Social Capital Networks and Sustainable Rural Management (Study case: Ghaleganj County)

Authors

1 Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Social Business Institute, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

As a fundamental requirement for national progress, rural development must take precedence over other initiatives in development strategies. Among the most effective strategies for the sustainable and all-encompassing development of rural communities is maximizing the capabilities and participation of individuals, particularly villagers, in every aspect.
The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of social capital on the local progress of the villages of Goldasht, Jangalabad, and Gazabad in Ghalaganj County, situated in the southern region of Kerman province. This will be achieved through the utilization of social network analysis over two distinct time periods: prior to and subsequent to the execution of the community empowerment initiative. The required data were gathered in this manner through the distribution of a network analysis questionnaire and conducting direct interviews with 251 members of the local microcredit fund, employing a full network approach.
The results indicate that the density index for two ties of trust and collaboration has increased in all villages examined since the empowerment plan was implemented; Gazabad village has the maximum density associated with the tie of trust (90.1). An increase in population density results in the development of trust, participation and social capital at the individual level. The increase in the reciprocity index further demonstrates the significance and efficacy of the empowerment plan in fostering trust and collaboration among nations, bolstering social capital, and ultimately enhancing individual empowerment.
The confidence of microcredit fund members has increased and their willingness to participate has been strengthened as a result of the empowerment project’s implementation, according to the results. This underscores the effectiveness of the community-based approach as a means to augment social capital. Therefore, administrators and policymakers can devise strategies to enhance sustainable rural management by utilizing these findings.

Keywords

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