An Analysis of Migration Network Flows Across the Counties of Khuzestan Province

Articles in Press

Document Type : scientific-research article

Authors

Asghar Tahmasebi ¹

Farhad Azizpur ¹

Narges Fallahi ²

¹ Kharazmi University of Tehran

² Masters student at Kharazmi University

https://doi.org/10.22067/jgrd.2026.97325.1627

Abstract

This study analyzes the migration flow network of the counties of Khuzestan Province and examines the role of economic and demographic variables, including education level and agricultural activities, in shaping migration trends. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach and applies a network-based perspective to identify the structural characteristics of inter-county migration flows. Research data were extracted from the 2024 General Agricultural Census and the 2016 Population and Housing Census and were analyzed using social network analysis techniques through UCINET, NetDraw, and Excel software. Key network indicators such as centrality measures were employed to reveal the spatial organization and hierarchy of migration flows within the province.



The findings indicate that Ahvaz County, as the central core of the migration network, exhibits the highest level of out-migration and simultaneously plays a pivotal role in directing population flows toward major metropolitan destinations such as Tehran and Karaj. The counties of Dezful, Andimeshk, Izeh, and Abadan function as second-level nodes within the network, acting as intermediate hubs that facilitate and channel migration flows between peripheral counties and major destinations. This pattern reflects a polarized and hierarchical migration structure within Khuzestan Province.



Correlation analysis results reveal that none of the unemployment indicators—including total unemployment, unemployment among highly educated individuals, and unemployment among illiterate individuals—show a statistically significant relationship with county-level out-migration. In contrast, the proportion of agricultural workers and the proportion of highly educated agricultural workers have a significant effect on out-migration levels. In other words, the population spillover of agricultural workers, particularly those holding higher education degrees, plays a decisive role in shaping out-migration from these counties. Accordingly, it is recommended that migration management and control policies place greater emphasis on this population group, particularly within the framework of regional planning, agricultural restructuring, and balanced spatial development.

Keywords

Migration Flows

Network Analysis

Khuzestan Province

Agriculture

Education

Subjects

• Planning in urban and rural areas

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