Social Capital and Sustainable Development in Community Contexts: Evidence from Beekeepers in Southern Mexico

Beekeeping is highly valuable socially, economically, and environmentally in Mexico, especially in rural areas. It builds social capital through networks of trust, reciprocity, and cooperation that support sustainable development. This study examines the relationship between social capital, a fundamental form of capital for beekeepers, and other forms of capital—natural, human, economic, physical, and cultural—and how these, collectively, contribute to sustainable development in San Gabriel Mixtepec, Oaxaca. We used a quantitative, cross-sectional, and explanatory design, surveying 95 beekeepers. Results indicate that beekeepers’ social capital has a direct and positive influence on sustainable development. From a social network perspective, social capital consists of the network’s structure, dynamics, and meaning. Development, viewed from a capital perspective, includes natural, human, economic, physical, and cultural capital. Building community social capital must be central to sustainable development strategies, as it fosters more cohesive, adaptable, and resilient communities that can sustainably renew local economies by utilizing resources effectively. This research underscores the importance of public policies that foster and enhance social capital in sustainable development projects, tailored to each specific context and local needs.