Department of Geography, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , alirezaestelaji@iau.ac.ir
Abstract: (103 Views)
Objective: Environmental, economic, and social resilience of rural settlements located within the peri‑urban zones of metropolitan areas plays a decisive role in reducing vulnerability to crises. The peri‑urban villages of Tabriz, due to their unique geographical, economic, and social characteristics, face multiple challenges in the field of crisis management. This study aims to comprehensively identify the factors influencing resilience in these villages, analyze the interactions among them, and propose operational strategies to enhance their capacity for response and adaptation under crisis conditions. Method: This research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature, employing a mixed‑method approach (quantitative–qualitative). Data were collected through semi‑structured interviews with experts and a specialized questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Grounded Theory method, while relationships and prioritization of factors were assessed through the DEMATEL model. The identified factors were classified into three major categories: causal, contextual, and intervening factors. Results: Results revealed that among causal factors, incentive policies and public participation had the highest impact on enhancing resilience. In the contextual category, capacity‑building and innovation emerged as pivotal elements, emphasizing the necessity of stakeholder empowerment and the adoption of creative solutions. Among intervening factors, local institutions played the most significant role, underlining the importance of strengthening local governance. The proposed strategies are structured around twelve key axes, such as reforming the crisis management framework, developing a resilient rural economy, creating crisis‑based social networks, and implementing adaptive technologies. Application of these strategies is expected to yield seven key outcomes, including reduced vulnerability to hazards, improved crisis management efficiency, sustainable socio‑economic development, and enhanced environmental quality. Conclusion: By elucidating the simultaneous roles of causal, contextual, and intervening factors in strengthening the resilience of peri‑urban villages, this study presents an effective cognitive model for crisis management. The integration of the Grounded Theory–DEMATEL approach enables the identification of intervention priorities, evidence‑based decision‑making, and the formulation of policies tailored to local characteristics, with potential applicability to other rural areas across the country.