The Process of Solving the Problems of the Bajiangcharoensuk Marketplace in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: to study the state of problems of the marketplace of Bajiangcharoensuk in Champasak province, Lao PDR; and to explore the guidelines for solving the problems found. The research instruments were questionnaires and interviews. The sampling groups in the study included 134 people and the targeted interviewing group was 23 individuals. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, means, standard deviation and content analysis. The research findings were as follows.

1. The overall state of problems of the marketplace of Bajiangcharoensuk in Champasak province, Lao PDR was at a high level. Considering by each aspect, it could be arranged as followings: Participation of entrepreneurs and consumers, entrepreneurs lack training for understanding in environmental health/hygiene; Environmental sanitation management, presence of disease-carrying insects and flies; Food safety and consumers’ protection, lack of food contamination test; and General infrastructure, narrow walkways in the marketplace.


2. Regarding the process of solving the problems in the marketplace of Bajiangcharoensuk in Champasak province, Lao PDR, the followings were found.  On general hygiene, the building structure should be improved and selling stalls should be properly ordered.  On sanitation and environment, the state officials should play a part in checking the sanitation and hygiene issues. On food safety and consumer’s protection, the government agencies along with the market operators have to examine the standard and price label of the selling items. On the participation of the market entrepreneurs and consumers, the concerned agencies have to take part in providing training and knowledge on hygienic environments in the market and checking the food standard.