Analysis of Structural Characteristics of Social Capital in Society Oriented Rural Management Establishment (Aliabad Hashtsadmetri Village, Rigan District, Kerman Province)

Community-based management of rural communities is of high importance and priority, as it facilitates development transition period of a region. Accordingly, it is incumbent upon all beneficiaries to turn it into a reality. Reinforcement of social capital, especially its structural characteristics, entails more its tangible aspects and enables actors to communicate effectively with one another. Appraisal of structural characteristics of bonding and bridging social capital of rural microfund committees was carried out in the present study in an attempt to establish rural community-based management in Ali Abad Hashtsad Metri village as a part of the project of local communities empowerment. Trust and participation ties were investigated both prior and after project implementation by applying network analysis questionnaire and direct interviews. It was found out that network ties and social capital increased after project implementation. Once a project is accomplished, institutionalization, sustainability, trust and participation transfer within the network are enhanced. Thus, by further reinforcement of social capital through trust building and encouraging users to participate, the way is paved for community-based management.