Success Factors for Collaborative Farming among Rice Production Community Enterprises in Phatthalung

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Phatthalung province is one of the major rice-producing areas in southern Thailand. There are many rice production community enterprises, and four of these have been participating in collaborative farming for over three years. According to the Department of Agriculture evaluation, they have got a well-run operation. The objectives of this research were to study the success factors influencing collaborative farming among rice production community enterprises in Phatthalung. In addition, objectives sought to develop guidelines for the successful and sustainable operation of a rice production community enterprise.

Methodology: Data were collected from all members of four rice production community enterprises participating in the mega farm project in Phatthalung. These enterprises were rated as good by the Department of Agricultural Extension. The four rice production community enterprises are Ban Pab Rice Community Center Community Enterprise Rice Group, Ban Sai Or Rice Group Community Enterprise, Bangkaew Natural Agriculture Learning Home Community Enterprise, and Banthumthean Mega Farm Community Enterprise. The questionnaires were used to collect data from 152 farmers in total. The average and standard deviation of quantitative data were calculated. In the case of qualitative data, the content analysis approach was used.

Main results: The study found that all four community enterprise groups engaged in rice production have formed alliances to reduce production costs, with operational periods ranging from 3 to 14 years. Their main products include paddy rice and milled rice. Analyzing the success factors in their operations revealed that both leadership and member-related factors played a significant role, receiving high levels of agreement across all groups. Effective leadership was found to be crucial, as leaders successfully motivated members to work together and facilitated strong coordination among them. Additionally, members demonstrated unity, satisfaction with their working environment, and active participation in selecting leaders, planning, and problem-solving. To ensure efficiency and sustainability, it is essential to focus on leadership and member engagement. Leaders

should possess strong leadership qualities and gain acceptance from members in management, while group members should maintain unity and set a positive example. These elements are critical for sustaining operations and achieving long-term success.

Discussion: A visionary leader with strong management skills and acceptance from members can effectively engage the group to work together efficiently. Additionally, the characteristics of group members play a crucial role in driving the group's operations forward. Members should continuously develop their knowledge, maintain unity, and serve as positive role models. These elements are essential factors that contribute to the group's ability to sustain operations and achieve long-term success.

Conclusion: All four rice production community enterprises rated leadership and membership factors at a high level. Therefore, the development approaches to achieve successful collaborative farming are paying attention to and focusing on both group leaders and members.