Strengthening the Turmeric Production Capacity of the Herbal Group in Surin Province by the Learning Organization Model

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) analyze and develop a learning organization model to enhance the turmeric production capacities of herbal producer groups in Surin Province; and 2) evaluate the application of this learning organization model in strengthening the capacities of herbal producer groups. The research follows a qualitative, participatory action research design. The key informant consists of  41 turmeric producer group members from three communities in Surin Province: Ban Takian in Takian Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District; Ban Kantajaramuan in Kantajaramuan Subdistrict, Prasat District; and Ban Chok in Tabeu Subdistrict, Prasat District. The research findings proposed a learning organization model for strengthening turmeric production capacities among the target groups, which includes six components: learning objectives, knowledge, learners, instructors, learning activities, and learning spaces. The specified details within this model were applied to organize activities that strengthen the turmeric production capabilities of the target group. After participating in the development program , the target group showed an overall improvement in two main areas: 1) Knowledge, with all participants meeting the knowledge assessment criteria (100%), and 2) Competencies, with community innovator assessment results ranging from levels 2 to 4 across knowledge/technology, networking and collaboration, and learning process management. The evaluation of the learning organization model’s application revealed that external environmental factors, community context, and stakeholders are additional factors influencing its effectiveness.