Research evaluation: Project to promote organic food and the nutrition in Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation results of the project “Promoting the Safe Production and Consumption of Food for the Nutrition Well-Being of Local Communities in Ubon Ratchathani”. The project intended to promote greater food safety through a full-circle promotion of organic agriculture: organic product supply chain; organic market chain; and organic consumption chain to farmers in twelve districts, school students from nineteen schools, and consumers in Ubon Ratchathani. The study used qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires, participant observation, focus groups, in depth-interviews, and documentary research were employed to evaluate the project. The study showed that the project achieved all of its indicators to promote the full-cycle of organic farming which includes the production, marketing and consumption. The project was successful due to the following nine factors: (1) support of executives; (2) project manager and staffs; (3) team work of internal and external organization; (4) well-planned and comprehensive project; (5) flexibility of project proceeding; (6) clear and extensive communication and public relation; (7) problem solving; (8) identifying target group and indicator; and (9) proceeding and monitoring the project. The project’s objectives and activities met with the SDGs goals, primarily those related to SDG 12 (sustainable consumption and production).