Driving Community Agriculture towards the Production of High-Value Agricultural Products to Elevate the Grassroots Economy in Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to: (1) assess and strengthen community capacity, (2) design a model for collaborative networks, and (3) to formulate a community agriculture charter. The research team selected the Ban Dong Chai Rice Seed Producer Community Enterprise, located in Thung Kor Subdistrict, Wiang Chiang Rung District, as a case study prototype for driving community agriculture toward the production of high-value agricultural products to elevate the local economy in Chiang Rai Province.

This qualitative study involved three key informant groups: representatives of farmers, community leaders, and government agencies, totaling 40 participants. The research tools were an in-depth interview, and focus group discussion and analyzed content analysis.

The study found that community capacity could be systematically assessed through SWOT analysis, which provided the basis for defining specific development targets for high-value agricultural products. Efforts to strengthen community capacity focused on promoting modern agricultural skills, the use of technology, greater access to inputs and financial resources, and the production of standardized, high-quality products. Product diversification through value-added processing and the organization of farmer networks were also emphasized.

The collaborative network model comprised three interconnected components: the community’s foundational resources, its internal mechanisms, and external support systems. Together, these elements form an ecosystem that enables sustainable community agricultural development and supports adaptation to shifting economic and social conditions.

The community agriculture charter emphasized consensus building and collective agreements among relevant stakeholders. Its framework integrates social and environmental systems in a balanced manner, encompassing social capital, natural resource management, and governance mechanisms for regulating agricultural practices. This charter provides direction for community-based agriculture to progress toward high-value production, thereby strengthening the local economy.