Enhancing Household Income through the Cultivation of Coprinopsis cinerea (Hed-cone-noi) Mushroom with Appropriate Technology to Promote the Grassroots Economy: the Case Study of Nong Faek Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study aimed to strengthen the local community economy by enhancing the net household income of Coprinopsis cinerea (Hed-cone-noi) mushroom cultivators in Nong Faek Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A mixed methods research design was employed, integrating Participatory Action Research (PAR) to promote experiential learning, community engagement, and capacity building among 75 target households. Quantitative data were collected using pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring participants’ knowledge and understanding of income generation through Hed-cone-noi cultivation, along with performance-based evaluations of operational skills related to the appropriate technology for controlling temperature and humidity. Data analysis primarily utilized descriptive statistics, including mean values and percentage distributions. The findings revealed that: 1) the target households demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge, understanding, and collaborative capacity following the intervention (p < 0.05), with mean scores increasing from 3.6 to 4.7, reflecting enhanced capacity to effectively operate the technological system; 2) although households gained a solid understanding of cultivation principles and key factors affecting production efficiency, they continued to require expert guidance in certain contexts. In terms of operational skills and system adjustments, households remained dependent on expert support and were unable to independently link production outputs with system performance. Additionally, maintenance and troubleshooting skills were limited, particularly for advanced system management; and 3) the average net income of participating households showed a substantial increase, with monthly net income ranging from 6,148 to 12,650 Thai Baht, and an average increase of 6,870 Baht per household. These findings underscore the pivotal role of appropriate technology integration and participatory learning processes in improving agro-based livelihoods. The study provides empirical evidence that combining PAR with context-specific technological interventions can strengthen agro-based household economic resilience and contribute to sustainable community-based development in local farming communities in Thailand.