Knowledge Management of Local Wisdom on Coastal Fisheries, Samutsakorn Province
Research Title : Knowledge Management of Local Wisdom on Coastal Fisheries, Samutsakorn Province
Researcher : Assist.Professor Dr.Pensri Chirinang
Office : Southeast Asia University
Research Grants : Research and Innovation for Transfer technology to Rural Community Project
Year : 2011
Abstract
The research on “Knowledge Management of Local Wisdom on Coastal Fisheries, Samutsakorn Province” was intended to explore into 1) the context of seashore fishing in Samutsakorn province, 2) the collection of body of knowledge on local wisdom in coastal fisheries, Samutsakorn province, 3) the problem and processes pertaining to the management of local wisdom on coastal fisheries in Samutsakorn province, and 4) the creation of a pilot community in managing the local wisdom on seashore fishing, Samutsakorn province. This research employed qualitative research method in which data gathering was accomplished through the interviewing, participative and non-participative observation including focus group method. The key-informants include local fishermen in Koke Kam and Puntainorasingh districts, the governor of Koke Kam district administration, and the deputy permanent secretary of Koke Kam district administration. Data analysis began by compiling the collected data into groups, then organizing and identifying the related concepts in order to lead into the interpretation of various factors concerning the knowledge management of local wisdom on coastal fisheries in Samutsakorn province.
The research revealed that context of seashore fishing is a large floodplain closed to the seashore and mangrove forest stretching away of about 41.8 kilometers. The western area of the province is an alluvial plain in the fresh water territory which is perfect for rice farming and gardening. The lower area of the province is closed to the sea in which salt-field, fisheries, and sea-animals farming, for instance, shrimps and various kinds of hard-shelled animals are appropriate. Coastal fisheries are the main and one of the most important occupations of people who live in coastal areas. At the moment, this way of life has been changed inevitably due to the repercussion of globalization trend. The unique and authentic way of fishermen’s lives are peaceful, simple but reflected with principles, ideal together with up-to-date tactics. On top of that, the areas are blessed with plentiful of natural resources. It is a tragedy to discover, from the research, that this genuine way of life is fading away under the harsh shadow of materialistic society in the present.
For the knowledge management of the indigenous wisdom on coastal fisheries, the research unveiled that the peasants transferred their knowledge through preaching and telling unto the younger generation. Related problems and the management process of the local wisdom on coastal fisheries showed that the older folk’s knowledge in finding another appropriate occupation had not been well aware or developed. The local people still relied on utilizing their accumulated knowledge to lead their lives. Those who have been taught or passed on the local knowledge are members of the family or blood-relatives. Those who obtained the local wisdom are normally treasure their knowledge and usually had no intention to pass on the knowledge to any strangers.