Community Participation in Developing a Charter for Zero-Burn Agriculture in Mae Kasa Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province

Abstract

This research investigated community participation in developing a sustainable "no-burn agriculture" community charter in Mae Kasa Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. Using a qualitative research methodology, data was collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The study found that the community faces air pollution and health problems stemming from agricultural burning, impacting the environment and economy. While aware of these issues, the community lacked the knowledge, skills, technology, and incentives to transition to no-burn practices. The charter development process was participatory, with activities designed to facilitate community input and decision-making. This resulted in a comprehensive charter tailored to the community context, with provisions promoting no-burn agriculture, including burning bans, agricultural waste management, knowledge dissemination. Key success factors identified were community cooperation, support from government and private sectors, and strong leadership and links between burning and air pollution, and the importance of community engagement and support in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This knowledge can be applied to other communities facing similar challenges