Area Based Development Research Journal

Poverty Alleviation through Sweet Corn Value Chain Enhancement: the Tanohputae Model in Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, Thailand

Jariya Sukjantra — 2026-09-03

Background: Tanorpute Subdistrict, Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, Thailand is characterized by a large number of economically vulnerable households. Of the households in the subdistrict, 401 are classified as poor, and most depend on agricultural labor without owning farmland. Limited access to productive resources, unstable employment, and restricted opportunities for income generation have contributed to persistent livelihood insecurity. Sweet corn is an important short-term agricultural crop in the community and occupies the largest cultivated area in the district. However, production is generally small-scale and is normally limited to a single production cycle during July–September. Farmers have faced difficulties in improving productivity, adding value to agricultural products, organizing collective production, and accessing stable markets. These constraints have limited the ability of poor households to generate continuous income from agriculture. This study therefore applied an area-based and participatory approach to develop a community mechanism that could mobilize local resources, strengthen household capacities, and create employment opportunities along the sweet corn value chain.

Objectives: The study aimed to develop a community-based poverty alleviation model using the resources, capacities, and networks available in Tanorpute Subdistrict. More specifically, it sought to create employment and income opportunities for poor households, improve their occupational and entrepreneurial capabilities, strengthen their self-reliance, and establish a sustainable mechanism through which local government agencies, community organizations, and households could jointly address poverty.

Methodology: The study employed a participatory action research approach involving poor households, government agencies, community organizations, and local development networks. The participatory process resulted in the development of the Tanorpute Model, an area-based poverty alleviation mechanism centered on the creation of a new value chain for sweet corn. The model consisted of five interconnected processes. First, a sweet corn value chain was established and target households were integrated into appropriate activities according to their capacities and interests. Second, positive attitudes and motivation for self- development were promoted, drawing upon Islamic principles and locally meaningful approaches to strengthen commitment to occupational development. Third, communal farmland and shared food-production facilities were organized to improve access to productive resources for households without their own agricultural land. Fourth, vocational skills were developed and occupational groups were encouraged to facilitate collective production, processing, and income generation. Fifth, marketing networks and market channels were developed to connect community products with local consumers and markets beyond the immediate community. These processes were implemented through collaboration and continuous learning among participating households and partner organizations.

Results: and Finding: The Tanorpute Model successfully integrated 20 poor households, representing 4.98% of the total poor households in the subdistrict, into the newly established sweet corn value chain. The intervention generated opportunities for households to participate in different stages of production and value addition according to their capabilities. Among the participating households, 11 engaged in fresh sweet corn cultivation. Their selling price increased by 1.25 times, generating an income of approximately 2,136–3,775 THB (approximately 65-115 USD) per household per production cycle. Another seven households participated in sweet corn milk processing, where value addition increased by 5.45 times. Members involved in processing obtained additional income of approximately 150 THB (approximately 4.6 USD) per day. Beyond these economic outcomes, the participating households developed greater awareness of the importance of stable occupations and established individual and collective development goals. They also gained practical experience in sweet corn cultivation, processing, marketing, and group-based economic activities. The use of communal farmland increased access to cultivation opportunities for households without land ownership, while standardized food-production facilities strengthened confidence in product quality and food safety.

Outcome, Impacts and Sustainability: The Tanorpute Model generated impacts beyond immediate income improvement by strengthening human and social capital within the community. Poor households acquired new occupational skills and became more capable of participating continuously in agricultural production and value-added activities. Fresh sweet corn and processed corn milk products were marketed within the local community and in Yala city, expanding market opportunities beyond the immediate production area. The development of collective activities also strengthened cooperation among households and local organizations and contributed to the establishment of a community enterprise. Importantly, the model demonstrated the value of integrating poverty alleviation with local resource management, vocational development, value-chain creation, and market networking rather than treating income generation as an isolated intervention. Institutional support further reinforced the sustainability of the initiative. The Tanorpute Subdistrict Administrative Organization allocated 300,000 THB (approximately 9153 USD) to improve the corn milk processing facilities and establish a community sales outlet. This commitment demonstrates local ownership and provides an institutional foundation for continuing and expanding the initiative. Overall, the Tanorpute Model illustrates how participatory, area-based development can transform locally available agricultural resources into employment and livelihood opportunities for poor households. By linking communal resources, skills development, value addition, market access, and local government support, the model offers a potentially replicable approach to poverty alleviation and community self-reliance in other rural areas facing similar constraints.

