DEVELOPMENT OF AREA LEADERS’ ROLES FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AGRONOMY IN LINE WITH THE KHOK NONG NA MODEL BY BUDDHADHAMMA APPLICATION IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research paper aimed to develop local rulers' role in promoting sustainable agronomy in line with the Khok Nong Na Model, Samut Songkhram Province, by applying Buddha-dhamma principles, conducting qualitative research, collecting field data from five groups of critical informants by selecting specific ones based on appropriate group representation. A semi-structured interview was used as a data collection tool. Data were analyzed using contextual content analysis techniques, and 10 participants were interviewed in a focus group discussion with experts. The data were analyzed using contextual content analysis techniques.

The results showed that the development of the role of local rulers in promoting sustainable agronomy in line with the Khok Nong Na Model, Samut Songkhram Province, by applying Buddha-dhamma principles, in terms of role in knowledge creation consisted of 1. local rulers provided complete and willful knowledge; 2. Local rulers built trust among the people. 3. Consideration helped local rulers to be knowledgeable and understand the potential impact of knowledge sharing. 4. Rulers should explore and analyze the main reasons for knowledge sharing. As for the role in developing guidelines, it was found that: 1. Willingness and intention for infrastructure development, including preparing areas, strengthening necessary infrastructure, and building cooperation and partnerships; 2. They were making efforts to manage and maintain resources. 3. Paying attention to development, care, and support, promoting dissemination and exchange of knowledge, building communication, and raising awareness; 4. They were regularly reviewing, improving, evaluating, and improving. The role of creating guidelines: 1. Giving priority to education and knowledge development for farmers willingly. 2. Continuously developing quality resources, 3. High responsibility and ability to develop innovations that lead to sustainability. 4. Understanding the problem, co-think, co-solve, and co-plan for improvement