Proceedings | Strategy and Innovation area | Year 2016
 

Conceptual model of a Smart Farmer Wisdom Network

by Voraphan Raungpaka; Phannaphatr Savetpanuvong
  
  the Annual Australian Business and Social Sciences Research Conference in Goldcoast, Austraila

Abstract

Agricultural sectors play a vital role in ASEAN economic community especially in Thailand; however, farmers who own factors of production have inadequate information for planning and decision making as a result of information asymmetry. The objective of this study was to create a basic outline and structure for a Smart Farmer Wisdom Network (SFWN) by using the soft system methodology (SSM). Our research teams collected data in 2016. In order to analyze the complex and soft systems situations of how to develop an effective SFWN, the soft systems methodology (SSM) was used. This approach involves identification of the scope of the system, identification of user requirements and conceptual modeling and will guide the evolutionary process of analyzing the information flows, knowledge encoding and requirements for online control. A multi-data collection approach was adopted to collect data to identify user requirements. Firstly, in-depth interviews were held with 15 experts. Secondly, focus group discussions were administered with 55 small-scale farmers from 10 villages in rural area of Thailand. By exploring information needed by farmers, government officers and other stakeholders, the article proposed a user-centric design of a SFWN. The SFWN allows farmers to post their inquiries and gather feedback from the ones who encounter the same problems to share experience on solutions that fit with the conditions in a real-time fashion. Information visibility and transparency removes intermediary involvement by offering up-to-date market and agricultural information which increases yield, quality and reduces transaction cost. Researchers can also gain advantages from wisdom flow in SFWN to advance their new product development and exchange agricultural and industrial knowledge. This research has shown the benefit of using dedicated system analysis methodologies as a preliminary step to the actual design of a Smart Farmer Wisdom Network compared with other more rigid and activity oriented system analysis methods.