Role of Social Network Measurements in Improving Adaptive Capacity: The Case of Agricultural Water Users in Rural Areas of Western Iran

Abstract

This study aims at exploring ways of increasing adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability of farmers in the face of water scarcity through establishing a link between social network indicators and the dimensions of adaptive capacity. For this purpose, a Social Network Analysis (SNA) model along with a Structural Equation Model was developed to investigate the effects of SNA indices on the dimensions influencing the adaptive capacity of the water users in rural areas in the west of Iran. The developed model links participation in production and knowledge exchange with ten critical dimensions identified to affect the adaptive capacities of water resources users. The results indicated that the most important subdimensions affecting adaptive capacity were governance, innovation, and awareness. Also, the positive effects of individual and whole network level of indices on the adaptive capacity indicated high coherence in the study area and the ability of people to develop social learning to improve the adaptive capacity.

Keywords:

• Adaptive capacity
• participatory water resources management
• social-ecological system
• social network analysis
• structural equation model