Key Influencing Drivers of Sustainable Development of Jahrom City, Iran

Sustainable urban development encompasses various dimensions, including economic, social, and environmental aspects. Both human managerial factors and natural factors can exert an influence on the achievement of urban sustainability. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the primary drivers that have an impact on the sustainable development of Jahrom city.

This study employed a descriptive approach and was conducted in Jahrom during the period of 2022-2023. Data was collected through the utilization of a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The identification of the influential factors was accomplished through an in-depth examination of the existing literature. Subsequently, a questionnaire consisting of 35 items was formulated based on the identified factors. Following the principles of the Delphi method, the questionnaires were distributed among a group of individuals (N=40) who possessed relevant expertise in the field. The selection of these individuals was carried out using the snowball sampling method. The final version of the questionnaire underwent a review process and was subsequently provided to a panel of 15 experts and city managers for the purpose of assigning weights to the identified factors. The selection of these individuals was carried out using a purposeful sampling strategy. Finally, the data collected was analyzed using the decisive effects analysis method facilitated by the utilization of the MICMAC software.

Sanitation and water quality exerted the greatest influence on other variables in a direct manner. Nevertheless, the most influential and robust indirect impact on other variables was observed in the realms of effective management, water quality, and employment.

Seven Factors of citizen culture, employment status, water quality, efficient management, security, education, and health exert the most significant influence on the sustainable development of Jahrom city.