Developing Budu Fish Chili Paste under the Concept of Circular Economy of Darul Ibadah Community Enterprise, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

The Darul Ibadah Community Enterprise in Bangkok endeavored to market Budu fish chili paste, aligning it with grassroots, circular, and sufficiency economy principles. Unfortunately, this product faced multiple developmental hurdles. Challenges included issues with raw material storage, unappealing packaging, a short 1-month shelf life, absence of product labeling, inadequate machinery and facilities leading to non-compliance with FDA standards, marketing limitations, and PR struggles to generate wider awareness and promote the product. This research addressed the following key areas: 1) Collecting data on Budu fish Chili Paste quality and standards, 2) Enhancing Budu fish Chili Paste value through circular economy principles, 3) Developing and promoting business models for improved commercial competitiveness using comprehensive business and marketing plans, and 4) Enhancing grassroots economy and quality of life by upgrading production processes, acquiring machinery, expanding facilities, broadening distribution channels, and forging business networks with local and external government and private agencies. As a result, the Darul Ibadah Community Enterprise successfully crafted a unique Budu fish chili paste, reflecting local identity while demonstrating stability and growth potential. The enterprise experienced a 61% increase in monthly profits, raising monthly orders from 60 to 120 jars. Notably, fish farmers saw an average monthly income rise of 1,000 baht (ca. 29 USD), while medicinal plant and vegetable growers enjoyed an additional 300 baht per month (ca. 8.68 USD per month). Efficient waste management techniques, such as repurposing leftover raw materials into fish curry and biological fertilizer, achieved zero waste. These initiatives contributed to increased community income distribution, heightened environmental consciousness, and ultimately, strengthened community cohesion.