Measuring Developmental Disparities and Their Impact on Achieving Balanced Spatial Development in the Districts of Baghdad Governorate

Abstract

This study aims to measure the developmental disparities between the districts of Baghdad Governorate and to analyze the impact of balanced spatial development in reducing these gaps. The research relied on a set of service, economic, and social indicators, focusing on analyzing the patterns of resource, service, and infrastructure distribution to identify spatial differences and determine the extent of developmental disparities among the districts according to planning standards for measuring inequality. The study also employed spatial analysis tools according to planning criteria, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cluster analysis to accurately determine the locations of spatial disparities, as well as employing the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve to measure the equity of service and resource distribution among districts.The results showed a clear concentration of development in some districts, particularly the central ones (Baghdad city), compared to a relative decline in peripheral districts, reinforcing spatial imbalance and deepening social, economic, urban, and environmental disparities. The results specifically reveal disparities in basic services such as potable water, sanitation, waste collection, and electricity, with a clear difference between central and peripheral districts. The study concluded the necessity of adopting fair development policies that ensure equitable resource distribution and encourage investment in marginalized or less developed districts to reduce the disparity gap and achieve balanced spatial development in Baghdad Governorate. Furthermore, the study provides a scientific basis to support future research in spatial planning and the formulation of more equitable development strategies.