Development of Community Market to Support Safe Agricultural Products: A Case Study of Toh Village, Mueang Luang Subdistrict, Huai Thap Than District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study the current scenario of safe agricultural production in the study area, 2) survey a community needs on launching their safe agricultural products to the market, and 3) identify a suitable guideline for community market development to support safe agricultural products. This study applied qualitative research methodology. The information was gathered from 3 selected groups of key-informants, including agriculturist in Toh Village, entrepreneurs, and government officers in Huai Thap Than District. The data collecting methods included a semi-structured interview, a focus group discussion, and brainstorming. The researcher performed a content analysis to interpret the data collected, and present the results descriptively and systematically.

As to the scenario of safe agricultural production, there were three most common crops of the area: tropical fruits, herbs, and local vegetables. Besides, there was an increasing interest in oil crop production. The community survey showed community needs in 3 phrases: upstream phase (individual needs)--the community wanted the government to play a role in encouraging agricultural productivity by supporting agricultural inputs and marketing strategy, solving water problems, and facilitating renewable energy for agriculture; midstream phrase (participation needs)--the community needed to seek collaborative partnerships with public and private organizations in order to start up a social enterprise; and downstream phrase (standard needs--it is the needs of applying good agricultural practices (GAP) and fair trade standards. Finally, the guideline for community market development was identified. The management structure had been divided into two sections: the administration and the operation (support) under the regulations for market operating (according to GAP) or the Ban Tho-10-article constitution.