Approaches to building food security in the Khmu ethnic community of Ban Bon Khao Kaeng Riang, Tha

Abstract

This research aimed to 1)investigate the community context and community potential of Ban Bon Khao Kaeng Riang, 2) synthesize food security of the Khmu ethnic community of Ban Bon Khao Kaeng Riang, and 3) determine approaches to building food security of this Khmu ethnic community based on the BCG Model. This qualitative research applied anthropological and participatory research methods, and the subjects were 3 groups of 31 people selected using purposive sampling: 25 people from the household network, 3 monks from a Buddhist temple network, and 3 people from a government network. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant and non-participant observations. The data were validated and concluded before a report was written. The study area was Ban Bon Khao Kaeng Riang community, Tha Kradan Sub-district, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. The study found (1) Ban Bon Khao Kaeng Riang was an old community settled by a Khmu ethnic group migrating from Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic whose way of life has always been in agriculture. The community potential comprised: 1) basic capital, 2) natural capital, 3) human capital, 4) social capital, and 5) cultural capital, making the community’s identity outstanding. (2) For food security, the Khmu ethnic group had good potential because of various food resources but self-sufficient production has changed to production for income with less forest dependence. (3) The approaches to building food security of the Khmu ethnic group were 1) Balancing between conservation and utilization for the sustainability of resources and bio-diversity, (2) Using the strong points and potentials of the area to upgrade the production of goods and services, (3) Using the knowledge to upgrade the community’s competitiveness and environmental friendliness. (4) Creating immunity against and ability to respond to changes in the world.