Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
10.22034/iwm.2026.2087789.1270
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: By 2050, approximately 68% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas, primarily in developing countries. This major demographic shift has placed considerable pressure on urban infrastructure and resources, highlighting the need to address sustainability challenges and manage social, economic, political, and environmental issues effectively. To address these challenges, researchers have proposed sustainable urban development as a comprehensive and long-term approach to managing urban growth. Sustainable urban development places particular emphasis on social equity, natural resource conservation, and economic growth. To better understand urban challenges and achieve sustainable development goals, SWOT analysis can serve as an effective tool for identifying and addressing environmental, social, and economic issues. This analytical approach enables urban managers to develop more effective strategies for improving quality of life and environmental conditions based on reliable evidence. Therefore, this study aims to formulate sustainable development strategies for Arianshahr, South Khorasan, Iran, using SWOT analysis.
Materials and Methods: This study employs SWOT analysis and the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to support urban resource management and sustainable development planning in Arianshahr, South Khorasan. First, four key dimensions—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—were identified and analyzed using SWOT analysis. Internal and external factors were determined through field surveys, analyses of climate data and natural resources, and assessments of the social and economic conditions of Arianshahr. Subsequently, the importance and priority of each identified factor were evaluated using the QSPM by assigning weights and scores to them. This evaluation was conducted using different scoring methods to identify the most appropriate strategies for natural resource and watershed management.
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that Arianshahr possesses 15 strengths, 11 weaknesses, 7 opportunities, and 10 threats. The SWOT analysis revealed that the most significant strengths are barberry gardens and saffron cultivation (S1), with importance scores of 9 and weighted scores of 0.212, respectively. Among the weaknesses, the migration of educated and skilled individuals to larger cities (W2), with an importance score of 8 and a weighted score of 0.141, and the lack of educational facilities (W7), with an importance score of 7 and a weighted score of 0.124, were identified as the most influential factors. Analysis of opportunities and threats showed that proximity to the provincial center (O2), with an importance score of 8 and a weighted score of 0.302, and the implementation of natural resource and watershed management projects (O1), with an importance score of 7 and a weighted score of 0.198, represent the most important opportunities. In contrast, climate change (T4), with an importance score of 7 and a weighted score of 0.198, and declining groundwater levels (T10), with an importance score of 8 and a weighted score of 0.300, constitute the most significant threats facing the city. The proposed strategies indicate that S-O strategies focus on improving household livelihoods and water resource management; S-T strategies emphasize economic development and adaptation to natural hazards; W-O strategies prioritize creating employment opportunities and improving urban amenities and services; and W-T strategies aim to reduce youth outmigration and mitigate economic instability. Based on the prioritization results, the most important strategies include creating employment opportunities, promoting economic development, improving household livelihoods, and enhancing water resource management, with water resource management receiving the highest priority.
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that the combined application of SWOT analysis and the QSPM is an effective approach for identifying challenges and developing management strategies for sustainable development in Arianshahr. This approach enables urban managers to prioritize strategic actions effectively and optimize the use of available resources. While SWOT analysis facilitates the identification of key internal and external factors, the QSPM enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of decision-making by assigning weights to these factors and prioritizing strategic alternatives. This integrated approach can be particularly valuable in complex natural resource management contexts, where improving the efficiency and sustainability of implementation strategies is essential. Therefore, greater attention should be given to employment opportunities and economic development in both short-term and long-term urban planning and decision-making processes.
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