The Local Wisdom to Innovative Utilization of Banana: Wall Panel Decoration from Banana Tree Fibers to Strengthen the Grassroots Economy of Ramdang Community, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This study aimed at improving and developing the existing capital of the community by using local wisdom to produce innovative products. The concept of this study is to develop agricultural waste into innovative products that can be produced by the community by using simple tools and processes. This is in order to create added value to the agricultural waste. The research methodology and experiment methods are as follows: 1) survey of the potential and resource utilization of Ram Daeng Community; 2) exploring the needs for innovations derived from the banana trees; 3) study and experiment on the utilization of banana trees; 4) strength test of banana sheath fibers; 5) community participation; and 6) design and presentation of complete creative works. This study examined local knowledge, production, and preservation processes of banana ropes, as well as understanding the problems and solutions for the community by conducting a survey of the needs of 145 consumers from 7 occupations. The results obtained were used in the development and creation of decorative wall panels from banana sheath fibers. The results showed that 2.5 cm. banana sheath fibers were suitable and in line with local wisdom in producing banana fibers. However, the laboratory results revealed that banana fibers had low elongation and strength and were not suitable for compression. They were only suitable for interior wall decoration. The lessons learned from the community participation process and the limitation of the length of the material were used in the design of 30 x 40 cm decorative wall panels. Six wall panels were arranged into a larger panel of 60 x 120 cm. In addition, the calculation, measurement, and evaluation of the return on investment of banana fiber wall panels revealed that the cost was 88.64 baht per panel. The selling price of a banana fiber wall panel can be 150 baht. The banana fiber wall panels should be sold in packages of 6 panels per box, which is the standard size of construction materials sold in the market.