Community University Engagement Journal (CUE-J)

Sustainable forest-community development: Case study of Khok Khao Forest - Lao Dok Mai Ecotourism Project, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

2023-05-16T09:29:44+07:00

This research is a descriptive research designed to study the ecotourism management development practice of the Khok Khao forest and Lao Dok Mai Sub-district in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Four villages were investigated: Ban Na Kham Noi, Moo 1; Ban Som Krok, Moo 2; Ban Phak Waen, Moo 3; and Ban Phak Waen, Moo 4. Both formal and informal leaders, government offi cers, private agents, farmers, children and youth of 45 people, were taken into consideration by using statistical and SWOT analysis. The research results in terms of SWOT showed that, fi rstly, strength (S): communities hold traditional beliefs, have common sense leaders. Organizations encouraged raising funds for conservation of community resources thereby continuing to develop sustainable forest management. At the same time, incentives are created for managing and operating using a network format. Secondly, Weaknesses (W): lack of knowledge and understanding of community forest management, lack of supporting knowledge, absence of appropriated technology, insuffi cient budget, lack of a clear master plan, lack of coordination with external agencies without an external monitoring system. Thirdly, opportunities (O): possibility of some external budget allocations, develop knowledge and technology skills from other parties. Finally, threats (T): ignorance, rules and regulations of outsiders promoting and supporting factors that contribute to participation in the management of the Khok Khao forest management in all sectors and all levels. The community manages the forest under faith, traditional wisdoms and shared benefi ts under the supervision of each community

Creation of participatory solid waste and hazardous waste management mechanisms by integrating social and cultural costs House-Wat-School (Bowon) at Nong Saeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization Nong Saeng Subdistrict, Wapi Pathum District, Maha Sarakham Province

2023-01-13T15:01:00+07:00

Nong Saeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Wapi Pathum District, Maha Sarakham Province. It is another area of the country that has problems with solid waste management. and guidelines for managing solid waste problems at the end of the subdistrict administrative organization at present that have not been able to solve the problem. This study aims to study methods for waste management and hazardous waste disposal at the source by allowing the public to see how leaders from three sectors, namely home, temple, and school (Bowon), drive and contribute to solving problems at the source. In this study, a Deming cycle process was used, consisting of Plan (P), Do (D), Check (C), and Act (A). The researcher went to the community area to study information about the area’s solid and hazardous waste management. And share the information that has been understood with people in the community, including community leaders, religious leaders, and schools. To discuss and determine guidelines for the management of solid waste and hazardous waste that are suitable for the community based on the community’s own referendum. The results of the discussion resulted in a solution to the solid waste problem at the source: 1) A guideline for household waste management with the 3Rs and hazardous waste management was established; 2) a community recycling fund operating committee was formed. One month after the referendum, the researcher surveyed community operations and found that 80% of households separated waste according to the 3Rs principles, namely reduce, reuse, and recycle. There is also a separation of hazardous waste for the SAO to collect and dispose of. A group was formed to establish a waste fund. and set up a recycling market that would travel to various villages. In addition, it was found that people earn from the sale of recycled waste 100-500 baht per month. As for the community schools, it was found that waste and hazardous waste were separated scientifi cally. It was also found that students and teachers brought their own water glasses instead of getting plastic bags from the store. The researcher also found that during the beginning of the operation, in addition to relying on propulsion from the bowon mechanism, it also requires external propulsion such as university resources that will enhance both knowledge and insight and budget from government agencies or private sectors. To drive the operation to be fast and create a strong group of communities.

An analysis of a suitable model for community power plant development: A case study of the Northeast region of Thailand

2023-04-21T16:23:14+07:00

This paper aims to analyse a suitable model for developing a community power plant in the northeast region of Thailand. In this study, six provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, Sisaket, and Udon Thani were selected based on quantity potential and biomass diversity. The results showed that Nakhon Ratchasima appeared to be highest potential in electricity generation from residual biomass (about 83 MW - representing a total of 13community power plants). The capacity is capable of generating electricity from residual biomass up to 3,278 million units per year and representing an estimated revenue from electricity sales of 14,026 million Baht per year. The capacity for community based electricity generation in the other provinces would be between 29 and 51 MW which represents about 5-8 community power plants per province with the capacity to generate electricity from residual biomass approximately 1,145-2,006 million units per year. The revenue from electricity sales would be about 4,899-8,583 million Baht per year. In order to develop a community power plant in a sustainable way, this paper also recommends the addition of other alternative fuels for power generation as well as the promotion of energy crops to be used for community power plants. This would provide several benefi ts including gain an extra income from the sales of electricity and energy crops, increase in employment in the community and the agricultural sector, and providing job opportunities for young workers whose normally relocate themselves to work in the industrial sector in the metropolitan area. Such benefi ts would help strengthen the family and hence enhance
the community sustainability