Contemporary Handwoven Blended Fiber Innovation from Banana Culture Capital and the Creation of Collaborative Networks among Occupational Groups in Ban Khok Mueang Community, Buriram Province, Thailand

Maywadee Phayakprakhon — 2026-09-03

Introduction: The Barai Phanpi weaving group in Ban Khok Mueang, Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province has successfully established the identity of the “So Rak Barai” pattern, which has been widely recognized as an OTOP product. However, the group currently faces structural challenges, with production costs ranging from 230–300 THB (≈7.07–9.20 USD) per meter while the selling price remains at 350 THB (≈10.74 USD) per meter. This narrow profit margin reduces incentives for younger generations to participate in the craft, particularly within an aging society. Meanwhile, the community enterprise producing fried bananas in Ban Khok Mueang generates large quantities of banana sheaths as agricultural waste, which have yet to be utilized for value creation. This situation reflects a lack of resource integration between occupational groups and the absence of textile innovations using blended fibers that could reduce raw material costs and foster tangible circular economic sustainability for the community.

Objectives: This research aimed to: 1) develop a contemporary hand-woven innovation using blended fibers derived from banana sheaths of Kluai Namwa cultivated in volcanic soil, and 2) establish collaborative networks among occupational groups in Ban Khok Mueang community.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research design through an area-based participatory process combined with experimental methods, using semi-structured interviews and purposive as well as snowball sampling of 16 participants, including local weavers and experts. The research proceeded in six stages: preliminary study and field entry; fiber development and production processes in collaboration with the community, encompassing upstream activities of fiber selection and extraction, midstream fiber quality improvement, and downstream innovation in fiber blending and yarn spinning; knowledge transfer and co-development of blended banana sheath fibers with the community; community-based. banana fiber development for production; product testing; and the establishment of collaborative networks within the community to foster sustainable development.

Results and Findings: The raw material used for fiber processing was banana sheaths of Kluai Namwa cultivated in the area surrounding Phanom Rung Mountain. The supply chain was integrated by linking the community enterprise producing fried bananas, which provided raw materials, with the weaving group through the establishment of a joint production calendar. Area-based collaboration was fostered through interdisciplinary mechanisms to manage knowledge and agreements under the principle of shared benefits, thereby strengthening the community network structure. Fiber extraction techniques were transferred to the community via hands-on workshops combined with participatory meetings, laying the foundation for sustainable material development. The handwoven blended fiber textile produced from banana sheaths of Kluai Namwa grown in volcanic soil at Phanom Rung, with a fiber ratio of 30% banana fiber to 70% cotton fiber, exhibited distinctive qualities derived from volcanic minerals, resulting in fibers that were exceptionally strong, whitish, and lustrous. Testing according to industrial standards (TIS 121) confirmed high tensile strength, averaging 900 CN, with excellent dimensional stability. The woven fabric demonstrated maximum tensile strength in the weft direction at 545.20 N, nearly twice that of the warp direction. Colorfastness to perspiration under both acidic and alkaline conditions was rated excellent, with no fading or discoloration observed. However, shrinkage in the warp direction was relatively high at 11%, necessitating a pre-shrinking process prior to tailoring. Overall, the product had an average mass per unit area of 166 g/m², making it lightweight, comfortable to wear, and suitable for clothing and lifestyle products emphasizing durability.

