Factors Affecting Development of Organic Agriculture Policy of Local Administrative Organization: Case Studies of Mae Tha Tambon Administrative Organization, Mae On District, and Luang Nuea Tambon Municipality, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This qualitative research employed participatory approach focusing on processes of organic agriculture policy formulation, implementation and assessment of the policy in two subdistricts of Chiang Mai province. Field studies included participatory observation, focus group discussion, and in-depth interview, involving 55 key informants. The content analysis was carried out. The study showed that policy processes of organic agriculture was governed by 1) roles of local administrative organizations (LAOs), 2) policy processes adopted by LAOs. Regarding factors and their interactions affecting policy development, the study also indicated that structures of institutes, organizations, and groups in the community were important, particularly in relation to 1) power relations and function of LAOs (Mae Tha LAO and Luang Nuea Municipality) 2) power relations and function of local groups/community organizations (Mae Tha RDSAI and Luang Nuea ATTC), and 3) power relations and function of state agencies/other groups in the community.