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Factors Influencing Self-reliance of Thap Lan Woman's Weaving Group on Prachin Buri Province
Dissertation Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to (1) determine demographic characteristics, local wisdom, knowledge management, and marketing factors influencing group self-reliance; (2) define self-reliance of the group; (3) analyze the demographic characteristics, local wisdom, knowledge management, group management, and marketing factors influencing the elements of group self-reliance; (4) explain the relationship between contexts of community, policy of community enterprise, and roles of network for group self reliance from key informants; and (5) seek for suggestions on group self-reliance.
The population in this study was 56 group members of Thap Lan woman’s weaving group. This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The hypothesis was tested using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The qualitative method employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observation.
Results showed that 96.4 percent of the respondents were female with an average age of 44 years, all with primary education; 41.1 percent were landless; and 53.6 percent did weaving as their supplementary occupation and 39.3 percent had weaving as main occupation. Average household income and expenses were THB 117,253 and THB 86,520/y. Average weaving income and expenses were THB 52,157/y and THB 15,968/y. Average of attendance as group members was 17.9 years.
It was found that total group self-reliance was at moderate level. Opinion on technology, natural resources, and economics was also at moderate level.
The testing of hypothesis revealed that of all the independent factors, there were only three factors that influence group self-reliance--knowledge management, member’s behavior, and participation in monitoring.
From the in-depth interviews with the government, business, and local sectors, it was found that the group (1) cooperated with networks to plant and conserve Lan trees, (2) gained knowledge on management and marketing for business, (3) developed a new leader who had the capability and morality, and (4) tried to find information about marketing from government agencies and customers to develop Lan products and used e-commerce to advertise their products.
The study recommended the following: (1) academic institutions should study growth of Lan tree and plant Lan trees outside Thap Lan National Park; (2) the group should set up a design section to improve the variety of Lan products; and (3) the group should develop a learning center in the locality and develop it to be a one stop service for selling domestic products from Thap Lan Village.