tourism development, foreign investment, employment status, water quality, quality of life, security, domestic investment, arable land, citizen participation, citizen awareness, citizen trust, information technology development, research and academic centers, marginal settlements, reduction in pollutant consumption, foreign tourism development, soil resources, natural urban spaces, Jahrom’s geographical location, urban sustainable development laws and regulations, political institutions, and institutional capacity for sustainable urban development. These were coded as A1 to A35, respectively.
The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed at a level of 0.84 using Cronbach’s alpha. The final questionnaire was then distributed among experts and urban managers.
The analysis of key drivers influencing the sustainable urban development of Jahrom was conducted using MICMAC software version 6.1.2 and the cross-impact analysis method. With a filling rate of approximately 91%, the results indicated a high level of interdependence among the factors. Out of 1,113 matrix relationships evaluated, 287 demonstrated cross-impacts of level 3, meaning that the factors both influenced and were influenced by one another. A total of 353 relationships showed cross-impacts of level 2, indicating that these factors had reinforcing roles. Another 473 relationships exhibited cross-impacts of level 1, meaning they exerted stronger influence over other parameters. Finally, 112 relationships were found to be neutral, implying no mutual influence.
Figure 1. Direct influence/dependence map of sustainable urban development parameters in Jahrom (Key drivers)
Figure 1 illustrates the very strong direct influences among Jahrom’s sustainable development parameters. As shown, healthcare (A7) and water quality (A17) exerted the strongest direct impacts on other parameters. Improving healthcare requires the development of health infrastructure.
Figure 2. Direct and indirect influence/dependence of sustainable development parameters in Jahrom
Figure 2 depicts the very strong indirect influences of the key factors on sustainable urban development in Jahrom. Efficient management (A2), water quality (A17), and employment status (A16) showed the greatest levels of influence on other parameters. Efficient management can affect all aspects of sustainable urban development. Water quality, as a strong driver, demonstrated both direct and indirect impacts, underlining its critical importance. Employment status also exerted indirect influences on other factors; poor employment conditions could have irreversible effects on the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in Jahrom.
As illustrated in Figure 1, and based on the responses of experts on sustainable urban development in Jahrom, seven key drivers were identified among the 35 main factors. Positioned in the upper-left quadrant of Figure 1, these parameters have the highest influence and the least dependence on other factors in shaping the future of Jahrom’s sustainable development. They include citizen culture (A10), employment status (A16), water quality (A17), efficient management (A2), security (A19), education (A1), and healthcare (A7). These seven drivers are distributed across all three dimensions of sustainable urban development including economic, socio-cultural, and environmental. Therefore, planning for Jahrom’s sustainable urban development must carefully integrate all three dimensions
Discussion
The primary objective of the present study was to identify and explain the key drivers influencing the sustainable development of Jahrom. One of the most critical factors affecting urban development is the culture of citizens, particularly their awareness of rights and responsibilities in relation to sustainable urban development, or, in other words, their level of social capital. Urban culture can be defined as the set of rules and norms governing the lives of people in urban communities, without which city life may become intolerable for all generations. Today, one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving desirable social relations and reducing urban costs is planning to enhance urban culture among citizens. Empowering citizens through education in order to improve knowledge, strengthen skills, foster proper social habits, and encourage desirable civic behavior—especially in the appropriate use of urban facilities is considered essential in promoting urban culture [Boheiraee, 2016]. Enhancing urban culture among residents directly influences other dimensions of sustainable urban development.
With the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations, in addition to quantitative economic indicators, qualitative aspects of human life such as education and employment gained significant importance. Strengthening human abilities, skills, and capabilities reduces the risk of unemployment, thereby steering the socioeconomic structure toward sustainable development [Sepehrdoosti & Barooti, 2018]. Since the economic dimension is one of the most significant aspects of sustainability, improving employment is considered a key economic parameter of sustainable development. Employment planning must emphasize sustainability, as unprincipled planning in this area could pose serious challenges for other economic dimensions of sustainability.
Another major dimension of sustainable development is the environmental aspect, with water quality and accessibility being among its most critical components. Water availability is directly linked to citizens’ health and is essential not only for domestic consumption but also for the development of agriculture and industry. Accordingly, water status has emerged as one of the most important parameters in Jahrom’s sustainable development. Given Iran’s climatic conditions and rainfall patterns, water resource management must be regarded as one of the top priorities for policymakers and administrators.
