A Social-Relational Approach for Analyzing Trust and Collaboration Networks as Preconditions for Rangeland Comanagement

Abstract

Social networks of stakeholders, especially those of adaptive comanagement, entailing a variety of collaboration and trustful relationships, have widely drawn the attention of researchers studying natural resource management. The structural pattern of relations of a social network has significant implications for how actors manage complex environmental challenges. This study aimed to specify whether existing network structure (trust and collaboration ties) and the position of actors within the social network of Nariyan village stakeholders have led to unsuccessful rangeland comanagement. The social network of stakeholders in the study region included rangeland users and governmental and nongovernmental agencies. Social network analysis is a recent tool that was applied in this study to quantitatively specify the roots of unsuccessful comanagement in the Nariyan village located in the Taleghan region. It is shown that there is a rather low level of trust and collaboration between local stakeholders (rangeland users) and regional governmental and nongovernmental organizations. This is one of the main challenges impeding successful rangeland comanagement in this region. Furthermore, the article specifies the actors who may contribute to the effective comanagement in advantageous positions.