Outcome, Impacts and Sustainability: The innovation of handwoven blended fiber textiles from volcanic-soil banana sheaths has generated multidimensional transformations and established mechanisms for community sustainability. 1) Social Dimension: Area-based collaboration between the fried banana processing group and the Barai Phanpi weaving group elevated elderly female weavers into cultural entrepreneurs, increasing household income by an average of 6,000 THB (≈184 USD) per household and preserving the transmission of local wisdom heritage. 2) Technological Dimension: Fiber extraction techniques were transferred to the community, enabling local management and integration with semi-industrial fiber blending systems. Agricultural waste in the form of banana sheaths was transformed into textile fibers, resulting in a new production cost of 380 THB/meter (≈11.67 USD/meter), reducing raw material costs by 50%. 3) Economic Dimension: The product achieved a value increase of 128.57%, with the selling price adjusted to 800 THB/ meter (≈24.56 USD/meter). The break-even point was reached at 119 meters of woven fabric, creating a circular economic ecosystem that distributed benefits to more than 50 vulnerable groups and farmers in the area. Overall, the handwoven blended fiber textiles from Kluai Namwa banana sheaths grown in volcanic soil at Phanom Rung not only added value through identity and storytelling rooted in geological heritage, but also fostered a strong cross-occupational collaboration ecosystem. This contributed to local identity pride and enabled sustainable grassroots economic development in alignment with the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) model.

Technology Transfer of Artificial Insemination in Khaolak Black Bone Chicken to Enhance Community Income in Nam Phut Subdistrict, Trang Province, Thailand

Napapach Chuaychu-noo — 2026-09-03

Background: Khaolak black bone chicken is a locally developed strain derived from crossbreeding and selection among four black chicken lines: Mongolian, Indonesian, Yunnan, and Phu Phan. The farmer group raising Khaolak black bone chicken in Nam Phut Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province, Thailand is able to produce high quality black boned chickens and utilize them as health-oriented food products to meet the demand of consumers and tourists. However, the group still faces limitations in breeding and multiplication, particularly the high infertile egg rate of 31.56±6.27%, which reflects constraints in mating efficiency. This problem is mainly associated with an insufficient number of high-quality breeder males and the advanced age of existing males, averaging approximately two years. These factors affect breeder flock management efficiency and limit the production of black boned chicks to meet market demand. The total production cost of Khaolak black bone chicken was 168.49 THB/kg per production cycle, with a return on investment (ROI) of 18.70%.

Objectives: This study aimed to transfer artificial insemination technology for Khaolak black bone chicken to farmer groups in order to improve breeding efficiency, increase the fertile egg rate, enhance the production of high-quality black boned chicks, reduce production costs, and sustainably increase community income.

Methodology: The project was implemented through a participatory approach involving Khaolak black bone chicken farmers, educational institutions, and local network partners. The activities included: 1) organizing community forums to synthesize the problems and needs of farmer groups; 2) collecting baseline data and conducting pre technology transfer evaluation; and 3) organizing practical training workshops on artificial insemination technology for genetic improvement of Khaolak black bone chicken. The training process consisted of: 1) assessing farmers’prior knowledge; 2) transferring new knowledge and technology; and 3) conducting post-activity evaluation to improve the efficiency of Khaolak black bone chicken multiplication, together with an economic return assessment.

Results and Findings: The farmer group was able to apply the acquired knowledge to manage Khaolak black bone chicken breeding more effectively. The fertile egg rate increased to 86.62±2.46%, while the infertile egg rate decreased to 9.09±1.96%. These results helped address the problem of black boned chick production. Farmers were able to plan the production of high-quality chicks and marketable black bone chickens in accordance with market demand. In addition, the total production cost decreased by 22.39 THB/kg (0.66 USD/kg) per production cycle, while the return on investment (ROI) increased to 36.89%, representing an increase of 18.19 percentage points.

Outcomes, Impacts, and Sustainability: The farmers were able to produce sufficient quantities of high quality black bone chickens to meet market demand, reduce production costs, increase income, and improve advance marketing planning. As a result, pre orders from consumers, restaurants in Trang Province, and nearby areas increased. Socially, the project promoted farmer group strengthening and knowledge exchange through learning stations on rearing, breeding, multiplication, and artificial insemination of Khaolak black bone chicken. Knowledge transfer courses, rearing manuals, and technology demonstrations were also developed and can be further extended to other farmers and other native chicken breeds. Environmentally, the rearing and utilization of Khaolak black bone chicken, as a native chicken breed, contribute to the conservation of local animal genetic resources and community biodiversity. Therefore, this initiative provides a practical approach to upgrading Khaolak black bone chicken production, increasing community income, and supporting the sustainable improvement of farmers’ quality of life in Trang Province.

