Journal of Complex Adaptive Systems

Journal of Complex Adaptive Systems

Can Social Networks Drive Adaptive Capacity? A Social Network Analysis of Carbon Sequestration Project Impacts in Rural Communities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehdi Ghorbani 1
Ahmad Naderi 2
Majid Rahimi 3
1 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Social Business Institute, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22059/jcas.2026.418791.1005
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the structural aspects of Social Capital (SC) in sustainable community development, focusing on four villages in Southeastern Iran participating in the International Carbon Sequestration Project (ICSP). The research aims to understand how collaboration, trust, and gender dynamics within Village Development Groups (VDGs) influence collective action and resource mobilization, key precursors to adaptive capacity in a resource-constrained socio-ecological system.
Methods: Using Social Network Analysis (SNA), data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 268 members of traditional and mixed-gender VDGs across four villages (Chah1, Gazdez, Kasrab, and Tajmir). Illustrative participant comments were also recorded to contextualize the quantitative findings. Network metrics including density, reciprocity, transitivity, and geodesic distance were calculated to map trust and collaboration ties. 
Results: Results revealed that Tajmir VDGs exhibited the highest collaboration density (70.3%) and reciprocity (over 65%), indicating strong mutual trust and resource-sharing. Mixed-gender groups in Gazdez demonstrated more balanced leadership distribution and higher satisfaction with decision-making, while traditional VDGs showed more hierarchical structures. The ICSP significantly enhanced bonding and bridging social capital, particularly empowering women's participation.
Conclusion: These findings confirm that dense, reciprocal, and inclusive social networks are foundational for community resilience and adaptive capacity. SNA proves an effective diagnostic tool for identifying network strengths and weaknesses. The study offers practical implications for policymakers, recommending gender-inclusive participatory structures and sustained capacity-building to strengthen social capital as a driver of sustainable rural development in arid regions.
Keywords
International Carbon Sequestration Project
Natural Resources Co-Management
Social Capital
Social Network Analysis
Sustainable Development
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Journal of Complex Adaptive Systems
Volume 1, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 85-107