Collaborative Networks in Developing Thung Kha Wat Farmer Groups Lamae District Chumphon Province under the Concept of Empowerment

Abstract

This research aims to study: 1) The situation of the agricultural group in the Thung Kawat plantation, La Mae district, Chumphon province, under the concept of empowerment; 2) The analysis of the management through the network of the Thung Kawat plantation farmers' group; and 3) The proposal for creating a collaborative network for the Thung Kawat plantation farmers' group. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, consisting of qualitative and quantitative research. For the qualitative research, key informants included 15 individuals: 7 members of the management committee and 8 community leaders. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions. For the quantitative research, data were gathered from a total of 138 farmers in the Thung Kawat plantation group, including both committee members and group members. The statistical analysis used included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The research findings are as follows: 1) The situation of the Thung Kawat plantation farmers' group under the concept of empowerment showed that the group's product quantity was insufficient for export, despite the increasing demand for their goods. As a result, the group began seeking collaboration opportunities with other sectors to expand their working potential. 2) Management through the network of the group was generally found to be at a high level. When analyzed by category, the highest-rated aspect was personnel management, followed by promotion and support, monitoring and reporting, budgeting, general management, and planning, respectively. 3) The approach to creating a collaborative network indicated that the Thung Kawat plantation farmers' group should foster cooperation from the government, private sector, civil society, and academia through a collaborative process. The main focus should be on promoting and supporting the group, followed by personnel management, planning, budgeting, and monitoring. This approach aims to strengthen and sustain the network while empowering the group to develop its potential, skills, and confidence, which will lead to achieving their goals and solving their own problems, as well as gaining recognition of their value and capabilities in the group's operations.