The conditions and collaborative management mechanisms among relevant stakeholders in the development of the organic rice producers network in Sisaket Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to investigate the conditions and collaborative management practices among relevant organizations involved in the development of organic rice farmers networks in Sisaket Province. The researcher employed a qualitative research methodology, collecting data through in-depth interviews with 13 key informants, including executives, representatives, leaders, and core practitioners of organizations who are stakeholders in policy related to the development of organic rice farmers networks in Sisaket Province. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data. The research findings revealed that the collaborative management practices among relevant organizations in developing organic rice farmers’ networks can be divided into three phases : 1) promoting the formation of organic rice farmers networks; 2) promoting organic rice production ;  and 3) promoting the marketing of organic rice farmers networks. The conditions leading to successful collaborative management among these organizations according to the concept of collaborative governance, depend on; 1) communication through joint consultations among sectors to find ways to collaboratively advance their shared goals; 2) building mutual trust which serves as a motivation for cross-sectoral collaboration; and 3) exchanging resources particularly knowledge, which is crucial for managing collaborative networks, defining operational guidelines, processes, and making joint decisions effectively. Furthermore, collaborative management among sectors emerged within the context of each sector’s roles, responsibilities, and capabilities, which are shaped by differing opportunities and limitations. Such collaboration was evident from upstream activities, such as promoting the formation of organic rice farmer networks, to downstream activities, such as connecting markets for organic rice farmers networks. This ultimately contributes to strengthening the networks linkages and enhancing their competitiveness both domestically and internationally.