journal of sustainable rural development

journal of sustainable rural development

Impact of Social Capital on Villagers' Perceptions of Participation in Rural Livability Projects: A Case Study in Central Jiroft County

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Naser Shafieisabet 1
Fatemeh karimi marezi 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.
2 MSc., Department of Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jsrd.2024.316759.1089
Abstract
Purpose: Social capital is a fundamental starting point for achieving rural livability. Consequently, its analysis has received much attention within rural settlements' planning and policy systems. Furthermore, as one of the cornerstones of rural development and transformation, social capital provides a strong foundation for improving villagers' positive and compatible perception of and participation in socio-economic development projects and initiatives that enhance the ecological environment and overall livability of rural communities.
Methods: This study employed a quantitative and descriptive-analytical method, utilizing a questionnaire distributed across 30 villages and targeting 400 households as samples. To explore the relationship between social capital and villagers' adaptation to participation in projects aimed at improving rural livability in the central district of Jiroft County, a conceptual model was developed for structural equation modeling using AMOS (or other appropriate software).
Results: The findings revealed a consistently positive effect of social capital on villagers' adaptive perception and participation in rural living plans and programs. Regarding the social capital dimensions within the study area's rural settlements, respondents' perspectives indicated that social cohesion had the lowest average score (2.83), while social organization had the highest average score (3.42). Examining the livability dimensions, the economic dimension had the lowest average score (3.15), whereas the environmental-ecological dimension had the highest average score (3.59).
Conclusion: This study's findings consistently demonstrate a positive effect of social capital on villagers' participation in rural livability plans and projects. In essence, higher levels of social capital correlate with a more positive and collaborative perception among villagers regarding implementing environmental-ecological, social, and economic projects. Conversely, lower social capital translates to decreased villager participation. These findings align with existing research on the subject. It becomes clear that social capital serves as a crucial foundation for enhancing rural livability across all dimensions. Therefore, policymakers and planners should prioritize strategies that increase social capital in rural areas. This will provide the necessary groundwork for achieving sustainable rural development and improved livability for all residents.
Keywords
Social Capital
Positive perception Of Villagers
Rural livability
Structural equation modeling
Jiroft County
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journal of sustainable rural development
Volume 8, Issue 1 - Serial Number 13
Spring and Summer
Spring 2024
Pages 131-146