Exploring rural sewage management approaches using the SWOT technique Case study: Roodbar Qasran area

Background and Aims: The management of sewage plays an important role in promoting human health and environmental protection as well as achieving sustainable development in the country’s water resources. Evaluation of available water resources coupled with development of waste management strategies is crucial to achieve this goal. Materials and Methods: In this study, a SWOT technique was applied for assessment and to provide strategies for Rudbar Qasran Rural Wastewater Management. The data were collected using field observations and a questionnaire. The research community consisted of experts and managers who dominate the present status of sewage management in the region. In this method, effective factors of sewage management in the present situation in the region were analyzed by hierarchical analysis method. Appropriate strategies for sewage management in the studied villages were then created and prioritized using SWOT technique. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 16). The study was carried out ethically and there was no bias and confinement on the part of the researcher during the research process. Results: The results obtained showed that total score of the internal and external matrix factors were 2.298 and 2.213, respectively. Based on the results of the present study, wastewater managing approach in Roodbar Ghasran villages is located in the defensive zone from the strategic point of view. It pose also weakness based on internal factor and threatened due to its external factors. Conclusion: The use of defensive strategies that could minimize the weaknesses and threats, promotes sewage management in the existing situation.

Keywords:

srategic management , rural wastewater , Roudbar Ghasran area , SWOT technique