The Management of Building a Learning Base for Integrated Farming Practices at Bang Nok Khwaek, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province

Abstract

            Agriculture is basic professionals in Thailand. However, the fundamental knowledge of agriculture is crucial. Enhancing the technology with the local wisdom is one of the key success factors. The objectives of this research as 1) to create an agricultural learning base for enhancing the tourists’ experiences  2) to induce the community applying the knowledge of His Majesty the King's (Rama IX) Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for community development and 3) to study the satisfaction of community agro-tourism.

            The Learning Bases for an Integrated Farming Model were set up. There were 5 bases of explanation and demonstration including 1) Sufficiency Economy Philosophy base  2) Jasmine planting base  3) Layer chicken farming base  4) Egg fertilizer production base and 5) Product processing demonstration base such as herbal juice. The tourist may spend totally 2-3 hours; however, willing assessment was the important activity for the tourists prior to presentation.

            The integrate farming model named "Somsri Integrated Agricultural Garden" located at no. 2, village 6, Bang Nok Kwaek Sub-district, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province. There are various kinds of vegetables cultivation, animals farming, agricultural products processing including herbal juice and providing the knowledge of integrated farm based on the principle of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. It managed by the network of elderly clubs and housewife clubs under the support of public and private sectors.

            The satisfaction of the tourist on the smiling staff got the highest score of 4.80, followed by satisfaction on the appropriate knowledge providing and the comfortable service provided.