knowledge creation in “kaset praneet” an agriculture model for sustainable development: a case study of the network of members of the local wisdom in buriram province

Abstract

This paper investigated how farmers members of the Local Wisdom Network in Buriram
Province created and shared their knowledge of “Kaset Praneet” agriculture model (KP is the
agricultural model using small area of 1 rai to ensure the maximum productivity of the land
potentiality before expanding to normal-size of area for cultivation). The study examined the
interplay between tacit and explicit knowledge leading to the creation of 4 new knowledges
through four continuous processes: socialization (tacit to tacit), externalization (tacit to explicit),
combination (explicit to explicit) and internalization (explicit to tacit). These studies were
conducted using qualitative research; in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, participatory
observation during the years 2008-2010. The findings were shown that socialization occurred during
idea generation while externalization and combination occurred during the project development
phase. Internalization was clearly seen only in the phase of sharing and adopting among
community members and outsiders. It was also found that there were 3 models of knowledge
management in Kaset Praneet: Subsistence model, Surplus model and Advance model with their
differences in the advancement of levels of sustainability. Other findings from this paper pointed
out that the new knowledge in form of Kaset Praneet would be adopted and be practiced by the
community only if it was done through motivation activities together a strong leader.