Network building means working together within a group, between groups, between communities or between villages. Forming a group is one way of building a network. For example group of lychee farmers or youth who are raising local pigs.
Working together through networking between groups. For example one group weaves, another groups sews fabric by taking the woven fabric by the first group and sews it into skirts, bags and then take to be sold. This is a network between groups with different activities. Networking is also possible between groups with the same activity. This means the group can take orders for large quantities.
Working as a cooperative is an example of networking whereby the cooperative works as the centre for management. For example, purchasing lynchees from members at a set price means that the group can determine and set the price so that the members get the best price, and there are no falling prices. By taking lychees in large quantities to sell at factories or in the town means that better prices can be agreed on. When they can sell the lychees, the cooperative can purchase consumer items which are needed by the Hill Tribe people such as cooking oil, fish sauc e, and sugar, for sale in the village. This can include other materials thread, or cotton for weaving to sell to the women.
It is possible to buy and sell together. The price of materials will be cheaper, reducing capital costs.
It reduces the cost of transportation
In the initial stages, whether it is forming a group, or building a network, there does not have to be a lot of members. Members of the group or network should have been chosen for their interest, determination, endurance, fighting spirit, willing to sacrifice and to listen to other people. They should accept the groups rules and are not after personal benefit more than the group benefit. If you choose a lot of people without selecting for suitability, this will make the management of the group difficult. When people who have problems come into the group it will make the benefits of the group harder to obtain. This will make the group break up and dissolve. It is better to select people to form the group. Initially have a small group and then gradually select people to increase the group. This is better than having an initial group of 40-50 people which reduces to 5-10 people.
Building a network between groups is similar. Learn about the group first. When you see the potential for the groups to work together, then form a network to work together. This can be gradually expanded. By working together, the groups have more power. Government and NGOs can help support the group.
