The level of spatial justice in the distribution of social services for the Regional Development Program in Wasit province for the period (2011-2022)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the level of spatial justice in the distribution of social services for the Regional Development Program in Wasit Province 2011-2022 through the spatial distribution of the health and education sectors. In addition to the relationship between the allocations of the Regional Development Program and the elements of the service gap, population, area, and available agricultural potential. The Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve were used to measure the variation in the optimal distribution of services and represent it spatially using geographic information systems (GIS).

The study revealed the clarity of decision-makers' reliance on the population factor in determining the size of investment allocations within the regional development program between the administrative units of the governorate. As for the division of allocations between service sectors within each administrative unit, it was not subject to a specific mechanism. In addition to weakness in considering service gaps, area, and agricultural potential when determining financial allocations. Therefore, a discrepancy emerged in the distribution of investment allocations, which was reflected in social services and the emergence of weakness in achieving spatial justice among the administrative units of Wasit Province.