Assessing Connections in an Agricultural Community Using Social Network Analysis

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Health and Safety
• Occupational Health
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• Agricultural workers face elevated injury and illness rates.
• NIOSH-supported centers aim to reduce these risks through partnerships.
• Understanding organizational networks is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the structure of agricultural organization connections in the western U.S.
• To identify the position of the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (HICAHS) within this network.
• To analyze how different organization types connect.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey was distributed to agricultural organizations.
• Social network analysis was used to assess connections, centrality, and structure.
• Key metrics included density, closeness, betweenness, cliques, clusters, and brokers.

Main Results:

• A two-tier network structure was identified: a core group (21 organizations) and a peripheral group (30 organizations).
• Influence was concentrated in the core group, with limited bridging connections.
• Agricultural producers, extension services, and insurance companies were central.
• HICAHS was positioned on the periphery, nearing the core.

Conclusions:

• The agricultural organization network exhibits a core-periphery structure with concentrated influence.
• HICAHS is strategically located to foster collaboration but needs to strengthen its network position.
• Identifying and developing missing connections is essential for enhancing agricultural safety and health outcomes.