Spatial Analysis of Subjective Indicators of Resilience in Informal Settlements in District 4 of Zahedan City

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of the current research is to analyze the spatial status of the subjective indicators of resilience in the informal settlements of Zahedan. The statistical population includes residents of three neighborhoods: Karimabad, Qasimabad, and Shirabad. The reason for choosing these neighborhoods is their high vulnerability to natural and human hazards. In order to realize the spatial dimension of the research, spatial sampling was used in such a way that the studied neighborhoods were divided into small zones using the sampling tool set and the create fishnet tool in GIS software, and a number of questionnaires were assigned to each zone depending on its population. The sample size was estimated to be 384 people, which was distributed according to the population of each neighborhood and each zone. Factor analysis tests and techniques, Pearson's correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sheffe's post hoc test were used to analyze the questionnaire data, and GIS was used to prepare the maps. The research results indicate that there is a significant difference in the researched neighborhoods in terms of resilience indicators. In addition, the spatial sense of belonging index has the greatest effect on the resilience of the studied area. The results of Pearson’s correlation show that in the two neighborhoods of Karimabad and Shirabad, the highest correlation was between the two variables of safety and health and the sense of belonging to the place. In the neighborhood of Qasimabad, the highest correlation was between the two variables of knowledge and individual skill and the improvement of the economic situation.Keywords: Urban Resilience, Spatial Sampling, Informal Settlement, Zahedan.IntroductionThe issue of informal settlements is a form of settlement in which the optimal living function is at a low level compared to other urban areas. Due to the fragility and high vulnerability of these settlements against natural threats and social harms, their resilience (as one of the four goals of regeneration) should be given serious attention. Most of these settlements are located in high-risk areas such as rivers and mountain slopes where there is a possibility of landslides. This study investigates the spatial status of the subjective indicators of resilience in the informal settlements of District 4 of Zahedan City. Materials and MethodsThe present research is applied in terms of its purpose. In terms of nature and method, it is among descriptive-analytical studies. In order to realize the spatial dimension of the research, spatial sampling was used in such a way that the studied neighborhoods were divided into small zones using the sampling tool set and the fishnet tool in GIS software, and a number of questionnaires belonged to each zone depending on its population. The statistical population of the present study, which is considered among the informal settlements of Zahedan City, includes the residents of three neighborhoods: Karimabad, Qasimabad, and Shirabad. The reason for choosing these neighborhoods is their high vulnerability to all kinds of natural and human hazards (the passage of the fundamental fault near Mahdowa and the passage of the main roads of the city through the middle). It is one of the natural and human hazards that threaten the area and its residents. The sample size was estimated to be 384 people, which was distributed according to the population of each neighborhood and each zone. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using the opinions of supervisors, consultants, and other experts in the urban area, and their corrective opinions were applied and finally confirmed. The reliability of the questionnaire results was also measured using Cronbach's alpha, the value of which was 0.814, which indicates the good reliability of the questionnaire. Also, factor analysis tests and techniques, Pearson’s correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sheffe's post hoc test were used to analyze the questionnaire data, and GIS was used to prepare the maps. Research FindingsThe results of the factor analysis show that the most important component affecting resilience in the studied area is the sense of place belonging. On the other hand, the results obtained from Pearson's correlation show that in the Karimabad neighborhood, the highest relationship exists between the two variables of security and environmental health and the sense of place belonging. Also, in the Qasimabad neighborhood, the relationship between the components of individual knowledge and skill and the improvement of the economic situation is the strongest. In the Shirabad neighborhood, like Karimabad, the relationship between the two variables of security and health and the sense of belonging to the place is the most intense. The result of the analysis of variance, which was done to compare the neighborhoods in terms of resilience indicators, shows that there is a significant difference between the neighborhoods under the study in terms of the three variables of access, place belonging, and security and environmental health. Thus, the neighborhood of Karimabad, compared to the two neighborhoods, has a more favorable relative situation. Discussion of Results and ConclusionThe results of the spatial analysis indicate that the Karimabad neighborhood has a better condition than the other two neighborhoods (Qasimabad and Shirabad). The reason for this can be found in the implementation of regeneration programs. For example, if we look at the descriptive statistics, this neighborhood has fewer residents who do not have ownership documents. Therefore, by granting ownership documents and recognizing these neighborhoods, and on the other hand, by carrying out regeneration measures in different dimensions, it is possible to improve the resilience of the target neighborhoods.

Keywords

• urban resilience
• spatial sampling
• informal settlement
• zahedan