THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY FORESTRY MANAGEMENT OF THE CHONG KUM SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION, WATTHANA NAKHON DISTRICT, SA KAEO PROVINCE

Abstract

Abstract

          The objectives of this research article were to study (1) the level of public participation in community forestry management of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province (2) the efficiency level of community forestry management of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province, and (3) guidelines for improving the efficiency of community forestry management of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province. This study was mixed-method research, the quantitative research consisted of a sample group of people in area of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, a total of 262 people, the questionnaire was used for collecting data. The statistics used for data analysis including mean and standard deviation. For the qualitative informants including the representatives of community leaders, representatives of government agencies. and representatives of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, a total of 7 people, the interview form was used for collecting information.

The research findings revealed that: 1) Public participation in community forest management under the responsibility of the Chong Kum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province, was at a high level. The highest mean score was for the level of collaboration, followed by involvement, consultation, information sharing, and delegation of decision-making authority. 2) The efficiency of community forest management was also at a high level. The highest mean score was for the utilization of community forest areas, followed by compliance with rules and regulations, community organizations responsible for forest management, and external organizational support. 3) Recommendations included the need for external organizational support to enhance efficiency and ensure adherence to academic standards in community forest management, maximizing benefits for the community, and addressing issues and obstacles through meetings for consultation and collaborative problem-solving.