Development of People’s Participation in Forest Resources Conservation in Huai Sor Forest: A Case Study of Ban Sor and Ban Denphatthana Communities, Pue Sub District, Chiang Klang District, Nan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) the social and economic characteristics of people in forest resources conservation in Huai Sor forest, 2) the situation in the management of people's participation in forest resources conservation, 3) the level of people's participation and problems associated with forest resources conservation, and 4) guidelines for improving people’s participation in forest resources conservation. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires were used for collecting quantitative data from 190 sample households by systematic sampling from a total of 360 households in Ban Sor
and Ban Denphatthana communities. Statistics for analyzing the data were percentage and mean. The interviews and focus group method were used for collecting qualitative data from contributors using the purposive sampling method comprise of community leaders in Ban Sor and Ban Den Phatthana communities, representatives of Rak Nam Sor group committee, and watershed management unit officers in the area were totally 6 people and gathered from related documents. Data were analyzed by content analysis.

The results showed that 1) the majority of samples were male, the average age of 55 years and over, educated to elementary level or lower, Buddhism religion, farmers with an average income of less than 5,000 baht per month, be Rak Nam Sor group members, and no social position in the community, 2) For management of people's participation in forest resources conservation, community organizations are joining together to establish Rak Nam Sor Group
to manage and jointly organize activities on conservation and restoration of forest resources continually. The group members participate in activities under a process of community participation and among all stakeholders. 3) People's participation level in forest resources conservation activities mostly was high and problems and limitations are at a low level, and
4) The guidelines for improving people’s participation in forest resources conservation consist of 4.1) organize training projects to educate, create understanding, and raise awareness among the public, 4.2) organize public relations activities on the conservation of forest resources and community forests, 4.3) encourage people to attend training courses related to forest resource conservation, 4.4) organize activities for public participation more, and 4.5) Government agencies and local government bodies should give priority and support the process of public participation in forest resource conservation continuously.