Social Capital Status among Member and Non-member Farmers of Agricultural Associations in Garmsar Township

The major purpose of this study was to investigate social capital among members and non- member farmers of agricultural associations in Garmsar Township. Population included 300 farmers (150 members and 150 non- members) Cochran’s formula was used to select samples for the study. Survey technique and questionnaire were used forgathering data. Face validity of the instrument was confirmed by a panel of experts at Shiraz University. Questionnaires Reliability was gained by implementing a pilot study. Internal consistency analysis calculated from the pilot test produced Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.9. The results revealed that member farmers have a higher education level and knowledge than non-members. The member farmers had higher income and received the more loans than the non-member farmers. Also the results showed that the member farmers have more social participation in social activities, network of social relations, social solidarity, social trust, participating in extension programs than the other farmers. Finally, based on the results, some recommendations are presented.