Assessing Spatial Inequality in Access to Health and Education Services in the Context of Sustainable Spatial Development: Evidence from Kerman Province, Iran

Ojaghi, Farshad; Badri, Seyed Ali

doi:10.22059/jtcp.2026.416927.670560

Assessing Spatial Inequality in Access to Health and Education Services in the Context of Sustainable Spatial Development: Evidence from Kerman Province, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Farshad Ojaghi ¹

Seyed Ali Badri ²

¹ Dep. of Human Geography & Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

² Dep. of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jtcp.2026.416927.670560

Abstract

Spatial justice and equitable access to public services are foundational to sustainable spatial development. This applied study models spatial inequality regarding access to basic services (health and education) across Kerman Province, Iran. Utilizing the TOPSIS model for county ranking, the research employs the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve to measure inequality depth, while spatial autocorrelation and bivariate mapping techniques are used to analyze the geographical structure of deprivation. Findings reveal a stark disparity in the education sector (Gini coefficient: 0.412) compared to the health sector (0.258), indicating a significant concentration of educational resources in specific hubs. Although the Global Moran’s I statistic suggests a dispersed pattern at the provincial level, local indicators identify a distinct “spatial poverty trap” in the province’s southern counties, such as Qaleh Ganj and Rudbar-e Jonub. These results confirm that Kerman’s development structure adheres to a center–periphery model. Consequently, to mitigate further spatial polarization and advance sustainable development, regional planning must pivot from centralized strategies toward place-based development, prioritizing resource allocation for the identified deprived zones in the southern and eastern regions.

Keywords

Spatial Inequality

Health and Education Services

Sustainable Spatial Development,

TOPSIS Model

Kerman Province

Subjects