The Development of a Participatory Management Model for the Economic Development of Cucumber Farmers in Hu Thamnop Subdistrict, Pakham District, Buriram Province

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to study the context, potential, and current management problems of cucumber farmers in Hu Thamnop Subdistrict, Pakham District, Buriram Province, and 2) to develop a participatory management model for grassroots economic development. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using quantitative data from 30 farmers and qualitative data from 7 key informants. The findings revealed that the farmers faced major problems such as labor shortages, lack of irrigation systems, insufficient knowledge of crop and pest management, and high production costs. The development of a participatory management model applying the 5W1H (What, Why, Who, Where, When, How) and ECRS (Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, Simplify) techniques enhanced systematic planning and process improvement. The results showed that production costs decreased by 20%, the average yield per rai increased by 28%, and the net income more than doubled compared with traditional practices. The proposed management model consists of five aspects: administration, human resource management, production, distribution, and benefit allocation. A practical manual was also developed as a guideline for farmers’ groups to achieve sustainable operations.