2017 Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 48-53
The Solar Energy Group of Pesticide Free Vegetable Growers was organized to collaboratively solve problems and manage a water-sharing system using solar energy and land management to grow pesticide free vegetables. The achievements of the administration of the group and network were truly astounding. Therefore, a study was undertaken to investigate the following: 1) the group and network management, 2) the factors contributing to the success of the group, and 3) the lessons learned and recommendations made for managing groups and networks. Qualitative data were collected from the group chairman, group committees, and 40 group members during an organized forum. Additional data were collected from the group chairman and three committees using in-depth interviews and this was analyzed for content. The results of the study were as follows: 1) The administrative structure of the group was based on community enterprise. The group planned their operations, especially activities in an appropriate production system and special rules for vegetable planting activities to control safety standards. They also followed regulations for water-sharing in vegetable production and met regularly once a month to discuss problem issues and group planning. They raised money from their members to establish funds for the operations and coordinated with other groups and agencies regarding support and joint activities. 2) Factors contributing to the success of the group were: (i) the unity of the members, (ii) the moral of the members, (iii) the self-sacrifice of the group with a patient, knowledgeable, and strong leader, (iv) the facility of joint production, land and water use management, (v) producing vegetables together which created a sense of pride and ownership, and (vi) operating a network and coordinating with outside agencies for support, especially to fill knowledge gaps. 3) The lessons learned and recommendations were seamlessly integrated and assimilated through group management using both informal and formal mechanisms. Knowledge network with information sharing among members derived from direct learning or real experiences through practical problem solving.