Capacity-Building of Mankaeo Borabue Farmers in GAP-Standard Production for Geographical Indication Value Addition in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

Wichaporn Sawartpong — 2026-09-03

Background: Farmers cultivating Borabue yam bean in Borabue and Kudrang districts, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand comprise 263 households across 261 Hectare. Fresh yam bean is predominantly sold to middlemen at an average farm-gate price of 8.5 THB (approximately 0.26 USD) per kilogram, generating limited returns. Despite Borabue yam bean having been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 2022, none of the farmers had exercised the right to use the GI mark, and their produce had not been certified under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Although two large community enterprises existed in the area, concrete mechanisms for upgrading production standards, exercising GI rights, and developing higher-value markets had not yet been established. These conditions indicated a gap between the formal registration of a GI product and its actual utilization by producers.

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a participatory process to enhance farmers’ capacity to produce Borabue yam bean in compliance with GAP standards and to create added value through the legitimate use of Maha Sarakham’s GI mark. The specific objectives were to: (1) analyze production constraints and existing marketing channels; (2) establish guidelines for promoting GAP compliance and obtaining GI usage rights while expanding market opportunities; (3) implement production, value-addition, packaging, and marketing development activities; and (4) evaluate changes in farmers’ knowledge, production practices, attitudes, economic returns, and capacity for sustained development.

Methodology: Sixty farmers voluntarily participated in the study in collaboration with a multi-stakeholder network comprising five government agencies, three academic staff, and two private-sector partners. The research employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach integrated with an Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) framework. The development process consisted of four stages: (1) joint analysis and prioritization of production and marketing problems; (2) behavioral changes in production practices to align with GAP standards; (3) group submission for GAP certification and GI mark usage rights; and (4) creation of new marketing channels and development of prototype packaging. Knowledge, attitudes, and production practices were assessed before and after training and activities using evaluation forms and paired t-tests. Production costs, revenues, and profits were collected through individual and group interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results and Findings: Farmers demonstrated substantial improvements in production practices in three key areas: systematic chemical management; contamination-free harvesting and transportation; and record keeping for traceability. GAP implementation also encouraged safer chemical storage and disposal practices, reducing potential risks to farmers, consumers, soil, water, and the production environment. Ultimately, all 60 participating farmers cultivating 21 Hectare obtained GAP certification and legal rights to use the Borabue yam bean GI mark, becoming the first farmer group in Maha Sarakham Province to achieve both.

A key finding was that farmer acceptance was driven not simply by training, but by three interconnected “turning points.” First, self-assessment against GAP criteria enabled farmers to recognize that many of their existing practices already complied with the standards, reducing their perception that certification was unattainable. Second, direct communication with Siam Makro Public Company Limited representatives demonstrated the potential price and market advantages of GAP-GI produce. Third, the experience of the first 20 certified farmers provided tangible evidence that encouraged a further 34 farmers to participate.

Marketing channels expanded to institutional markets, direct consumer sales, online platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, and modern retail markets. Two prototype packaging designs were developed. One farmer also transformed online selling from simple product promotion into storytelling that communicated the identity and local pride associated with Borabue yam bean as a GI product, demonstrating the use of cultural capital in contemporary marketing. Economic returns increased substantially, demonstrating the economic potential of GAP-GI upgrading. Nevertheless, the results represent market conditions during the study period and should be interpreted in light of seasonal price and demand fluctuations.

Outcomes, Impact, and Sustainability: The changes were sustained through mutually reinforcing mechanisms at local, provincial, and national levels. At the local level, GAP certification must be renewed every three years, while GI usage rights must be renewed every two years, creating external institutional incentives for continued compliance. Internally, the two community enterprises function as aggregators, internal quality controllers, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. They are expected to transfer knowledge to an additional 203 households over the next 2–3 years through farmer-to-farmer learning, self-assessment against GAP criteria, and plot-level mentoring by certified farmers.

