Qualitative assessment of the social-environmental components of the Gawooshan dam project from the point of view of the project actors

Many researches have been conducted in the field of social impact assessment of rural projects, but few researches can be found that examine the social impact assessment from the perspective of the stakeholders. This is despite the fact that the evaluation of social effects with the participation of stakeholders can lead to the formulation of more serious programs, better evaluation and management of conflicts in this field. Therefore, the present study investigates the social effects of the dam as perceived by the stakeholders in order to gain a deep insight using the qualitative method.

The current research has used the qualitative paradigm and the descriptive-interpretive research method to achieve the research goal. For this purpose, 10 key experts (Agricultural Jihad of Kermanshah province, Natural Resources Department and Environment and Water-Regional Department of Kermanshah province) and 28 local people of the villages covered by the project were studied. Data collection was done through focused group discussions, in-depth individual interviews, observation and document study with an average time of 25 to 40 minutes. The interviews were analyzed using the communicative content analysis method. Reliability was established through the control of people's opinions by other interview participants and the researcher's self-review during the data analysis process. Reassurance (validity) was also done by presenting all documents, notes and recorded interviews to the research team after analysis by the researcher.

The results of the interviews showed that the participants in the research evaluated the effects of the dam on the quality of life by expressing 38 positive concepts and improving the sense of place by expressing 5 positive concepts and believe that the implementation of this project will lead to a decrease in social capital by expressing 23 The concept of impact and damage to natural and environmental resources has been defined by expressing 10 concepts of impact.

The results of the research show the impact of the implementation of development projects on all social, economic and environmental aspects of the residents of the region. Therefore, planners and officials are advised to pay attention to the evaluation of all dimensions of development, especially the social dimensions of the residents of the affected areas, in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs in the implementation of development interventions at the strategic level.