Elevating Community Herbs to Increase Economic Value: Lessons Learned in Thap Yai Chiang Sub-district, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

Research on lessons learned from the Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Upgrading Project Thap Yai Chiang Subdistrict, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province. The objectives were to 1) study the working process of the University to Tambon project; 2) find out the prototyping in new product development; and 3) explore the changes of community economy. Thirteen key informants were divides into 3 groups: 1) the project manager, 2) the employed group, and 3) the stakeholders such as representatives of local administrative organizations, village headman, representatives of sub-district health-promoting hospitals, government officials, and community enterprise group members. The research tools were in-depth interviews, the focus groups, and review of related documents. The data analysis was based on  conceptual content analysis.

                The results showed that the work process of the university project to the sub-district started after receiving the policy and approving the implementation. The project began with building a working team within the university and selecting a community enterprise operation area that meets the needs of researchers and the availability of raw materials. The work process of the project consists of students, graduates, and people employment, employee competency development, product configuration, product design and development.  The changes in the community economy found that the products obtained from this project are Liquid soap and Wan Nang Kham lotion and led to marketing management by organizing a product display and selling products through Facebook, which has many positive effects on the income of the community enterprises also the employed and increasing the value of Wan Nang Kham herbs.

                Additionally, this project used a community-based work process, a participatory collaboration of the community enterprises and the employees through the academic process of researchers as a driving tool. Therefore, creating a mutual understanding of the production process and licensing agreements will increase the clarity of work. Finally, to achieve sustainable community economic development and strong communities, it should be encouraged by the government to bring products into the business sector.