Journal of Greater Khorasan

Journal of Greater Khorasan

Identifying the capability of non-governmental organizations to participate in urban development plans (Case study: Birjand city)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Amir golru 1
h s 2
Sanaz Saidi Mofrad 3
fatemeh Sadrnabavi 4
1 Ph.D. candidate. Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Urban Planning Department, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
3 Associate Professor of Urban Planning Department, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/jgk.2023.382443.1102
Abstract
Background and Objective: Despite the emphasis on the role of popular organizations in urban development plans, limited research has examined non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as key contributors to the realization of such plans.
Methods: The study involved eight municipal experts and eight NGO representatives. Thematic analysis was conducted using three categories: basic, organizing, and comprehensive themes.
Results: The socio-cultural sector accounted for the highest share of NGO activities (80.29%), while civil affairs had the lowest participation (0.98%) in South Khorasan Province.
Conclusion: NGOs can significantly contribute to urban development by addressing economic challenges (e.g., land acquisition, construction, and funding allocation) and defining priority action areas. Their involvement in social and policy-making processes also enhances support, education, and cultural initiatives. However, while NGOs mitigate some urban development challenges, they cannot resolve all issues independently.
Keywords
Participatory planning
non-governmental organizations
participation
Birjand
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  • Receive Date 25 June 2025