Institutionally, the ability of farmers to pursue GAP certification and GI usage rights in parallel resulted from coordinated action between the Maha Sarakham Agricultural Research and Development Center and the Provincial Commerce Office under provincial policy supporting Borabue yam bean GI development. This adjustment of procedures represents an institutional innovation within the AIS framework, demonstrating how inter-agency coordination can shorten conventional certification processes and accelerate agricultural innovation. At the provincial level, the four-stage development process provides a model for advancing other GI and locally distinctive agricultural products in Maha Sarakham. At the national level, the case offers lessons for other Thai GI products that have been registered but remain underutilized.

Development of Bannangsta Saba Banana Chips with Mangosteen Filling of the Ban Na La Agricultural Product Processing Community Enterprise, Yala Province, Thailand

Chompunuch Sriphong — 2026-09-03

Background: Yala province is a major mangosteen-producing area in the southern border region of Thailand. The Ban Na La Agricultural Product Processing Community Enterprise, located in Tachi Subdistrict, Yaha district, Yala province, generates approximately 37% of fresh mangosteen fruit that does not meet grading standards each year, resulting in significant post-harvest losses. To reduce such losses, the community enterprise processes these low-grade mangosteens into mangosteen paste. However, the enterprise has encountered challenges with production processes, product quality, and packaging, resulting in sales at less than 50% of its total production capacity. Therefore, developing a new value-added processed product that effectively responds to market demand became necessary.

Objectives: This research aimed to 1) investigate the business management, operational problems, and product development needs of the Ban Na La Agricultural Product Processing Community Enterprise; and 2) develop processed mangosteen products based on the Understand- Access-Develop principle of the King’s Philosophy.

Methodology: This research employed a research and development approach integrating qualitative and quantitative methods based on the Understand-Access-Develop principle of the King’s Philosophy. In the Understand phase, qualitative data were collected from 16 key informants through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, including community enterprise members, community enterprise and local product development officers, regular customers, and experts in community product development. In the Access phase, qualitative data were collected from the same group of key informants, and quantitative data were obtained from 450 consumers who had purchased mangosteen paste products at least once during the previous year. In the Develop phase, sensory evaluation regarding color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall liking was conducted with 30 untrained panelists, and product satisfaction was assessed with 100 consumers who participated in product tasting. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Sensory evaluation data were analyzed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and compared using the least significant difference (LSD) test. The development process consisted of nine stages: 1) investigating the product development needs of the community enterprise and stakeholders, 2) examining consumer needs for processed mangosteen products, 3) developing Saba banana chips with mangosteen filling based on the Understand-Access-Develop principle, 4) developing suitable packaging, 5) improving product standards and quality, 6) designing product labels, 7) providing practical training on the production of Saba banana chips filled with mangosteen paste and business management, 8) commercializing the product and monitoring its performance, and 9) refining the product.

Results and Findings: The Saba banana chips with mangosteen filling were developed by combining mangosteen paste with Bannangsta Saba bananas, a geographical indication (GI) product of Yala province. Improvements in packaging, product labeling, quality standards, and training in food science and business management enhanced consumer acceptance. The product obtained a food registration number from the Thai Food and Drug Administration and became commercially available. Initially, the product was sold in jar packaging, generating a profit margin of 26.37% of revenue. After changing to zip-lock packaging, the sales volume increased by 1.63 times while maintaining a similar profit level.

Outcome, Impact and Sustainability: The community enterprise has continuously produced and marketed the product, generating approximately 300 USD per month. To ensure year-round production, mangosteen flesh is preserved through freezing during the harvesting season for use as raw material. The enterprise plans to apply for the Thai community product standard and the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) product selection program, as well as to expand distribution channels through online platforms. The enterprise members have transformed from traditional producers into competitive community-based entrepreneurs. The utilization of local raw materials has reduced post-harvest losses and waste within the supply chain, increased income distribution to local farmers, and provided a practical model for sustainable product development in similar community contexts.