The livelihood situation in Chahnaf, located in the Ahouran district of Sistan and Baluchestan, has become extremely critical. Frequent droughts and the destruction of qanats have led to the collapse of agriculture and increased unemployment in this area. According to reports, nearly 90 percent of the local workforce lacks stable income and relies on government subsidies to meet basic living needs.
Livelihood of the People in Chahnaf
The residents of Chahnaf, who once relied on agriculture, are now in a critical situation. With the destruction of the local production chain and the absence of industries and production workshops, the youth in this region have turned to risky and informal jobs. Many of them migrate to other cities in search of work but face legal and social challenges. In this context, the lack of fundamental public service infrastructure and the crisis of water and energy have made the livelihood situation even more difficult.
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Imbalance and Employment Crisis
In Sistan and Baluchestan province, the rate of informal employment is very high, with between 64 to 70 percent of the workforce in this sector. This situation has not only led to unemployment but also, with the absence of insurance and social support, local workers have no safety net in case of work-related accidents. According to data from the Statistical Center of Iran, the official unemployment rate in this province is recorded at 10.5 percent, but economic realities indicate a poverty rate exceeding 62 percent in some counties.
Infrastructure deprivation, imbalance in fuel distribution, and high living costs have severely complicated the living conditions of the people. High fuel prices and the lack of a banking network have made access to financial services and local investment impossible. Additionally, the lack of healthcare services in rural areas has exacerbated livelihood problems, making it difficult for residents to benefit from medical services.
The migration of youth to other provinces due to absolute poverty and unemployment has become a social dilemma. In this context, Baluch workers face additional legal and social challenges in their work destinations, leading to discrimination and rejection in the labor market. This has turned the escape from poverty into a difficult and problem-filled path.
Ultimately, what is happening in Chahnaf and other regions of southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan is a clear reflection of the erosion of human capital and the disintegration of hope among the youth. It seems that the need for a paradigm shift in development and equitable redistribution of national resources is felt more than ever.
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