Community Capital Based Knowledge Management for Sustainable Development of Quality of Life in Songkhla Lake Basin Watershed Area

Abstract

The study on community capital- based knowledge management for sustainable development of quality of life in Songkhla Lake Basin Watershed Area  was aimed to study knowledge management of three types of community capital: natural capital, financial capital, and social and cultural capital as well as the establishment of database for supporting the community’s decision making in choosing a source of knowledgment management by using geo-informatics. In studying each type of the capital, the study investigated knowledge management process, factors affecting knowledgement management and effects of knowledge management.  The study was based on qualitative research methodology by collecting data through participation of and shared learning with the communities in Songkhla Lake Basin Watershed Area. The scope of the study covered three types of community capital: natural capital in 11 communities, financial capital of            6 communities and socio-cultural capital of 6 communities. The data were analyzed using geo-informatics technique to illustrate map models of community settlements together with Google Map program. The findings of the study revealed that for the natural capital group, knowledge was managed with a focus on natural resource conservation  in a form of folk wisdom linking conservation of natural resources and environments through various activity processes. Leadership was         a factor affecting knowledge management, which was propagated and exchanged with other groups. In addition, a new body of knowledge was sought in order to expand the horizon in their areas.  The financial capital group was organized for management of knowledge on savings. The community operates the knowledge management through meeting of group committees and monthly meeting of group members. The factor affecting knowledge management is the working committee whose members sacrifice their self-interest  for public good, thus, resulting in the community having its own capital fund without having to rely on budget allocation from the government. The profits are shared in the form of dividends and used for community development. The socio-cultural capital group manages the knowledge related to community development and

cultural promotion.  Folk wisdom, inherited from ancestors and passed on to a new generation, has been utilized in problem solving and in livelihood.  Leadership is the most important factor affecting knowledge management of the group, resulting in sustainable development of quality of life of its members and the community. Finally the database for the transfer of knowledge management of the communities is exemplified in the establishment of a geo-informatics website called “www.songkhlatourismkm.com”