An Assessment of Social Returns on Investment of Ban Wat Bot Bamboo Weaving Handicraft Group Entrepreneur in Phisanulok Province

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate Indigenous wisdom in bamboo weaving handicraft and to analyze the challenges to sustainable development, while also assessing the Social Return on Investment (SROI) derived from capacity-building initiatives for bamboo weaving handicraft entrepreneurs in Ban Wat Bot, Wat Bot District, Phitsanulok Province. Data were collected from 16 key informants, comprising (1) members of the bamboo weaving handicraft group and (2) project academics and stakeholders related to bamboo weaving handicrafts, selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were employed as research instruments. The findings reveal that the group possesses rich Indigenous wisdom in producing traditional bamboo products—such as chalom containers, fans, and baskets—characterized by long-inherited two-strand and three-strand weaving patterns. Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in adapting to modern market demands. Consequently, the group has developed new designs and patterns that preserve community identity while adding value and meeting contemporary consumer preferences without compromising cultural integrity. Furthermore, the calculated SROI value of 3.02 indicates that for every  investment of one Baht, the project generates a social return of 3.02 Baht, reflecting the strong value-for-money and the social worthiness of the project.