Increasing of Bridging social capital for establishment of community- based management in Arid regions

Community-based management is a process of management involving local beneficiaries actively in all stages of planning and implementing management programs so that each are at the center of decision-making. Since community-based management contributes greatly to the improvement of bridging social capital, present study analyzes the effectiveness of co-management for strengthening social capital. The research population consisted of heads of four villages i.e. Ziyaratshah, Deh Reza, Aostam Ababd-e-Alicharak, and Ali Abad Hashtsad Metri, Rigan County, Kerman province. Since community-based management of arid areas was implemented in this region, it was chosen as pilot. Social capital assessment through network analysis and measurement of trust and collaboration ties applying macro level indicators (whole-network) of local beneficiaries’ network was done. Network analysis questionnaire was applied for data gathering and 33 participants were chosen through whole network sampling method and they were interviewed. It was found out that indicators were at medium level prior to project implementation but they showed positive and incremental trend following the implementation of community-based management. Therefore, this project led to trust building and improved cooperation improved among heads and as a result, bridging social capital enhanced.