The effect of carbon sequestration project on strengthening the network of cooperation of local leaders in Azadshahr villages of Golestan province

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (abedi@gau.ac.ir)

Abstract

In development theories, local leaders play a crucial role in rural development. However, having effective leadership is one of the challenges that rural communities face. Some believe that building a cohesive network of local leaders can help address this challenge. In this regard, the present study examines the effect of a rural development program called the carbon sequestration project on strengthening the cooperation network of local leaders in Golestan province. Using the social network analysis method, the communication network of local leaders of the three villages covered by this project was examined. The data collection tool was a questionnaire in which the cooperation link between local leaders before and after the implementation of the project was assessed. The results showed that the implementation of the carbon sequestration project has increased the parameters of the cooperation network of local leaders such as density, bonding ties, bridging ties, reciprocity, transitivity, and EI index. Besides, geodesic distance mean and network centralization have decreased. These findings show that after the implementation of the carbon sequestration project, the network of cooperation between local leaders has been strengthened, and therefore the network has more social capital and stability.

Keywords


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