Development of rice products as healthy food from local rice in Maha Sarakham Province

2023-01-13T09:57:43+07:00

The development of value-added health food products from indigenous rice in Maha Sarakham province focuses on analyzing the nutritional value of indigenous rice products. It also aims to develop rice products that cater to the preferences of the target consumers and create market channels for community products. The primary goal is to address and elevate the organic rice products of the Plabu Community Enterprise in Nong Saeng sub-district, Wapi Pathum district, Maha Sarakham province. This community enterprise comprises over 50 members who collectively cultivate 1,200 acres of land, producing an average of 100 kilograms of organic rice per month, with a 100% organic farming approach. Therefore, the rice produced by this community enterprise is nutritionally both valuable and safe. This research project employs a participatory and mixed-method approach. After delivering nutritional information about eight local rice varieties to the community enterprise, it resulted in the community understanding the factors and reasons behind all the changes that occurred. This led to the exploration of solutions that address various issues, including: Learning and Knowledge Management: This involves acquiring research skills and knowledge management resulting from the study of the community’s dynamics and changes (Time Line Analysis). This understanding helps identify factors and causes of all changes and leads to the exploration of solutions aligned with various problems. Livelihood Generation: This includes skill development on a community basis, expanding career opportunities, and entrepreneurship. The research links and engages target groups in activities aimed at building vocational skills, such as enabling community enterprises and community members to sell their products online using modern media and packaging. This can create income and economic opportunities. Income Generation: Traditional rice markets involve middlemen and rice mills, which often result in low rice prices. This research analyzes the potential for creating an identity for the product, such as modern packaging that refl ects the community’s identity. This can improve the value of the rice and generate income for the community. Quality of Life Improvement: Increasing the income of the community enterprise aims to enhance the quality of life in terms of improving the economic aspect (Economic Development) and using science and technology for analyzing nutritional values and designing packaging. Networking and Community Building: Establishing networks and connections with private individuals, community enterprises, and universities plays a crucial role in expanding the market for community enterprises. This is a signifi cant strategy for creating a “New Economy” that generates new value chains for community enterprises. The research involves agricultural practices that focus on area analysis, effi ciency improvement, and productivity enhancement, incorporating science, technology, and innovation to help achieve these goals.

Developing the potential of agricultural areas caused by climate change Ban Pla Bu, Nong Saeng Subdistrict, Wapi Pathum District Maha Sarakham province

2023-01-12T16:26:54+07:00

The objective of this research is to: 1) study the impact of climate change on water and soil salinity in agricultural areas, 2) develop risk maps for water and soil salinity in agricultural areas and propose a corresponding mobile application, and 3) enhance soil quality using biotechnological products derived from bacteria to support crop growth in areas with limited water resources. The research is conducted through a participatory action research approach, with the target community being the residents of Plabu Village, Group 14, Nong Saeng Sub-district, Waeng Pa Thum District, Maha Sarakham province. This small village, with approximately 250 residents in 80 households, relies on agriculture, including rice cultivation, animal husbandry, and vegetable gardening, covering an average of 22 acres per family. The project fi ndings include: 1) climate change impacts, such as 1.1) increased fl ood risks in the southern part of the village, and 1.2) drought risks affecting agricultural areas heavily dependent on natural water sources forz rice cultivation, 2) the development of risk maps for water and soil salinity revealed natural limitations in soil salinity and water quantity and quality. Local policies promoting shared water resource management are crucial for addressing these challenges, and 3) the creation of the “Water and Soil Salinity in Agricultural Area: WSSA” app, utilizing data from meteorological radar, rainfall, river water levels, soil salinity, and presenting risk maps through community forums. Furthermore, the research explored the use of biotechnological products from bacteria, specifi cally the collaboration with the Department of Land Development’s Super PD 2 formula, to improve soil quality. Initial feedback from collaborating farmers, Thanyarat Suriyakant and Siwakarn Khongsri, indicated satisfaction with reduced production costs and a shift towards organic farming. Crop yields from fi elds using biotechnological products were notably higher, with a 15% increase in rice production compared to non-treated fi elds. Despite positive outcomes, the target group still seeks continuous support from government or other agencies to address agricultural challenges arising from climate change, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and resilience in the face of environmental changes.