Abstract:
The objectives of this research were (1) to study the context of Non Thiang Village, Na Mon sub-district, Na Mon district, Kalasin province, (2) to study the management process of the Bio-Fertilizer Production Group, Non Thiang Village, Na Mon sub-district, Na Mon district, Kalasin province, and (3) to study guidelines for developing the bio-fertilizer production as an additional career for people at Non Thiang Village, Na Mon sub-district, Na Mon district, Kalasin province. The population was people from four villages of Non Thiang, and the samples were members of the Bio-Fertilizer Production Group at Village No. 2, 8, 12, and 15 of Non Thiang. To conduct this research, the researcher studied the context of community through documentary study, inquiry, interview, forum for brainstorming about the management process of the Bio-Fertilizer Production Group, meeting for seeking out guidelines in development of bio-fertilizer production by analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to investigate a model for developing, co-formulating strategies for developing the production of bio-fertilizer, and forum for summarizing the whole picture of this research.
The results indicated that most people were agriculturists, whose most of lands were used in rice farming for consumption. The people planted sticky rice, sugar tree, and cassava. They also planted vegetables for consumption in their family. Most people had average income. The group was operated by committee. Meeting and assigning tasks were also done. The operation of the group consisted of four stages: (1) member register, (2) management of finance and accounting, (3) seeking out materials, (4) production, and (5) paying dividends. With regards to strengths, it was found that the leader was strong and able to lead the group members to co-work effectively. The leader was also meek, applying a folkway in working which lets all of people participate in and employing the principle of good governance. It was also found that the members themselves were strong and united, without conflict. They respected to the seniors and the leader. In management of the group, there were harmony, respect, and trust to each other. Members were provided opportunity to learn the process of work in each step. All members took part in making regulations for the group. They were very satisfied with the Bio-Fertilizer Production Group, since it helped them reduce production cost, lessen the use of chemical substance, and improve soil, bringing better health to community. In terms of weaknesses, it was found that (1) the budget for group operation was not sufficient, and other government organizations assisted once, and then stopped the project; (2) the members were agriculturists who possess low level of education and lack knowledge and skills regarding finance, accounting, and purchase and employment; (3) there was only one formula for producing bio-fertilizer, so more formulas and local materials should be sought out; (4) equipment or machines used in production process were not sufficient, so the production slowed down and took several days to complete; (5) the work time was not clear; (6) during production, the tasks were not shared clearly among members, this made the tasks overlap and some tasks were not done with machines, but they were done with members workforce instead, making some members avoid the tasks; and (7) the place for production had no restrooms, causing problems to members, especially women. If they wanted to use the restroom, they had to go home. This wasted time for working very much. Regarding opportunities, it was found that there was enough market purchasing the products of bio-fertilizer if the group could produce a lot, since there were a number of stores or dealers contacting the group to buy and sell bio-fertilizer. However the group was not able to produce for commerce and the products were not sufficient for members needs as well. Besides, it was possible to produce bio-fertilizer as business, since there were no competitors producing bio-fertilizer for commerce in the community or nearby area. Regarding guidelines for developing the bio-fertilizer production as an additional career for people at Non Thiang Village, Na Mon sub-district, Na Mon district, Kalasin province, it was found that the management of the group should employ the L P S Model consisting of (1) Leader Model including leaders, members, and rules; (2) Process Model including members participation, labors, management, and conscious participation in ownership, and career development; and (3) S Model including strength, sustainability, and stability. Regarding the strategies co-formulated for developing the management of bio-fertilizer production, they comprised Strategy 1: product development, Strategy 2: maintaining the principle of good governance of community, Strategy 3: public relations, and Strategy 4: self-sufficiency. Regarding suggestions, the leader and members could manage until they could carry out the tasks throughout the year. It was possible to produce bio-fertilizer as an additional career since the demand on the use of bio-fertilizer was high and the bio-fertilizer was cheaper than chemical one. The leader just made a plan carefully, sacrificed time, and provided cooperation so that the group could be sustainable.