Evaluation of the Social Effectiveness of Empowerment Projects in Local Communities: A Case Study in Ghaleganj County.

Background and objectives: The role of sustainable development in society is widely acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of proper investment, particularly in social capital, which thrives on trust and collaboration. This study employs social network analysis to assess the impact of an empowerment project on local communities in Ghaleganj County, analyzing social effectiveness before and after project implementation. Methodology: The study utilizes social network analysis to assess the performance of the local community empowerment project in Ghaleganj County. Social network positions were analyzed before the establishment of rural microcredit funds and after the project's implementation. Key social network indicators such as Density, Reciprocity, Transitivity, and Geodesic Distance were examined. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 164 members of local microcredit funds in Azadshahr, Aliabad, and Zirabad villages, employing a full network method. Results: The density index increased in all studied villages for both trust and collaboration ties after the empowerment project, with the highest density observed in Zirabad village (95.08%). Reciprocity index also increased post-project implementation, indicating enhanced bilateral and mutual relations in trust and collaboration bonds, leading to increased social capital and participation in rural development funds. The study revealed a medium level of social capital before the project, which increased significantly with the establishment of microcredit funds. Conclusion: The study concludes that increased social capital enhances adherence to norms, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages responsibility among villagers. The formation of a microcredit fund and associated social structures in the village have positively impacted trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Membership in a social network enhances communication, influences trust in knowledge sources, and ultimately contributes to the empowerment of villagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]