Introduction: Human capital is widely recognized as one of the most important drivers of economic development and a fundamental pillar of sustainable growth. Accordingly, improving the economic development of all segments of society has been considered one of the principal objectives of Iran’s post-revolutionary development programs. Despite their significant contribution to the national economy and the preservation of natural resources, nomadic communities continue to face numerous economic and social challenges that hinder their sustainable development. This study aims to assess the economic development status of nomadic households and identify the key socio-economic factors influencing their economic development in Khuzestan Province.
Methodology: This applied research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, documentary evidence and official administrative records. The statistical population consisted of nomadic households residing in Khuzestan Province. According to the latest census conducted by the Statistical Center of Iran at the end of the Sixth National Development Plan, the province had a nomadic population of 170,499 individuals living in 33,104 households, of which 12,230 households had been permanently settled. Using Cochran’s sampling formula, a sample size of 520 households was determined. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistical techniques. An ordinal logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants of economic development.
Geographical area of research: The study was conducted among nomadic communities inhabiting the Zagros region in northern Khuzestan Province, Iran.
Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that access to healthcare services, the use of fossil fuels in conjunction with environmental protection measures, durable housing, adequate transportation infrastructure, access to safe drinking water and most importantly, stable household income are significant determinants of the economic development of nomadic households in Khuzestan Province.
Conclusion: The ordinal logistic regression results demonstrate that both infrastructural and service–environmental factors significantly contribute to the economic development of nomadic households. Among the explanatory variables, stable household income exhibited the strongest positive effect (β = 0.78; OR = 2.18). Furthermore, the model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit (McFadden Pseudo R² = 0.32), indicating an acceptable explanatory power for analyzing the determinants of economic development among nomadic households in Khuzestan Province.