Agricultural Extension and Education
Asghar Bagheri; Naier Emami; Mahnaz Mohamadzadeh
Abstract
Cooperatives by strengthening social capital play an important role in improving the performance of social, cultural and the environmental institutions and improve the effectiveness of their role. The aim of this study was to compare social capital of active and inactive agricultural production cooperatives ...
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Cooperatives by strengthening social capital play an important role in improving the performance of social, cultural and the environmental institutions and improve the effectiveness of their role. The aim of this study was to compare social capital of active and inactive agricultural production cooperatives in Ardabil County of Iran. Survey research method was used in this study. All members of agricultural production cooperatives consisted the statistical population of the study (N= 2009). Using stratified random sampling method, a sample consisting 180 members of both groups of the cooperatives was selected for data collection. A researchers made questionnaire including four dimensions of social capital and demographic characteristics was used as instrument of the study. The instrument was validated by a panel of experts consisting faculty members and bureau of cooperative. Cronbach's alpha coefficients showed high reliability of the instrument (α= 0.720-0.938). Stratified random sampling was used. Based on the results, significant difference was found between active and inactive cooperatives in relation to all components of social capital and members of active cooperatives showed higher level of social capital than their counterparts in inactive co-ops. The status of most components of social capital in active cooperatives was in high-level and medium level was identified in inactive cooperatives. Based on the variables of gender, marital status, education levels and years of membership, significant difference was found between members of active co-ops.