Specialized and integrated management is another key driver influencing the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects of Jahrom’s sustainable development. Since management plays a crucial role in formulating, designing, and implementing all sustainable development programs, selecting competent managers is essential and citizens play a decisive role in this process. Efficient management, through scientifically sound and sustainability-oriented programs, can promote Jahrom’s sustainable development. Conversely, poor management may squander development opportunities and create serious challenges.
Security and the sense of safety constitute two fundamental factors in the sustainable development of Jahrom. They directly and indirectly affect other sustainability dimensions. For example, a strong sense of safety can serve as a driver for attracting domestic and international tourism, as well as foreign and domestic investment. On the other hand, security itself depends on socio-cultural and economic sustainability parameters.
Education is also a vital element in designing public policies for economic growth and human development. Education influences economic growth through various mechanisms. Some scholars argue that the most important pathway is via research and development, technological progress, and innovation, while others highlight the externalities of education, whereby educated individuals, through social and professional interactions, enhance collective skills. Many scholars also emphasize that education strengthens human capital, which plays a central role in economic growth, especially with the rise of endogenous growth models since the 1990s [Ahmadi et al., 2015]. One of the most significant contributions of education to sustainable development lies in raising awareness of individual rights and social responsibilities, thereby promoting sustainable urban development.
Sustainable development is a human-centered approach that, as one of the most prominent paradigms of development in the 21st century, encompasses all areas of life including economy, politics, culture, environment, security, education, healthcare, ethics, and beyond while emphasizing human and community well-being [Rafiee et al., 2019]. Improving healthcare in Jahrom, as part of sustainable urban development, requires not only strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities, but also enhancing citizens’ social capital in this field.
The findings of the present study align with those of Raeesghanavati et al. (2022), who highlight the importance of efficient local and macro-level management and education as factors influencing sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the emphasis on knowledge-based economy and efficient urban management is consistent with the results of Safaeepour and Jafari (2022), who identify key drivers of metropolitan management in Ahvaz using a strategic foresight approach. These findings underscore the critical role of management in achieving sustainable development, a factor that must be prioritized in Jahrom’s sustainability planning.
As demonstrated, most of the key drivers influencing Jahrom’s sustainable urban development including citizen culture, employment status, water quality, efficient management, security, education, and healthcare were human-related factors. This implies that, through scientific planning and effective management, the trajectory of sustainable urban development in Jahrom can be improved, and even natural constraints, such as limited access to water resources, can be mitigated. Accordingly, the following recommendations are proposed:
Economic Dimension of Sustainable Development
Conclusion
The key drivers influencing the sustainable urban development of Jahrom consist of seven factors: citizens’ culture, employment status, water quality, efficient management, security, education, and healthcare.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Approval: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None declared by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Ghenatian Jobzari E (First Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Principal Researcher/Statistical Analyst (50%); Khorram Bakht AA (Second Author), Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (25%); Afifi ME (Third Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: This research was financially supported through the authors’ personal funds.
Today, the number of cities and the urban population are increasing worldwide, and one of the most important concerns of urban managers and officials is to enhance the quality of life of citizens within the framework of sustainable development [Komasi et al., 2022]. Currently, about 54% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and it is projected that this figure will reach approximately 66% by 2050 [United Nations, 2018]. Consequently, cities have become the primary arena for the pursuit of sustainable development [Ahern, 2011]. Urban sustainable development refers to advanced urbanization and modernization through long-term, stable urban growth and structural evolution within specific spatial and temporal scales [Yang et al., 2020]. In this sense, urban development should address the needs of present realities while also fulfilling the requirements of future development [Bibri & Krogstie, 2017; Yang, 2019]. Given that the rapid expansion of urbanization has become an undeniable reality in today’s world, leading to economic, social, and environmental crises, new concepts and approaches for future urban development have emerged [Zinatizadeh et al., 2021].
The concept of sustainable development was first introduced in the early 1980s, at a time when decades of unregulated growth under the name of development had manifested on a global scale. The Brundtland Commission (1987) defined sustainable development as a form of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and in line with their interests [Komasi et al., 2023]. Sustainable development has increasingly been associated with the concepts of quality of life, well-being, and livability. The idea of sustainability was initially presented in 1980 in the World Conservation Strategy issued by the International :union: for Conservation of Nature [Zhang, 2018; Wang et al., 2022]. Subsequently, the sustainable city was introduced as one in which economic growth, quality of life, and environmental protection coexist harmoniously [Verma & Raghubanshi, 2018]. In designing urban sustainable development models, the axes of economic sustainability, social sustainability, and environmental sustainability play strategic roles. In fact, the theory of urban sustainable development has been formed through the integration of these three perspectives [Vaezzadeh & Eyaseh, 2020]. Sustainable development can be discussed at multiple levels and across various scales, ranging from neighborhoods and districts to megacities and even global development [Mohammadi Deh Cheshmeh, 2021]. The ultimate vision and purpose of sustainable development is to create a better world. This concept, developed in response to challenges and in pursuit of favorable conditions along the path of development, encompasses three major dimensions: social, economic, and environmental [Farzaneh, 2021]. Sustainable development is therefore a critical issue of the 21st century, which must be considered in urban planning and design [Valizadeh & Dadashpour Moghadam, 2020].
