Self-Management by Knowledge Management Process in Organic Farming Community enterprise, SuphanBuri Province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to: 1) investigate the knowledge management process in organic farming; 2) explore problems encountered in self-management by using the knowledge management in organic farming; and 3) present guidelines for self-management by using the knowledge management process in organic farming. Data were collected through in-depth documentation analysis, small group discussion, survey on agricultural cultivation, in-depth interview, and public discussion and reflection of the research results to related units with key informants gained by the purposive sampling. They were of 3 groups as follows: 1) agricultural academics and university instructors; 2) general and organic agriculturalists; and 3) community leaders and representatives from the public and private sectors, totaling 45 persons. Data were analyzed by using content analysis and data validated by triangulation technique. The results of the research revealed that the knowledge management process of organic farming included the following: 1) indication of need for knowledge mainly focused on organic farming; 2) knowledge selection arises from learning experienced, and mutual doing with repetition; 3) informal knowledge transfer and sharing; 4) knowledge construction putting the importance on the development which is consistent with community context; 5) knowledge gathering and keeping; 6) knowledge improvement to be consistent with needs and problems condition. Problems encountered in the self-management included the following: 1) unclear communication; 2) some of new body of knowledge were not consistent with the community context; 3) lack of support by various sectors; 4) few off springs inherited agricultural careers; and 5) the knowledge management was not systematic. The following were guidelines for the self-management by using the knowledge management process in organic farming; 1) creating knowledge awareness, and self-problem management; 2) systematic knowledge gathering; 3) people in the community can be developed through knowledge exchange venue, learning, and training; 4) creating innovative knowledge; and 5) holding knowledge occasional market.