This study investigates the role of social capital in poverty reduction with a particular
focus on rural households in the case of Parwan province, Afghanistan. The study
examines the link between social capital and poverty - though until now no such
study has been conducted to examine this relationship in the context of Afghanistan
rural development, and it researches if social capital could be a better way to alleviate
poverty in rural areas of Afghanistan.
To do that, a case study of Saving Groups (SGs) was conducted in three districts of
Parwan province of Afghanistan. SGs are identified as a source of social capital in
order to strengthen livelihoods of households and improve community development
in rural areas of the country.
Both primary and secondary data were used to achieve the objectives of the research.
For obtaining primary data, interviews were conducted with government officials and
members of SGs, as well as focus group discussions in the villages. Secondary data
were acquired from Afghan government’s documents and reports.