Numerous domestic and international studies have investigated urban sustainable development from different perspectives. In this regard, Raeesghanavati et al. (2022) identify eight key drivers influencing the state of sustainable development in the port city of Mahshahr. These included domestic tourism development, urban development plans and programs, efficient local and macro-level management, education, communication networks, security, and the city’s geographical position. Safaiepour and Jafari (2022) have found that key drivers such as the oil and gas industry (74% impact), knowledge-based economy (64%), citizen political participation (73%), and elite-oriented development (64%) were highly influential in the sustainable development of Ahvaz. Out of the effective drivers identified, thirteen were recognized as key, among which entrepreneurship and innovation, the development of civil institutions, regional balance policies, public transport–based development, efficient urban management, sustainable revenues, and e-city infrastructure were of particular importance. Their findings showed that the urban development system of Ahvaz is unstable, largely due to inefficiencies in urban management practices, reflecting the vulnerability of sustainable urban development in this city.
Similarly, Mohammadi Deh Cheshmeh (2021), in a study on the role of urban development strategies in sustainable development in mountainous areas of Shahr-e Kord, reported the following influence coefficients: poverty alleviation (0.49), economy (0.15), tourism (0.36), human resources (0.20), infrastructure (0.56), governance (0.25), and transportation (0.16). Badiee et al. (2019), in an assessment of the environmental structure of Sanandaj, have demonstrated that strengths and opportunities were not effectively utilized to overcome weaknesses and threats; instead, weaknesses outweighed strengths, and threats overshadowed opportunities. The study recommended paying greater attention to integrated environmental management and environmental impact assessment as key tools for achieving sustainable urban development.
Internationally, Dadamo et al. (2022) have shown that severe inequalities persist across Italy, with three northern cities being prioritized more than many southern cities. Similarly, Yi et al. (2021) have measured the sustainability levels of 15 sub-provincial cities in China using a multi-criteria decision-making approach, finding that cities in southern and eastern China performed better than those in other regions. Overall, previous studies have largely focused on evaluating sustainability levels. However, in the present research, the city of Jahrom has been selected as a case study, and the issue of sustainable development has been examined from a future-oriented perspective.
Accordingly, the objective of this study is to identify the key drivers influencing sustainable development in the city of Jahrom
Methodology
This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in Jahrom County during 2022–2023. The data collection instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire. To develop the questionnaire, a list of factors influencing sustainable development was first compiled based on previous studies. These factors were organized into a 35-item open-ended questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. For the evaluation of the factors, the Delphi technique was employed, and the questionnaires were distributed among 40 experts. The participants were selected through the snowball sampling method, considering their expertise in sustainable development, and included university professors as well as urban managers and officials. After revising the questionnaire based on the feedback of the target group, the final version was prepared and subsequently distributed among 15 experts and urban managers for weighting. These individuals were chosen through purposive sampling.
Jahrom County is one of the counties of Fars Province, Iran, with Jahrom city as its administrative center. According to the 2016 census by the Statistical Center of Iran, the county had a population of 254,532. Covering an area of 5,768 square kilometers, Jahrom accounts for 4.7% of the total area of Fars Province. It is located in the southern part of the province, bordered by Shiraz to the north, Fasa to the east, Laristan to the south, and Firuzabad to the west. The county consists of four districts: Central, Khafr, Simakan, and Kordian. Its urban areas include five cities: Jahrom, Qotbabad, Khavaran, Bab Anar, and Duzeh. Jahrom is the third most populous city in Fars Province after Shiraz and Marvdasht, and the sixty-seventh most populous city in Iran
Findings
Based on the results of the questionnaire, 35 factors were identified as influential in the sustainable development of Jahrom. These included education, efficient management, public transportation, the city’s physical condition, air quality in Jahrom, urban development plans and programs, healthcare status, demographic changes, climate change, citizen culture, communication networks, migration (domestic and international), integrated macro-management, domestic tourism development, foreign investment, employment status, water quality, quality of life, security, domestic investment, arable land, citizen participation, citizen awareness, citizen trust, information technology development, research and academic centers, marginal settlements, reduction in pollutant consumption, foreign tourism development, soil resources, natural urban spaces, Jahrom’s geographical location, urban sustainable development laws and regulations, political institutions, and institutional capacity for sustainable urban development. These were coded as A1 to A35, respectively.
