Development of a Community Food and Nutrition Network Model Using an R&D and Participatory Action Research Approach: A Case Study in Central Thailand

Abstract

 Strengthening community-based food and nutrition systems remains a public health priority, particularly in decentralized contexts where local governance and multi-sectoral coordination shape nutritional outcomes. However, evidence on scalable capacity-building models remains limited. This Research and Development (R&D) study, integrated with Participatory Action Research (PAR), was conducted to address this gap. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a community-based model to strengthen local and professional capacity for improving nutritional status in a province in central Thailand, and to establish a collaborative governance framework for effective food and nutrition management. The study was conducted in three phases: situational analysis, participatory model development, and implementation with evaluation. The sample comprised 30 local network representatives and 60 households (60 students and 90 parents or caregivers), totaling 180 participants. Data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, PAR records, and evaluation forms. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression, and qualitative data through content analysis. Knowledge and resource sharing, collaborative synergy, and effective communication were significantly associated with network strength and sustainability (p < 0.05), with communication demonstrating the strongest association (β = 0.48). High-capacity networks were associated with enhanced community competence in safe food production, nutrition planning, and monitoring. These improvements were associated with reductions in adult BMI and normalization of students’ nutritional status.Qualitative findings further indicated that participatory planning, shared decision-making, and continuous monitoring strengthened institutional ownership, accountability, and sustained cross-sector collaboration among schools, hospitals, local administrative organizations, and community stakeholders. The Local Food and Nutrition Network Model offers a scalable governance framework for decentralized food systems. The findings provide policy-relevant evidence supporting community-driven, multi-sectoral strategies for sustainable nutritional improvement.