Social Capital and Strengthening the Community’s Foundation Economy
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Abstract
Social capital plays an important role in strengthening the grassroots economy of the community as it improves the efficiency of farmers' operations within the community, leading to greater power in their operations. This is because community members rely on one another, engage in social interaction, and receive mutual benefits, leading to improved living conditions and self-sufficiency.
The research article titled "Social Capital and Strengthening the Community's Grassroots Economy" had two objectives: 1) to investigate a model of social capital among farmers who grew organic vegetables in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and 2) to propose guidelines for using social capital to strengthen the grassroots economy of Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The researcher used a qualitative research method, collecting data through documentary research and conducting structured in-depth interviews with a group of farmers who practiced organic agriculture in their agricultural areas, including owners, co-founders, and/or managers with more than five years of experience growing organic vegetables in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
From the study, the following results were found: 1) Social capital and the basic components of all three types of social capital include one that comes from family members, relatives and close friends who are well acquainted with one another. The relationship is horizontal, with everyone being treated equally. Outside the community, social capital is a vertical relationship between different levels of hierarchy or authority through formal institutions or organizations. The social actions of groups of organic vegetable farmers focus on participation, e.g. group activities, trainings, and studies; and 2) The guidelines for using social capital to strengthen the grassroots economy include identifying the root causes of problems, participating in decision-making and operations, and participating in benefit gain and evaluation.
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