Development of Value-Added Zygostelma benthamii Baill Products Through Participatory Local Knowledge: A Study of Chorakhesamphan Community Enterprise in Suphan Buri, Thailand

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of value-added products from Zygostelma benthamii Baill through a participatory approach involving the Chorakhesamphan community enterprise in U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province. The objective is to enhance the economic value of local resources while preserving the cultural identity of the community. The research employs a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, involving 58 participants from community enterprises, local leaders, and relevant stakeholders. The findings indicate that the development of Z.benthamii products can be effectively achieved by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques. The results demonstrated that the development of Z.benthamii products can be successfully implemented through the integration of traditional knowledge and modern techniques. This integration led to the production of gourami fish feed supplemented with Z. benthamii and its subsequent processing into salted gourami fish products. The final products exhibited optimal organoleptic properties, including appearance, texture, and flavor characteristics, achieving maximum consumer acceptance in accordance with consumer preferences. The participatory approach facilitated knowledge exchange and strengthened the capacity of community enterprises in managing local biological resources. Additionally, external support—including training programs, study visits, and marketing strategies—played a vital role in enhancing community capabilities. This study concludes that participatory-driven development of Z.benthamii products can contribute to local economic growth while promoting biodiversity conservation and preserving indigenous knowledge. This approach can also be adapted for the development of other herbal products within the framework of a grassroots economy and sustainable development.