Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 M.Sc. in Economics, Department of Economics, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Measuring the level of economic development in the counties of Khuzestan Province is essential due to the region’s cultural, economic, and environmental significance. Such an evaluation can aid policymakers, researchers, and local communities in making informed decisions about policy design, resource management, and planning. It also helps identify the underlying causes of economic disparities and promotes efforts to enhance the region’s economic resilience and sustainability. By identifying underperforming sectors, measuring economic development guides the formulation of targeted policies aimed at fostering a more diversified and resilient economy. The present research used the numerical taxonomy method and urban economic components in order to measure and compare the levels of development across the counties of Khuzestan Province in 2017 and 2020. A total of 65 indices were used, spanning a wide range of development dimensions, including agriculture, housing and welfare services, industry, education, health and medical services, macroeconomic performance, infrastructure and physical assets, and urban economy metrics. In 2017, Abadan, Ahvaz, and Shushtar ranked as the most developed counties, while Andika, Shadegan, and Haftkel ranked lowest. By 2020, Ahvaz and Abadan maintained their economic leadership; Behbahan and Dezful excelled in education; Mahshahr led in industry; and Dezful stood out in agriculture. Abadan was also the pioneer in healthcare services. These findings highlighted both progress in certain counties and the need for increased attention and support in others.
Introduction
The Human Development Report on Iran highlights significant regional disparities among provinces in terms of human development levels. Contrary to the convergence theory-which predicts a reduction in regional imbalances-these disparities have not diminished. In fact, the coefficient of dispersion among the studied units has increased. Measuring the level of economic development in the counties of Khuzestan Province is a critical scholarly endeavor with far-reaching implications for regional policy, resource allocation, and the overall well-being of its population. Located in southwestern Iran, Khuzestan Province is notable for its rich cultural heritage, economic significance, and environmental diversity. As such, a comprehensive assessment of the province’s economic development is essential for various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and local communities. First, measuring economic development in Khuzestan provides a foundation for informed policymaking and effective resource management. By systematically collecting data on key economic indicators (e.g., employment rates and industrial growth), local and national governments can more effectively prioritize and implement development plans. This enables them to address inequalities and allocate resources to areas most in need. Moreover, assessing the economic development of Khuzestan’s counties is crucial for identifying the causes of deep economic disparities. It also plays a pivotal role in improving the resilience and sustainability of the region’s economy. Khuzestan Province faces specific challenges, including dependency on the oil industry, water resource management, and industrial diversification. Assessing economic development helps pinpoint vulnerable sectors and informs the formulation of targeted policies aimed at creating a more diverse and resilient economy. In general, measuring the economic development of Khuzestan’s counties is a multifaceted and essential task that can help informed decision-making, equitable economic growth, sustainability, and enhances the overall well-being of the population. In this respect, the current research aimed to assess the development levels of Khuzestan’s counties in 2017 and 2020.
Materials and Methods
This study used the numerical taxonomy method and urban economic components in order to conduct a comparative assessment of the levels of development across the counties of Khuzestan Province in 2017 and 2020.
Results and Discussion
The ranking results from 2017 indicated that Ahvaz was the most developed county in terms of education, healthcare, urban economy, and infrastructure. Mahshahr ranked highest in industry and economy, while Dezful was the most developed in agriculture. Other counties such as Behbahan, Abadan, Ramhormoz, Masjed Soleyman, and Shushtar also showed significant development in some specific indicators. By 2020, there were notable changes in the development rankings. Ahvaz and Abadan emerged as leaders in economic development, while Behbahan and Dezful led in education. Mahshahr maintained its leading position in the industrial sector, and Dezful continued to be the top county in agriculture. In terms of housing, welfare services, and infrastructure, Abadan, Behbahan, Dezful, Mahshahr, and Ahvaz ranked highest. Abadan took the lead in healthcare development. Regarding urban economy, Dezful, Ahvaz, Abadan, Shushtar, Ramhormoz, and Behbahan were among the leading counties. Furthermore, Shushtar, Ramhormoz, Ahvaz, Behbahan, Abadan, Khorramshahr, Izeh, Dezful, Omidieh, Mahshahr, and Masjed Soleyman showed notable development in infrastructure and physical indices. This analysis reflects the shifts, progress, and in some cases, regression in development indicators across the counties between 2017 and 2020.
Conclusion
Counties such as Ahvaz and Abadan, which have performed well in the economic and healthcare sectors, can capitalize on these strengths to promote development in other areas. Infrastructure development plays a key role in regional development; counties that are already developed in this regard can serve as examples for those that are less developed. Strategic investments in infrastructure can lead to improvements across other development indicators as well. Education is another critical area where improvement can yield significant benefits. In counties that are underperforming educationally, implementing educational programs and expanding access to educational resources can be beneficial. Similarly, enhancing healthcare services in counties with poor performance in this sector can directly contribute to a better quality of life and improved public welfare. Supporting agriculture and local industries is also essential. Counties with agricultural or industrial potential can boost their productivity and development outcomes through financial aid and technical support. Finally, achieving balanced development is crucial. Addressing existing inequalities and planning for balanced development across all counties can reduce disparities and improve the overall regional development.
Acknowledgements
We hereby express our gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for Research Affairs at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, who assisted the authors in conducting this research.
Conflict of interest
The authors of the article declare that there is no conflict of interest in publishing the presented article.
Funding
This article is part of Fatemeh Mombeini’s master’s thesis in economics, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Seyed Amin Mansouri and Dr. Seyed Morteza Afghah at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. It was sponsored by the Vice-Chancellor for Research Affairs at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz under Grant No. SCU.EE1403.30460.
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