Identification and Prioritization of the Dimensions of Local Governance and Social Capital and Their Implications for Rural Resilience to Natural Hazards (Case Study: Ahar Village)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Leila Nouripour ¹

Mohammad Reza Zandmoghadam ²

Zeinab Karkeh Abadi ²

¹ Se, C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

² Se. C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose- This study aims to identify and prioritize the key dimensions of local governance and social capital and to explain their implications for enhancing rural resilience to natural hazards in Ahar Village.
Design/methodology/approach- This applied research adopts a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, the dimensions of local governance, social capital, and rural resilience were identified through qualitative content analysis. In the quantitative phase, the extracted dimensions and indicators were validated and prioritized using the Delphi technique and statistical analysis. The statistical population consisted of experts in disaster management, geography and rural planning, local governance, social capital, and rural resilience, who were selected through purposive sampling. A total of 24 experts participated in three rounds of the Delphi process. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire in the first round, followed by closed-ended questionnaires based on a five-point Likert scale in subsequent rounds. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.
Finding- The findings showed that the three main dimensions’ local governance, social capital, and rural resilience ranked first to third, with mean scores of 4.42, 4.31, and 4.18, respectively. Within the local governance dimension, institutional capacity (4.58), preparedness and preventive planning (4.52), and coordination among local institutions (4.46) received the highest priorities. Within the social capital dimension, social trust (4.55), local participation (4.43), and social cohesion and cooperation (4.37) ranked highest. Regarding rural resilience, local community preparedness and adaptability (4.41), social and institutional capacity (4.32), and the ability to recover and maintain village activities after a disaster (4.25) received the highest priorities.
Practical Implications- The findings suggest that strengthening rural resilience requires an integrated approach to local governance and social capital. Policymakers and local authorities should prioritize strengthening institutional capacity, improving disaster preparedness and preventive planning, enhancing coordination among local institutions, and promoting social trust, local participation, social cohesion, and support networks. Developing these capacities simultaneously can improve communities’ ability to prepare for, adapt to, respond to, and recover from natural hazards while maintaining essential village activities.
Originality/value- By combining qualitative content analysis with the Delphi technique and statistical prioritization, the study identifies the most influential institutional and social factors underlying rural resilience. The findings highlight the complementary role of institutional capacity and social capital and demonstrate that sustainable resilience-building requires simultaneous attention to governance structures, community participation, social trust, preparedness, and institutional coordination.

Keywords

Local Governance

Social Capital

Rural Resilience

Natural Hazards

Disaster Management

Ahar Village.

Subjects

• Rural Studies

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