THE ENHANCEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE OCCUPATION BASED ON COMMUNITY'S NATURAL RESOURCES: A CASE STUDY OF BAN PANG MA-KLUI, PA PAE SUB-DISTRICT, MAE TANG DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) To study the community context, natural capital, problems, and occupational needs in Ban Pang Ma-Kluai community, Chiang Mai province; 2) To analyze the community's potential and promotion of alternative occupation development based on natural capital; and 3) To analyze success factors and obstacles in promoting alternative occupation development in the community. The research applied mixed methods that combine qualitative methods with participatory action research. The research collected data through purposive sampling from 15 key informants and 25 sample participants. The research tools were in-depth interview forms, focus group discussion, participant observation records, and operation logs. Data was analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) The community is located in a national park area with economically valued natural capital, namely Tea leaves and Sichuan pepper. Those need to develop new products due to product price problems. 2) The community has the potential for biodiversity. There has been utilizing plants as natural capital to promote alternative occupation development through innovative products, such as hair dye powder, roasted rice tea, essential oil, herbal balm, and natural tie-dyed fabric; and 3) The success factors are community participation throughout the entire process, high-potential local resources utilization, development of variety products for meeting market demands, and collaborative networks with external agencies creation. On the other hand, the obstacles consist of product price volatility, lack of specific skills and knowledge, limited participation of younger generations in the community, and limitations in regulations and product standards. This alternative occupation development approach should be experimental with other communities while developing specialized training courses to enhance necessary skills.