Introduction: Nomadic communities are among those societies that, due to their specific historical, cultural, and social characteristics, are recognized as distinct and dynamic social units. These communities, with their history and culture, have become essential elements in Iranian culture and play a significant role in the social and economic development of the region and the country. Today, an important point that must be considered for the development of local communities is the role of social capital.

Purpose of the research: This research aims to analyze the role of social capital in developing local communities within nomadic societies.

Methodology: This study's statistical population consisted of the nomads of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, with 264 individuals selected as the statistical sample. To increase accuracy, 300 heads of nomadic households were surveyed. The questionnaire's reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha test, resulting in a coefficient of 0.73, which was confirmed. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Geographical area of research: The geographical area of this study encompasses the nomadic regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, mainly at the level of the Bakhtiari tribe.

Results and discussion: Based on the results of the correlation test, there was a significant correlation between the individual, family, and economic characteristics of respondents and various dimensions of local community development within the nomadic society. It was also determined that among social factors, interactions, cohesion, social participation, and social trust had a positive and significant impact on the development of the local community of nomadic society in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, social capital plays a crucial role in enhancing cooperation, productivity, and resilience in the development of local communities in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. This enables the nomadic community to manage socially and economically develop and improve infrastructure through mutual cooperation based on shared values and norms, focusing on social capital. Various forms of sharing and participation in the community can ensure local communities' development and long-term capacity.