Achievements of Participatory Green Market Development at Thatphanom Crown Prince Hospital

Abstract

Abstract

            This qualitative research aimed to study the participatory green market development process, assess the factors influencing its success, and propose guidelines for the sustainable development and operation of a green market at Thatphanom Crown Prince Hospital. The sample consisted of personnel and all relevant stakeholders involved in the hospital’s green market, including: 1) six hospital staff members responsible for the management and support of the green market; 2) ten organic farmers or community enterprises that sold products at the green market; and 3) ten members of the public or service users who participated in the green market, totaling 26 participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, meeting records and brainstorming sessions, and evaluation records and lesson-learned summaries. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive narrative analysis as appropriate.

            The research findings revealed that the participatory green market development process at Thatphanom Crown Prince Hospital comprised four phases: preparation and the development of shared understanding; participatory planning; implementation and activity promotion; and continuous monitoring and evaluation. Key factors contributing to the success of the initiative included effective management, stakeholder participation, resource support, communication and public relations that effectively reached target groups, consumer behavior characterized by awareness of health and environmental issues, and a monitoring system that promotes long-term sustainability. Guidelines for the sustainable development and operation of the green market should focus on promoting organic agricultural products, establishing mechanisms for community participation, enhancing entrepreneurs’ knowledge and capacities, ensuring continuous communication and public relations, and implementing systematic evaluation. These efforts would help elevate the market as a sustainable model of a green market within the Crown Prince Hospital network nationwide.