Grassroots Innovation: Local Food in Upper-North Area of Thailand

Abstract

Food is one of the four basic needs for any human race as a vital source of energy to maintain our life. However, there are differences in eating pattern in each society which depend on various factors such as geography, economic, way of life, beliefs, tradition and custom that have been carried on in each region. The “Grassroots: A case study of local cuisine in the northern region of Thailand” Research with the purpose to (1) Study the origin of ingredients used in unique local cuisine of the upper northern region of Thailand in order to continue the wisdom and pass on to the next generation. (2) Study the food security establishment of local cuisine in the upper northern region of Thailand as healthy food option in commercial dimension in order to create economic revenue for the community. (3) Study the management approach of Thai local wisdom on local cuisine in the northern region of Thailand for proper development in which would lead to sustainable development for Grassroots Innovation. This is a Qualitative Research as a case study which particularly focus on local cuisine of the upper northern region of Thailand. The research taken only in 4 provinces: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Nan. The research found that local cuisine is natural food which characterized by climate, geography and have significant traits - the food would be cook with local ingredients and specific method in accordance with culture in each region that have been collected and passed on to the next generations as wisdom from their ancestors. Moreover, local wisdom in cuisine also plays a significant part in health promoting that focus on harmonizing with the nature under the conditions of differences of ecological and culture. Local wisdom in cuisine is a cumulative process from life experience and social adjustment. Thai local herbs and vegetables have useful and beneficial properties in 4 dimensions as following: (1) Local Wisdom Dimension (2) Health Dimension (3) Economic Dimension that support local Thai vegetables that create income for the local farmers. And (4) Food Security Dimension