Creating a Prototype of the Organic Farmer Leadership Council with the Participation of Farmers in Bueng Ka Sam sub-district, Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

This research article was a community-based research. The objectives of the research were 1) to study the situation of rice farming and farmers in Bueng Ka Sam Subdistrict; 2) to create an organic farmer leadership council model with the participation of farmers in Bueng Ka Sam Subdistrict; and 3) to develop the potential of model farmers leading to organic farming  through the organic farmer leaders council in Bueng Ka Sam Subdistrict. Population and sample included 15 leaders of the organic farmer leader council from 9 villages, 30 farmers and 5 network partners. Research methods included research and analysis from documents, in-depth interview group interview, participatory observation and organizing public forums. The results of the research found that 1) the situation of rice farming among farmers in Bueng Karn Sam subdistrict had decreased. It came from various factors including problem factors of acidic soil, factors for changing careers from farmer to tangerine and banana grower. Factors included the cost of using chemicals and the lack of labor for farming, urban expansion factors. In addition, there were other factors as follows: factors of lacking farmer organization and the factor of farmer debt and middlemen pushing down prices; 2) creation of an organic farmer leadership council model with the participation of farmers found that the establishment of an organic farmer leadership council model was approved by the council of Bueng Ka Sam Subdistrict Community Organization. The origin was determined. Roles and duties were defined. An operational plan has been prepared. Mechanisms have been developed. There was a search for network partners to join in supporting. There was monitoring and evaluation work and the farmer leader council was democratic; and 3) development of the potential of model farmers leading to organic farming through the model organic farmer leader council. It was found that there was empowerment of farmer leaders based on participation. Farmers' potential was developed through community-based participatory action research. There was training in community research tools. There was a study tour in the sample area.