The rapid and uncontrolled expansion of urban sprawl in Baghdad, particularly after 2003, has significantly transformed the city's landscape. This expansion stems from socio-political instability, a lack of affordable housing, and inadequate urban planning frameworks. As informal settlements encroach on agricultural lands, the city's infrastructure—including water, sanitation, and transportation systems—faces mounting pressure. This situation presents critical challenges to the sustainability of Baghdad’s public services and the quality of life for its residents. This study aims to evaluate the impact of unregulated urban sprawl on Baghdad’s public services and infrastructure, focusing on how informal growth has undermined the city's capacity to deliver essential services. Through the analysis of household and stakeholder survey data, the study highlights critical shortcomings in service delivery and infrastructure within the Al-Dora district. Moreover, the research proposes actionable recommendations to enhance urban planning and governance, addressing the socio-environmental consequences of unregulated growth. The findings emphasize the severe strain urban sprawl has exerted on Baghdad’s public services, with critical deficiencies observed in water supply, electricity access, healthcare services, and transportation networks, particularly in informal settlements. Stakeholders identified institutional barriers, such as poor coordination and insufficient policies, as major obstacles to managing this growth. The study underscores the urgent need for urban planning reforms, strengthened governance, and the integration of modern technologies like GIS to monitor and control urban sprawl. These recommendations aim to foster a sustainable urban future for Baghdad, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents. Copyright: ©2024 The authors.
