GUIDELINES FOR CREATING THE NETWORK AND THE DEVELOPMENT TO SELF-RELIANCE COMMUNITY OF AN ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL GROUP AT BAN DON SAN JAO, BORSUPHAN SUB-DISTRICT, SONGPEENONG DISTRICT, SUPHANBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

              This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and role of network, it was selected as a case study and guidelines for creating the network and develop to self-reliance community. Research methodology was based on qualitative approach to Baan Don San Chao Organic Agriculture Group, Suphanburi Province, The data was collected by in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participatory observations with leaders and the organic agriculture members group, community leaders, key informants and the external department that involving the group.
               Findings revealed that they most had given importance to the development of Baan Don San Chao Organic Agriculture Group. About network processes was focus respectively in the played crucial roles in the group’s operation from to Plan, to Do, to Check and Act processes. The organic agriculture group emphasized the importance of networking and strengthening of current networks both within and outside the group. It was also widely opened for members and networks to get participated in the brainstorming and decision processes. The important principle to be learned from the Baan Don San Chao organic groups was one of the issues. First each network members would have to join forces to work together on each network. The second issues should expand the network and linked to larger operation, both within and outside community. The third issue was opened space then learning each other's internal and external networks. The Fourth issues the strengthening knowledge of each network group should share and exchange to each other. Therefore, network development was the important driver in the work process to the amount of work that causes the strength of the Baan Don San Chao organic groups. As the result, community members and the community's well-being, be rely on and help each other both inside and outside the community until be self sustainably.