Stakeholders’ perceptions of social and economic challenges in adopting sustainable urban development in post-war countries

Due to rapid urbanization, developing countries have faced significant urban socio-economic challenges. The destruction and lack of planning are acute in countries, such as Iraq, that have suffered for several decades from wars and international sanctions, resulting in severe damage to the ecology sector, social utilities and the disruption of the economic sector. Many urban development projects are currently underway in Iraq, and labelled as a means to reform. However, most lack public participation. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand the public's perception, especially of in urban areas with socio-economic challenges, and this represents a crucial concern for many planners, designers, and policy-makers seeking to develop effective policies. This study aims to investigate stakeholder perceptions of the urban challenges and their priorities in Iraqi cities. A nationwide survey was conducted (N = 643), using a 19-item structured questionnaire. PCA and statistical tests were applied to the collected responses, to investigate the relationships around such challenges. A high value of internal consistency and reliability was achieved (Cronbach's alpha = 0.867) and five components were identified. The item 'safety of public places' was ranked as the most important. Results illustrate a link between deficiencies in the social and economic infrastructures.