The model of community enterprise network management in lower central region for promoting agro-tourism

Abstract

The results of the study demonstrated that: 22 community enterprise networks had 3 main activities including 1) Agricultural Institute Group/Housewives = 12 groups (54.55%), 2) Production = 9 groups (40.90%), and 3) Service = 1 group (4.55%). Each group was formed to solve the problems of the 21 groups of community (95.45%) caused by 1) lower production price, 2) intervention by middlemen, 3) high cost on production, 4) low quality of the products, short life span of the products/no creation of the product identity, 5) lack of water supply for consumption, and the other reason was by persuasion of 1 group leaders (4.55%). Community enterprise network had been revealed its good potentiality in management because they had self-reliance, managed by community members, in following the Sufficiency Economy philosophy with the aim to solve the community’s problems, and reduce risks by creating new production line to earn extra income. The benefits derived from the network’s operation were to enhance community’s economy, increase jobs, accelerate income, be aware of environment conservation, and maintain natural conditions. There were 2 forms of community enterprise network which were 1) networks at village and district levels, and 2) external networks at 4 different levels including district level, province level, national and international levels. All networks helped community enterprise network by solving problems, giving consults, searching for funds, and creating new opportunity to do business.

For the results of potentiality of community enterprise networks in agrotourism management, it was showed that the network was signified as a learning center and experience sharing source on agricultural production and processing. Community Enterprise Network was distinctive in 5 aspects of tourism components: Attraction, Activities, Authenticity, Acceptance and Community and Awareness. Nevertheless, all networks still lacked knowledge in tourism management, tourism route management, aesthetic in terms of tourism attractions, and ability to do online marketing. As community enterprise was the main function of community enterprise network, agro-tourism was suitable to be a business alternative. Community Enterprise Network management team should assigned the managers in each network (Nodes) to co-ordinate between tourists, community, public, and private organizations.