Reflections on learning experience for self-management: The concepts and practices of Sanam Chai Khet Organic Agricultural Group, Chachoengsao province, Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative research examined the background and synthesized the concepts and practices of the Sanam Chai Khet Organic Agricultural Group, Chachoengsao province which have led to self-management. Data were collected from the analysis of documents and evidence, a survey of farmers' plots, participatory and non-participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion. The informants were randomly selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods and consisted of 45 leaders and farmers in the organic farmer group, community scholars, representatives of farmers in sustainable agriculture systems, independent organizations and government officials. Data were analyzed based on content analysis and verification of data used a triangulation technique. The results revealed that there were five main aspects driving the Sanam Chai Khet Organic Agricultural Group in the development of farmer potential in a group system with learning and participation based on community capital strengthening, leading to selfmanagement to create food security and exercising the principles of self-reliance, sufficiency,
and organic agriculture to manage community resources that are reflected from practices. These aspects were: 1) management of the group system to create power and
development, 2) learning to establish organic agricultural sources and ways of distributing safe food from the family to society, 3) creating a balance among life, nature, and the ecosystem, 4) maintaining the resources base and plants and inheriting local wisdom and culture, and 5) self-adaptation, protection of rights, and network creation for sustainable development.