University To Tambon (U2T) and Community’s OTOP Development: Comparative Case Study in Ban Talay Noi, Thang Kwian Subdistrict and Ban Wong Wa, Wong Wa Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the role and working process of the University To Tambon (U2T), contributing to the development of the community in terms of products. In Ban Talay Noi and Ban Wong Wa, Rayong Province 2) to study the product development of these communities after the project implementation and 3) to study the factors affecting the success of community product development by a comparative study between these two communities after the project implementation. The sample groups were villagers, the U2T project working group, and government officials in the study area, as well as researchers in charge of the project evaluations. There were 27 specific people for the in-depth interview.  The content analysis was used.

           The results of the research showed that 1) the project contributed to the community development in terms of products: in-community problem survey, development of training activities needed by the villagers, and problem solving in the product knowledge. 2) There were improvements of the product development at the communities because of the participations in training activities and the project. 3) Factors affecting the success of community product development, after the implementation of the project, consisted of knowledge and ability, the teachers’ engagement with the project, the strength of community leaders, collaborations of all sectors and villagers, as well as capitals in natural and human resources.  These were the factors facilitating the project smoothly.