The Role of Combating Desertification Projects in Promotion of Local People's Social Capital (The Case of Shahdad Carbon Sequestration Project)

This study examined the role of Carbon Sequestration Project (CSP) in improving the social capital of local people in Shahdad area of Kerman Province. The statistical population consisted of the members of the development groups of 6 rural districts with 456 people, as well as the local people of 6 rural districts outside of the project with 1428 people. The sample size was determined as 218 people based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table. For the purpose of comparison, a similar number of local people that lived out of project area were selected. The samples were chosen using stratified random sampling method. Questionnaire was the main tool for collecting data. The agricultural extension and education specialists, as well as experts of CSP in the Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization confirmed content validity of the questionnaire. The Cronbach α coefficient was calculated for determining the reliability of the questionnaire and its value for different parts were between 0.70 and 0.90. According to the results, there were significant differences between the local people’s social capital that covered by the project before and after the implementation of the project. In addition, there were significant differences between local people’s social capital under and out of coverage of the project. Finally, based on research results, some suggestions were presented for further strengthening of social capital and development of CSP.