Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to study : 1) the development process, 2) factors affecting group development, and 3) problems, obstacles, and solutions of the Sainoi agricultural housewives group at Moo 7, Sainoi Sub-district, Bangban District, Phranakonsi - Ayutthaya Province. It was a qualitative research. The study results were that : 1)The group development consisted of 3 processes which were : 1) the process of group establishment, meaning a group set up at social and cultural costs and was supported by government agencies as well as activities beneficial to the agriculture in the area; 2) the process of systematical group development, management and administration, appointment of committee to take responsibility under the organization structure, establishment of rules and regulations, holding a discussion meeting giving a chance to every member to participate, in the management and administration of community business, planning and taking action, learning and studying problems caused by problems finding solutions and improvement; and 3) the processes of empowerment which are from the 2nd process and development based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy. 2)Factors affecting the development were: 1) 8 internal factors which were sociocultural costs, leadership, key persons and members, raw material, technology, groups budget, result, and activity; 2) 6 external factors which were government agencies, private agencies, documents and printed matters, same type of activities, rewards, and trainees. 3)Problems and obstacles came from : 1) some people lacked knowledge and ability; 2) insufficient budget 3) insufficient raw materials and 4) weak marketing management. The solutions were to make frequent contact with people outside the organization , to develop the potential of internal people, to try to undertake business profitably, to create results for both governmental and private agencies, to replace rare raw materials with cheaper raw materials in the local area and to persuade members to attend the training course and to participate in educational sightseeing. The recommendations for the study of the development process of an agricultural housewives group is that the guidelines of the group should be applied appropriately to the actual situations of each group. In addition, the group should consult and discuss based on the actual information from every side (including a sender of raw material) in order to correctly solve the problems as well as maintain the standard of products and continue to develop. The group should be supported and promoted by the government agencies and should study through participation, while operators, academics, and relevant officers should participate in this study."