GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING SYSTEMS AND MECHANISMS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC POLICIES FOR HEALTH PROMOTION IN SOUTHERN THAILAND: A FOOD SECURITY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the systems and mechanisms supporting public policy drive; 2) identify success factors, obstacles, 3) extract knowledge gained from the project to develop systems and mechanisms for public policy drive for health promotion in Southern Thailand, specifically regarding food security, and 4) establish guidelines for developing these systems and mechanisms. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. The data collection was conducted through interviewing 12 key informants representing five core mechanisms: 1) Support Mechanism (3 persons), 2) Food Security Policy Drive Mechanism (3 persons), 3) Issue-based Support Mechanism (2 persons), 4) Internal Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Development Mechanism (2 persons), and 5) Public Communication Mechanism (2 persons). The research instruments included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions which were validated for content validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that the efficiency and effectiveness of the operational systems and personnel were at a high level which was characterized by clarity and a community-driven approach that fostered participatory health management. The project generated significant outputs, such as community knowledge sets and the expansion of safe food production areas which led to enhanced community learning, network building, and health literacy, alongside the establishment of model communities and increased local income. Success factors were categorized into three dimensions: the readiness of the area and its core leaders, consistent support from networks, and the integration of local wisdom. Conversely, key obstacles included communication gaps between policy and practice, inconsistent budgeting, and the impacts of global warming. The extracted knowledge encompassed spatial data management, coordination and networking, and the integration of local wisdom. Proposed development guidelines include defining a clear policy drive structure, developing database systems and knowledge management, expanding partnerships and geographical reach, and establishing "Model Persons" and "Model Communities." Furthermore, the results of this study can be applied to advocate for the establishment of specialized food security funds utilizing local government budgets, and the integration of food security issues into provincial and district development plans to support the sustainable expansion of safe agricultural areas.