The Development of Community Potential to Strengthen Local Economy by Promoting Job Creation in the Area of Phaniat Sub-District, Khoksamrong District, Lopburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this participatory action research were to study the spatial context of operations and the community economic development of Phaniat sub-district, Khok Samrong District, Lop Buri Province, and to provide guidelines of the development of community’s potential for community's economic empowerment by creating supplementary careers. The data were collected at Phaniat sub-district, Khok Samrong District, Lopburi Province. The samples were 60 households consisted of community leaders and project participants. The qualitative data were collected by both participatory and non-participatory observations, in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed and summarized into inductive and content analyses. The results are as follows: First, the spatial context of Phaniat community had an appropriate integrated capital base in terms of resources and opened for collective learning activities. Moreover, collaboration between local leaders and local people demonstrated their readiness for economic development. Second, the guidelines for developing the community’s economic included creating supplementary careers potential from product processing of local raw materials as well as providing management skills in production, package designs, and group management in order to prepare the local people for the registration of community enterprise in the future. Recommendations for creating supplementary careers as a community occupational group were providing knowledge development and skill trainings for leaders and group members, and promoting a trilateral cooperation within and outside the community to include community organizations, governmental organizations, and supportive partnering organizations.