Volume 18, Issue 1 (7-2024)
مرتع 2024, 18(1): 72-84 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Naderi A, Yazdanparast M, Ghorbani M, Avazpoor L. Analyzing Structural Characteristics of Social Capital for Landscape-Community Based Management: A Case Study in Ghaleganj County. مرتع 2024; 18 (1) :72-84
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1281-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1281-en.html
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran
Abstract: (603 Views)
Background and objectives: Sustainable rural development necessitates capacity building and social empowerment of local communities. Understanding and enhancing social capital (SC) facilitates participatory planning and program implementation. This study analyzes the structural characteristics of SC in villages of Dastjerd, Dazuk, and Sohrani (Ghaleganj County, Iran) within the framework of landscape-community based management (LCBM). Social network analysis (SNA) was employed in two phases: before and after the implementation of an LCBM empowerment project.
Methodology: SNA was used to assess the project's impact on local community empowerment and SC structure within rural microcredit funds. Four key network indicators were investigated: density, reciprocity, transitivity, and geodesic distance. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires administered to all 262 members of the microcredit funds in the three villages (full network method).
Results: Following the project, the density index increased in all villages for both trust and collaboration ties. The reciprocity index also rose, indicating stronger mutual relationships among members, thereby enhancing SC and enabling participation in local development initiatives. The transitivity index suggests a more stable network structure, improving resilience against economic and environmental challenges. The geodesic distance index revealed increased unity and coordination among stakeholders, potentially facilitating collaborative activities and further empowerment.
Conclusion: The project fostered a more stable and cohesive network. Relationships, emotional support, shared interests, and access to resources contribute to building and strengthening social ties. This, in turn, enhances SC and strengthens trust and collaboration within the network. Comparing pre- and post-project conditions suggests the project's effectiveness in fostering inter-village relations. Improved communication and collaboration hinge on enhanced SC, which also promotes inclusion. By providing integrated management indicators, this research empowers managers and planners for more effective interventions.
Methodology: SNA was used to assess the project's impact on local community empowerment and SC structure within rural microcredit funds. Four key network indicators were investigated: density, reciprocity, transitivity, and geodesic distance. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires administered to all 262 members of the microcredit funds in the three villages (full network method).
Results: Following the project, the density index increased in all villages for both trust and collaboration ties. The reciprocity index also rose, indicating stronger mutual relationships among members, thereby enhancing SC and enabling participation in local development initiatives. The transitivity index suggests a more stable network structure, improving resilience against economic and environmental challenges. The geodesic distance index revealed increased unity and coordination among stakeholders, potentially facilitating collaborative activities and further empowerment.
Conclusion: The project fostered a more stable and cohesive network. Relationships, emotional support, shared interests, and access to resources contribute to building and strengthening social ties. This, in turn, enhances SC and strengthens trust and collaboration within the network. Comparing pre- and post-project conditions suggests the project's effectiveness in fostering inter-village relations. Improved communication and collaboration hinge on enhanced SC, which also promotes inclusion. By providing integrated management indicators, this research empowers managers and planners for more effective interventions.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/08/4 | Accepted: 2024/07/31 | Published: 2024/07/31
Received: 2024/08/4 | Accepted: 2024/07/31 | Published: 2024/07/31
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
