Economic Transformation of Rural Settlements with Emphasis on Social Capital Based on the Seven Capital Model and Rural Participatory Assessment (PRA) Approach

The present study examines the economic transformation challenges of rural settlements in the Esfandagheh district in Jiroft, emphasizing social capital based on the seven capital model using a qualitative and analytical method. Methods: Data were collected using a participatory assessment (PRA) approach. Analysis of research variables and status of capital using models like the analysis of the social structure, rural rotation, problems tree, needs matrix, and organization structure was drawn with the Van chart. Participants in the 30person, 30 experts, and experts in the 30 model villages were selected purposefully. Results: The results of this study indicate that the economic sector has not yet entered the cycle of change. There is a need to take advantage of villagers' resources, potential, and participation. Simultaneously, drawing up the tree of problems showed that the most critical obstacles to the rural economy's development are villagers' low participation. Also, it was revealed by the "Magh" chart. Health, relief committee, police station, and tribal affairs, which were not directly responsible for participating villagers in economic development plans and projects, have achieved the highest performance level. However, organizations such as water and sewage, agricultural jihad, technical and professional, and natural resources directly responsible for participating villagers in the villages' economic transformation have been less profitable. Conclusion: According to the Economic Transformation Need Matrix in the Esfandagheh sector, it needs attention to significant functions such as improving and developing infrastructure in processing products with a higher priority for the locals and village activists. Also, rural education's weakness; the relationship between the seven capital and social capital has not been formed to affect the village economy.