Organic rice farming processes and community knowledge management: An analysis and development guidelines - A case study of Khuan Ru Sub-district, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the organic rice farming process,  2) knowledge sources and knowledge management in the organic rice farming process of farmers, and 3) knowledge management gaps within the community of Khuan Ru Sub-district, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province. Key informants were purposively selected from farmer members of the Ban Nong On Community Rice Mill Enterprise, Moo 6, Khuan Ru Sub-district, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province, comprising 22 farmers for the organic rice farming process and 10 farmers for knowledge sources and knowledge management. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observation, and field notes. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and compared against knowledge management concepts. The results revealed that the organic rice farming process consisted of six steps: 1) Land preparation involving three plowing stages: primary plowing, secondary plowing, and harrowing; 2) Seed preparation through pre-germination before sowing, with seeds sourced from self-collection and government agencies; 3) Transplanting using 30-45 day-old seedlings in fields with 5 cm water depth at 30x30 cm. spacing with 3-4 seedlings per clump; 4) Field management maintaining 5 cm water depth throughout the growing period with fertilizer application 15 days after transplanting; 5) Harvesting after draining fields 7-10 days prior, using combine harvesters; and 6) Post-harvest management through sun-drying on yards or oven-drying with 5-7 cm thickness, requiring 1-2 drying cycles before storage in sealed containers for consumption or sale. Knowledge sources and knowledge management included: 1) Knowledge identification through discussions with experienced farmers and personal experience; 2) Knowledge discovery through inquiries with experienced individuals; 3) Knowledge creation and acquisition from individuals, documents, traditional wisdom, and modern technology; 4) Knowledge storage through memorization without documentation; 5) Knowledge organization without systematic arrangement; and 6) Knowledge transfer and dissemination within the community through discussions and demonstrations, and externally through lectures, narratives, demonstrations,