Title Five Dimensions of Community Capital: A Framework for Grassroots Economic Empowerment

Abstract

This study, entitled “Community Capital Management for Strengthening Local Fisheries in Ban Chom Phra through Participatory Processes,” investigates how community-based management of local resources can enhance sustainable livelihoods. The research advances the analytical framework of the five dimensions of community capital—human, social, cultural, natural, and economic capital—as a strategic mechanism for developing local occupations and community enterprises in Ban Chom Phra, Bueng Bun Subdistrict, Bueng Bun District, Sisaket Province. The objectives are: (1) to examine the existing conditions of community capital in the local fishery sector of Ban Chom Phra, (2) to explore participatory community-based management strategies for strengthening sustainable local occupations, and (3) to propose pathways for developing self-reliant community enterprises through inclusive participation.

Employing a qualitative research methodology, data were collected from 30 volunteer participants through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions with community leaders and members of local occupational groups.

Findings reveal that a fundamental challenge in the study area lies in the community’s limited understanding of community capital as an integrated system. Although the community possesses diverse cultural, social, economic, and ecological resources, local perceptions tend to emphasize only tangible assets such as income or marketable products. In contrast, human capital, social networks, cultural heritage, and environmental capital are often overlooked, resulting in underutilization of existing capacities and unequal access to communal benefits.

Through in-depth qualitative inquiry, the study identifies that this conceptual gap constitutes both the root cause and a major barrier to sustainable development, as it prevents the community from leveraging its assets to create value addition or long-term collective welfare. Consequently, the research emphasizes knowledge management processes aimed at building a shared understanding of the five forms of capital. This is achieved through interactive community forums, collaborative analysis, and lesson-learning workshops, leading to the development of a participatory community capital management model. The model provides practical guidance for planning, resource governance, and grassroots economic development aligned with local contexts.

The study concludes that enhanced awareness of community capital enables Ban Chom Phra residents to integrate the five dimensions of capital into a coherent framework for action. This integration strengthens local resource governance, reduces internal inequalities, and lays a foundation for long-term development consistent with principles of grassroots economics and sustainable development.