RESULTS FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SOCIAL NETWORK FOR COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY IN LOCAL FISHERIES GROUPS IN PHETCHABURI

Abstract

This research aims to study 1) the process of building a social network in a local fishery group in Phetchaburi and 2) the results of building a social network for community food security in a local fishery group in Phetchaburi. The qualitative research method was a case study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 36 local fishery groups in Laem Phak Bia Community and Ban Khlong Thian Community in Phetchaburi. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study found that the process of building a social network in a local fishery group in Phetchaburi can be divided into 3 stages: 1) building relationships, including setting rules and regulations for members of the local fishery group to create guidelines for shared practices, responsible local fishery, and conservation of natural resources; 2) building cooperation, including building cooperation with various agencies such as the National Research Office, Department of Fisheries, Phetchaburi Provincial Fisheries Office, and Government Savings Bank; and 3) defining network missions, including defining group missions and goals. The results of building a social network for community food security in a local fishery group in Phetchaburi showed that community food security in the local fishery group has improved in terms of the quantity of aquatic animals caught, income, duration of local fishery, and improved quality of life.