Empowerment of informal settlements with emphasis on good urban governance indicators (Case study: Babil city)

Introduction

The history of dealing with informal settlement goes back to the writings of thinkers such as Marshall Clinard, Robert Park, John Turner and Charles Abrams. Clinard says the following in the definition of informal settlement: : Informal settlement is a sub-culture with a set of norms that are associated with neighborhoods with low hygiene, social deviations and characteristics such as social isolation. Empowerment is an approach for proper distribution of economic and social resources in a sustainable manner. In this situation, the life of the low-income and poor classes is based on the internal capacities and prioritization of needs, by these people themselves and their participation to face the issues of poverty. This approach believes that people should be empowered in such a way that they can make decisions about their living environment. Empowerment has two important elements of holistic and holistic agency towards the cause of poverty. This means that it is possible to overcome obstacles in long processes and with the active participation of interested groups, and on the other hand, it is not possible to improve certain aspects of the life of marginalized groups (for example, providing some infrastructure and services with some economic facilities) witnessed the capabilities of the above groups. In general, the approach of empowerment with a multi-dimensional, more comprehensive and more people-oriented approach covers the previous weaknesses to some extent.

Research Methodology

The current research is descriptive-analytical in terms of research method and applied in nature. The method of collecting information in order to answer the research questions and based on the research method of the research, two document-library and survey methods were used. In this research, a web-based questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. In order to measure the reliability of the online questionnaire in this research, Cronbach's test and its alpha coefficient were used. The statistical population of this research consists of specialists, experts and university professors, doctoral students of urban geography, urban managers and fields related to urban management, of which 79 people were used as a statistical sample using the judgmental sampling method. In this type of sampling, people who are in the best position to provide the required information are selected for the sample. To evaluate the reliability and validity of a panel of 20 experts, the relative coefficient of content validity (CVR), content validity index (CVI) and the reliability of the measurement model are evaluated using factor loading coefficients, Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. In order to analyze the data and test the hypotheses, quantitative analysis methods (structural equation modeling with variance-based approach (PLS)), methods of displaying the characteristics of localities in Gis software such as Quantities were used. SmartPls, Spss software are also used.

Results and discussion

Pearson's correlation test was used in order to check the correlation between good urban governance and empowerment of informal settlements in Babol city. By comparing the significant level obtained with the error coefficient of 0.05 (less than 0.05), we can conclude that there is a difference between the indicators of desirable urban governance (participation, efficiency and effectiveness, political stability and the fight against corruption, legality, justice social, responsibility, community-oriented) and the empowerment of informal settlements in Babol city, there is a significant relationship. The value of the correlation coefficient in the investigation of the relationship is respectively equal to 0.456, 0.872, 0.588, 0.796, 0.761, 0.653 and 0.668 according to the positive value of the correlation coefficient in the validity indices. Urban desirability shows the existence of a positive and direct relationship between urban desirability and the empowerment of informal settlements in the city of Babol. The highest correlation coefficient between efficiency and effectiveness and empowerment of informal settlements is established in Babol city with a coefficient of 0.872. In order to analyze the effects of goodurban governance on the empowerment of informal settlements in the city of Babol, a one-sample T-test was used. In order to test the research hypothesis and also evaluate the conceptual model, structural equations based on variance have been used. The independent variables of the current research are participation, efficiency and effectiveness, political stability and fight against corruption, legality, social justice, responsibility, community-oriented, which respectively have coefficients of 0.958, 0.715, 0.619, 0.701, 1.010, and 932. 0.0, 0.73 has had a positive and significant effect on the independent variable of the research (optimal urban governance) at the significance level of p<05, which among the examined indicators has the most effect with a coefficient of 1.010 related to the variable of social justice; Therefore, in increasing the empowerment of informal urban settlements in the city of Babol, social justice with criteria such as the degree of accountability to municipal strategies in order to increase participation (M1), cooperation with young people in the formation of non-governmental popular organizations (M2), citizens' awareness of citizenship rights in the direction of participation (M3) ), attracting people's participation through the formation and activity of local councils of regions (M4), consensus in neighborhood decision-making (M5), participation in neighborhood economic investment, etc. (M6) has been most effective. Also, according to the significance level of 5% and the confidence level of 95%, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between the independent and dependent variables of the research.

Conclusion

Urban governance with appropriate solutions can guarantee the improvement of the living conditions of the residents of informal settlements and contribute to the sustainable development of the city. These positive effects benefit not only the residents of these areas but also the whole society and city. For a deeper understanding and more detailed analysis of the characteristics of informal settlements in the city of Babol and the role of urban governance in improving the living conditions and management of these areas. As an important source, this research can help city managers and rulers to consider more effective policies and programs to manage and control informal settlements and ensure the improvement of citizens' quality of life.