Evaluation and analysis of the effects of social capital on improving the dimensions of sustainable rural viability (Case study: Central district, Jiroft County)

Today, rural settlements face many economic, social, and environmental-ecological challenges. Hence, social capital is a positive feature in rural settlements that facilitating cooperation in a geographical area can help understand the hidden diversity of viability. Accordingly, the present study was conducted in a quantitative, descriptive-analytical method and based on a questionnaire in 30 villages and 400 sample households. Cochran's formula for determining the sample size and structural equation modeling and Amos graphic software revealed the relationship between social capital and improving the dimensions of sustainable rural viability in the central part of Jiroft city. Findings indicate a consistent and positive effect between social capital and sustainable rural livelihood. In addition, among the social capital indices, the social cohesion index with the lowest average of 2.81 and the social organization with the value of 3.40 has the highest average. It has a better situation than other dimensions. And among the dimensions of economic viability with a rate of 3.17 in this regard, by improving and promoting the dimensions of awareness, cohesion, trust, network, and social relations, the participation of villagers in economic, social, and environmental programs has increased, and improved Sustainability becomes rural.