The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed at a level of 0.84 using Cronbach’s alpha. The final questionnaire was then distributed among experts and urban managers.
The analysis of key drivers influencing the sustainable urban development of Jahrom was conducted using MICMAC software version 6.1.2 and the cross-impact analysis method. With a filling rate of approximately 91%, the results indicated a high level of interdependence among the factors. Out of 1,113 matrix relationships evaluated, 287 demonstrated cross-impacts of level 3, meaning that the factors both influenced and were influenced by one another. A total of 353 relationships showed cross-impacts of level 2, indicating that these factors had reinforcing roles. Another 473 relationships exhibited cross-impacts of level 1, meaning they exerted stronger influence over other parameters. Finally, 112 relationships were found to be neutral, implying no mutual influence.
Figure 1. Direct influence/dependence map of sustainable urban development parameters in Jahrom (Key drivers)
Figure 1 illustrates the very strong direct influences among Jahrom’s sustainable development parameters. As shown, healthcare (A7) and water quality (A17) exerted the strongest direct impacts on other parameters. Improving healthcare requires the development of health infrastructure.
Figure 2. Direct and indirect influence/dependence of sustainable development parameters in Jahrom
Figure 2 depicts the very strong indirect influences of the key factors on sustainable urban development in Jahrom. Efficient management (A2), water quality (A17), and employment status (A16) showed the greatest levels of influence on other parameters. Efficient management can affect all aspects of sustainable urban development. Water quality, as a strong driver, demonstrated both direct and indirect impacts, underlining its critical importance. Employment status also exerted indirect influences on other factors; poor employment conditions could have irreversible effects on the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in Jahrom.
As illustrated in Figure 1, and based on the responses of experts on sustainable urban development in Jahrom, seven key drivers were identified among the 35 main factors. Positioned in the upper-left quadrant of Figure 1, these parameters have the highest influence and the least dependence on other factors in shaping the future of Jahrom’s sustainable development. They include citizen culture (A10), employment status (A16), water quality (A17), efficient management (A2), security (A19), education (A1), and healthcare (A7). These seven drivers are distributed across all three dimensions of sustainable urban development including economic, socio-cultural, and environmental. Therefore, planning for Jahrom’s sustainable urban development must carefully integrate all three dimensions
Discussion
The primary objective of the present study was to identify and explain the key drivers influencing the sustainable development of Jahrom. One of the most critical factors affecting urban development is the culture of citizens, particularly their awareness of rights and responsibilities in relation to sustainable urban development, or, in other words, their level of social capital. Urban culture can be defined as the set of rules and norms governing the lives of people in urban communities, without which city life may become intolerable for all generations. Today, one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving desirable social relations and reducing urban costs is planning to enhance urban culture among citizens. Empowering citizens through education in order to improve knowledge, strengthen skills, foster proper social habits, and encourage desirable civic behavior—especially in the appropriate use of urban facilities is considered essential in promoting urban culture [Boheiraee, 2016]. Enhancing urban culture among residents directly influences other dimensions of sustainable urban development.
With the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations, in addition to quantitative economic indicators, qualitative aspects of human life such as education and employment gained significant importance. Strengthening human abilities, skills, and capabilities reduces the risk of unemployment, thereby steering the socioeconomic structure toward sustainable development [Sepehrdoosti & Barooti, 2018]. Since the economic dimension is one of the most significant aspects of sustainability, improving employment is considered a key economic parameter of sustainable development. Employment planning must emphasize sustainability, as unprincipled planning in this area could pose serious challenges for other economic dimensions of sustainability.
Another major dimension of sustainable development is the environmental aspect, with water quality and accessibility being among its most critical components. Water availability is directly linked to citizens’ health and is essential not only for domestic consumption but also for the development of agriculture and industry. Accordingly, water status has emerged as one of the most important parameters in Jahrom’s sustainable development. Given Iran’s climatic conditions and rainfall patterns, water resource management must be regarded as one of the top priorities for policymakers and administrators.
