LOCAL WISDOM OF NIPA PALM UTILIZATION IN CHACHOENGSAO PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study the community’s local wisdom of Nipa palm utilization. This qualitative research was conducted to collect the data from the primary key informants, 15 Nipa palm utilizers. The results of this research showed that: currently, there were two types of Nipa palm utilization in Chachoengsao: (1) earning a living for their own family, for instance, making strips of Nipa palm leaves as the roof material for thatched houses, and using Nipa palm leaves for wrapping Khanom Jak sweets, young nipa palm leaves used for wrapping Khao Tom Mad (Bananas with Sticky Rice), dried young leaves of Nipa palms used for wrapping tobacco for smoking, young nipa palm fruits used for making dessert, and (2) utilization in the household, for examples, young shoots of Nipa palms used for cooking, leaf stalks of Nipa palms used for making brooms, the stems of Nipa palm flowers used for making whips to chase insects or back scratchers, the young nipa palm fruits used for cooking, and the shells of nipa palm fruits used for making fertilizers or fuels. All parts of nipa palms can be used for utilization and consumption, and they can grow and expand by themselves naturally; there is no need to grow more. Therefore, no investment is needed, except for the workforce to make a living from Nipa palms utilization. However, due to the area context and social change, the number of Nipa palm forests in Chachoengsao has continually decreased, as some investors have bought those areas for economic benefits. Only the Nipa palm forests, along the canals, are still left but sometimes destroyed by digging canals. Moreover, the number of people who use Nipa palms for utilization has gradually declined, so only a small group of people have recognized the values and benefits of Nipa palm utilization to earn a living for their families.