Investigating the Effects of Rural Systems Development and Progress Plan on Social Capital Indicators in Arid Regions (Study Area: Taftan County)

Avazpour, Leila; Salajegheh, Susan; Ghorbani, Mehdi; Afsharian, Hosein

doi:10.22092/ijrdr.2026.135839

Editorial

Authors

¹ Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Planning, Management and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

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

⁴ Department of Natural Resources Policy, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

10.22092/ijrdr.2026.135839

Abstract

Abstract
Background and ObjectiveDevelopment in arid regions faces structural obstacles due to water scarcity, ecological constraints, and social vulnerability. Achieving development in these regions requires the application of scientific approaches to resource management, the use of technologies compatible with arid climates, and the strengthening of participation and social capital of local communities. This research aimed to investigate the effects of the rural development and development plan on social capital indicators in Taftan County, Sistan and Baluchestan province.MethodologyIn order to measure social capital, the indicators of trust and participation among the heads of rural development funds in four villages of Taftan County (Khairabad, Deh Pabid, Kavari, Kale Shahtoot) before (2010) and after the implementation of the Rural Systems Development and Progress Plan (2014) were studied. In this regard, the social network analysis (SNA) approach and indicators such as density, centrality, reciprocity, transitivity, and average geodesic distance have been used. The level of analysis in this study is villages and the unit of analysis is the heads of rural development microfinance funds. The questionnaires required for conducting the research were completed by 74 heads of the funds in the four villages under study, who were selected using the total number method. The required data were collected through surveys and questionnaires and analyzed using UCINET software.ResultsDryland management requires collaboration between different stakeholders, and social capital helps facilitate this collaboration by building strong social networks. The results showed that the implementation of the plan increased trust, participation, and social cohesion, and indicators such as network density, two-way communication, and transitivity increased and the average geodesic distance decreased. The decrease in the average geodesic distance indicated the strengthening of communication and social unity. Therefore, it can be stated that the " Rural Systems Development and Progress Plan " has promoted social and economic interactions and the social system has moved towards cooperative activities. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening trust, social participation, and structural cohesion to achieve sustainable development.ConclusionIn arid regions where social capital has been weakened by drought and the resulting scarcity of natural resources, implementing development projects can provide the basis for restoring collective participation and strengthening social trust. The research findings show that the development and progress plan for rural systems in the arid region of Taftan, through the establishment of rural development micro-funds by providing group access to financial resources, increases mutual trust and social participation among individuals, and thus has a positive impact on improving social capital indicators. By strengthening infrastructure and increasing public participation, this project has helped rebuild trust, increase participation, and a sense of social belonging in villages, which is a foundation for improving the quality of life, increasing the resilience of communities, and achieving sustainable development in drylands.

Keywords

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Iranian Journal of Range and Desert Research

Investigating the Effects of Rural Systems Development and Progress Plan on Social Capital Indicators in Arid Regions (Study Area: Taftan County)

References

References

Volume 33, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 210-220

Investigating the Effects of Rural Systems Development and Progress Plan on Social Capital Indicators in Arid Regions (Study Area: Taftan County)

References

References

Volume 33, Issue 2July 2026Pages 210-220

Volume 33, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 210-220