Specialized and integrated management is another key driver influencing the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects of Jahrom’s sustainable development. Since management plays a crucial role in formulating, designing, and implementing all sustainable development programs, selecting competent managers is essential and citizens play a decisive role in this process. Efficient management, through scientifically sound and sustainability-oriented programs, can promote Jahrom’s sustainable development. Conversely, poor management may squander development opportunities and create serious challenges.
Security and the sense of safety constitute two fundamental factors in the sustainable development of Jahrom. They directly and indirectly affect other sustainability dimensions. For example, a strong sense of safety can serve as a driver for attracting domestic and international tourism, as well as foreign and domestic investment. On the other hand, security itself depends on socio-cultural and economic sustainability parameters.
Education is also a vital element in designing public policies for economic growth and human development. Education influences economic growth through various mechanisms. Some scholars argue that the most important pathway is via research and development, technological progress, and innovation, while others highlight the externalities of education, whereby educated individuals, through social and professional interactions, enhance collective skills. Many scholars also emphasize that education strengthens human capital, which plays a central role in economic growth, especially with the rise of endogenous growth models since the 1990s [Ahmadi et al., 2015]. One of the most significant contributions of education to sustainable development lies in raising awareness of individual rights and social responsibilities, thereby promoting sustainable urban development.
Sustainable development is a human-centered approach that, as one of the most prominent paradigms of development in the 21st century, encompasses all areas of life including economy, politics, culture, environment, security, education, healthcare, ethics, and beyond while emphasizing human and community well-being [Rafiee et al., 2019]. Improving healthcare in Jahrom, as part of sustainable urban development, requires not only strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities, but also enhancing citizens’ social capital in this field.
The findings of the present study align with those of Raeesghanavati et al. (2022), who highlight the importance of efficient local and macro-level management and education as factors influencing sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the emphasis on knowledge-based economy and efficient urban management is consistent with the results of Safaeepour and Jafari (2022), who identify key drivers of metropolitan management in Ahvaz using a strategic foresight approach. These findings underscore the critical role of management in achieving sustainable development, a factor that must be prioritized in Jahrom’s sustainability planning.
As demonstrated, most of the key drivers influencing Jahrom’s sustainable urban development including citizen culture, employment status, water quality, efficient management, security, education, and healthcare were human-related factors. This implies that, through scientific planning and effective management, the trajectory of sustainable urban development in Jahrom can be improved, and even natural constraints, such as limited access to water resources, can be mitigated. Accordingly, the following recommendations are proposed:
Economic Dimension of Sustainable Development
- Completion and expansion of ongoing projects (railway, airport runway, customs facilities, petrochemical plant, and cement factory).
- Legal reforms and provision of incentive packages, such as land allocation for proposed projects like mineral water and paper production factories.
- Development of tourism infrastructure, particularly service and accommodation facilities.
- Expansion of road infrastructure, especially the Jahrom–Lar–Bandar Abbas highway.
- Development of the agricultural sector, focusing on horticultural products, medicinal plants, and cold storage facilities.
- Promotion and improvement of handicrafts (e.g., carpet weaving, palm-based products, pottery, and coppersmithing) to foster tourism.
- Establishment of educational working groups by the municipality and other cultural institutions.
- Training programs to raise citizens’ awareness of rights and responsibilities through workshops and digital platforms.
- Construction and expansion of cultural centers and community hubs by public institutions.
- Leveraging Jahrom’s religious culture to encourage citizen participation in socio-cultural initiatives.
- Surface water management in line with environmental assessments.
- Control of industrial pollution within the city.
- Expansion of aquifer recharge and watershed management projects, adhering to environmental guidelines.
- Utilization of treated wastewater for industry, irrigation, and green spaces.
- Promotion of waste segregation at source and expansion of recycling programs.
- Development of sustainable transportation modes such as cycling and walking to reduce pollution.
- Prevention of excessive and unauthorized well drilling, especially in Jahrom Plain.
- Protection of forests and trees against illegal logging for charcoal production.
- Restriction of agricultural land conversion into orchards and residential areas.
Conclusion
The key drivers influencing the sustainable urban development of Jahrom consist of seven factors: citizens’ culture, employment status, water quality, efficient management, security, education, and healthcare.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Approval: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None declared by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Ghenatian Jobzari E (First Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Principal Researcher/Statistical Analyst (50%); Khorram Bakht AA (Second Author), Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (25%); Afifi ME (Third Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: This research was financially supported through the authors’ personal funds.
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