Analysis of Local Beneficiaries’ Network for Watershed Co-Management in Aq Qala County

Collaborative management is an effective approach in natural resource management, emphasizing the active involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making, particularly in watershed areas where diverse groups with varying interests coexist. Understanding social networks and the complex relationships among local stakeholders who directly utilize watershed resources is essential for achieving sustainable resource management. This study analyzed the social networks of local stakeholders in three villages—Enqelab, Gorg Tappeh, and Yalmeh Salian—located in Aqqala County. The study population consisted of members of rural development and prosperity centers, considered collaborative institutions based on mutual trust. Data were collected through a social network analysis (SNA) questionnaire, analyzed using UCINET software, and visualized with the NetDraw plugin. Macro, meso, and micro-level network indicators, including density, reciprocity, transitivity, centralization, average geodesic distance, core-periphery, and degree centrality, were employed to evaluate network structure, trust, and collaboration. Results indicated that Enqelab village exhibited relatively cohesive networks with balanced relationships, while Gorg Tappeh showed weaknesses in trust and collaboration ties, and Yalmeh Salian was highly dependent on a few key individuals. Core-periphery and degree centrality indicators revealed notable differences in the distribution of relationships and power among stakeholders. The findings suggest that collaborative programs should be designed according to each village's social structure, emphasizing the strengthening of social ties and support for key actors to enhance decision-making processes and social capital. This study provides guidance for planning collaborative initiatives based on social network structures in watershed management.