Evaluation of Social Capital of Local Communities in Line with Integrated Watershed Management of Bakhriz Watershed

Salajegheh, Sosan; Avazpour, Leila; Ghorbani, Mehdi

doi:10.22059/jrwm.2025.391658.1815

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Planning, Management, and HSE Group, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Faculty of governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

10.22059/jrwm.2025.391658.1815

Abstract

Since a significant portion of water resources and other essential resources required by communities are located in adjacent watersheds and suburban areas, the implementation of management programs often conflicts with the interests and demands of watershed residents. Resolving these disputes is only achievable through peaceful methods that safeguard the rights of all parties while ensuring environmental sustainability. Among effective approaches, the cooperation and participation of local communities along with strengthening the social capital of watershed inhabitants prove particularly valuable. Social capital, founded upon individual participation in collective activities and the establishment of mutual trust among community members, enhances the process of social engagement in comprehensive watershed management. This study measures and analyzes social capital in four villages of Bakharz County (Eshtivan, Chahar Tagh, Shahrak Shahid Beheshti, and Qaleh Now Shamloo) both before and after implementation of a rural development and improvement project. The research employs Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology. Required data were collected through survey questionnaires and subsequently analyzed using UCINET software. Key network analysis indicators were calculated to assess social capital, including: network density (indicating connection levels among members), centrality (measuring influence and power within the network), reciprocity (evaluating mutual relationships), transitivity of relationships (showing cohesion and information flow), and average geodesic distance (assessing information dissemination speed). The findings reveal a substantial increase in social capital across all four villages following the local development project's implementation. This improvement appears particularly pronounced in Eshtivan village, where decreased power centralization coincided with increased trust and participation. The reduction in average geodesic distance and enhancement in relationship reciprocity further demonstrate the strengthening of social bonds and local institutions. These results underscore the critical importance of social capital in building social resilience and achieving sustainable rural development. Consequently, we recommend that policymakers and development planners prioritize strategies focused on reinforcing social capital, especially through establishing and supporting local institutions.

Keywords

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Journal of Range and Watershed Managment

Evaluation of Social Capital of Local Communities in Line with Integrated Watershed Management of Bakhriz Watershed

References

References

Volume 78, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 145-156

Evaluation of Social Capital of Local Communities in Line with Integrated Watershed Management of Bakhriz Watershed

References

References

Volume 78, Issue 2June 2025Pages 145-156

Volume 78, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 145-156