Soparth Pongquan

Farmer's Network Approach: an Effective Application for Small Farmer Development in the Northeast of Thailand Soparth Pongquan

This research aimed to analyze and develop an alternative strategy on participatory agricultural development for small farmers in Thailand. The research concluded that the farmer's network functioned effectively to develop small farmers in several aspects. The network acted as local development agent enhancing the promotion of sustainable farming and supporting development activities. It has been utilized as the effective communication and learning mechanism to support farmers in participatory learning and communication process on development activities. The operation of the network was primarily focused on participatory approach. The key factors explaining the better performance of the farmer's network comprised of network structure,components and size,types of management system,local leadership ability, local participation,communication and learning process, identification of development activities,and social networking process.