The Study of Context and Guideline for Community Development at Baan Na Yia, Na Yia Sub-district, Nayia District, Ubon Ratchathani by Using Participatory Development Approach to Improve the Quality of Life

Abstract

This study aimed to study the community context and create a community development plan by using participatory development approach to improve the quality of life of people at Baan Na Yia, Na Yia Sub-district, Nayia District, Ubon Ratchathani. The community was selected to be the target area for development by studying the physical, biological, and economic contexts of the community. Data were collected by using secondary data collection, semi–structured interview, focus group interview, participatory workshop, and core-team management as the key data collection team. The results of the study showed that the physical contexts of Baan Na Yia could be divided into two parts: the highland and the lowland. The lands were mainly used for agricultural purposes, growing rice and rubber trees. Dome River is located on the east of the community and is considered the border between the Na Yia and Phibun Mangsahan Districts. After the typically agricultural harvest season, agriculturists normally grew home-grown vegetables such as corn, yard long bean, chili, and watermelon. The biological context of the community revealed that it consisted of the public forest mostly deciduous dipterocarp forest. The economic context of the community showed that most of the villager’s income were from agriculture and general employment. There were three proposed participatory community development plans with 9 recommendations and 11 projects: Health Care Plan (concerning chronic diseases, contagious diseases, and drug abuse), Economic Development Plan, and Community Environment Development Plan. These participatory community development plans were necessary basis for the community. These proposed plans and projects will be further applied for community development approach that will lead to health care improvement and increasing villager’s income. Finally, the plans will improve quality of life and raise the income for the overall community at Baan Na Yia, Na Yia Sub-district, Nayia District, Ubon Ratchathani.