Knowledge management for rice farming in the community of Khuan Ru sub-district, Rattaphum district in Songkhla province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the knowledge management process of rice-growing farmers through participatory action research (PAR). The sample group of 10 participants used for the study involved community leaders of farming rice organizations, village sages, and mill committees. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations were used for data collection. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used for data analysis. Knowledge management for rice farming was composed of 6 steps which were 1) identifying the scope of knowledge needed, 2) searching for knowledge, 3) creating and acquiring knowledge, 4) organizing and collecting knowledge, 5) systemizing knowledge, and 6) transferring and disseminating the knowledge. The main output of this study was the knowledge management of rice farming in the Khuan Ru community which knowledge consisted of the following: 1) soil preparation, 2) rice seed preparation, 3) rice cultivation, 4) rice caring, 5) rice harvesting, and 6) rice post-harvesting. From the practical implementation in their rice fields, rice-growing farmers joined the learning for the entire study activities to preserve the rice farming knowledge of this community.