Extended Abstract

Introduction

The rapid growth of urbanization in Iran and globally has led to the physical expansion of cities and the creation of unsuitable spaces on the outskirts, a phenomenon known as marginalization or informal settlement. This phenomenon involves individuals who live within city limits but have not been integrated into the urban system, facing deprivation in terms of employment, housing, health, and public services. The lack of facilities and poverty among residents leads to urban poverty, which is also evident in the marginalized areas of Sistan and Baluchestan.

Among these, the marginalized settlements in Sistan and Baluchestan Province—particularly in cities such as Zahedan, Chabahar, Iranshahr, and Khash—are recognized as some of the most striking examples of urban inequality and structural deprivation in Iran. These areas face multidimensional economic, social, and environmental challenges that have not only severely degraded residents' quality of life but also turned them into hotspots for the spread of social harms. According to statistics, around 500,000 people live in informal settlements in this province, with Chabahar having the highest proportion of marginalized residents in the country at 60%. These areas suffer from extreme poverty, lack of access to basic services such as piped water, reliable electricity, and proper sewage systems, as well as severe overcrowding in substandard housing—conditions so dire that even the term "deprived" feels inadequate to describe them.



One of the most significant drivers of the formation and expansion of these marginalized settlements in the province is prolonged drought and the destruction of rural livelihoods. Many residents are former farmers and herders who lost their agricultural land and livestock due to the drying up of qanats (traditional irrigation systems) and springs, forcing them to migrate to urban peripheries in search of better opportunities. However, their inability to afford housing in formal urban areas has pushed them into makeshift clay or concrete block dwellings in areas lacking basic infrastructure. This phenomenon has not only fueled the growth of slums but has also led to rampant social issues, including widespread drug addiction (even among women and children), social insecurity, and tribal conflicts. Reports, for instance, describe open-air drug markets near raw sewage canals, with children playing in these hazardous environments.



Despite sporadic efforts—such as allocating a 1 trillion tomans budget to organize informal settlements in Sistan and Baluchestan—the absence of a comprehensive national plan and integrated management has prevented these measures from addressing the root causes of the problems. Key challenges include fragmented funding, lack of coordination among responsible institutions, and the exclusion of residents from genuine participation in rehabilitation processes. Moreover, current policies focus largely on short-term projects while neglecting the underlying economic and social drivers of rural-to-urban migration. Meanwhile, free trade zones like Chabahar have failed to improve conditions in adjacent marginalized areas, instead exacerbating class divides.



The urgency for a qualitative policy model in government interventions stems from the fact that current approaches have not only failed to resolve the crisis but have, in some cases, further accelerated the expansion of marginalization. A holistic model must combine economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and community participation to simultaneously tackle poverty, enhance social security, and improve living standards. This requires an interdisciplinary approach, where regional planning, equitable resource distribution, and respect for the cultural and social characteristics of marginalized communities form the foundation of policy measures.



Methodology

This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of methodology, relying on qualitative data. For data analysis, thematic analysis and the Delphi method were employed. The research follows a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design (instrument development variant), wherein a qualitative study was first conducted to inform the development of the research instrument, followed by a quantitative phase.

The statistical population of this study consists of 12 experts, selected through purposive sampling.



Results and discussion

The results of semi-structured interviews were analyzed through coding, leading to the identification of 73 initial codes, 9 main themes, and 2 overarching categories. The first category addressed policies to prevent marginalization, such as improving economic, welfare, and cultural conditions in migration origins, regulating uncontrolled migration, managing macroeconomic indicators, and implementing housing and land policies. The second category examined policies to improve existing conditions, including expanding urban services, developing infrastructure, strengthening social support systems, constructing housing, establishing healthcare and educational centers, and enhancing social security. Additionally, the findings emphasized the need for social and economic participation of residents through cultural programs, local councils, and job development. Validation using the fuzzy Delphi technique confirmed expert consensus on the importance of the identified factors. Ultimately, the study concluded that effectively reducing the harms of marginalization requires integrated policymaking across economic, social, and physical dimensions, and the proposed model can serve as a framework for planning in similar regions.



Conclusion

This research demonstrates that addressing marginalization requires two key approaches: prevention (by improving economic conditions and controlling migration) and improving existing conditions (through infrastructure development and urban services). The success of these solutions depends on active resident participation and integrated planning across economic, social, and physical dimensions. The proposed model can also serve as inspiration for other marginalized areas.



Funding

According to the responsible author, this article has no financial support



Authors’ Contribution

Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.



Conflict of Interest

Authors declared no conflict of interest.



Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.