Agricultural Resource Management on the Foothill Slope Guided by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and Community Extension: A Case of Homboon Asoka Learning Center Banpapai, Sai Yoi Subdistrict, Denchai District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This mixed-method research, conducted at the Hom Bun Asoke Learning Center in Phrae Province, focused on agricultural resource management on the foothill slope guided by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and community extension. Data collection methods included personal experiences, questionnaires, and interviews with 17 farmers. Additionally, 226 participants who received training at the center.

The results revealed that the study identified initial challenges faced by pioneering farmers, including limited agricultural knowledge, poverty, and soil erosion due to single-crop cultivation. However, as community leaders embraced the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, positive changes emerged: 1) Transitioning from pursuing material wealth to ethical living. 2) Shifting from single crop to diversified farming practices suitable for the terrain to mitigate risks. 3) Enhancing environmental diversity by cultivating perennial fruit trees, local vegetables, and indigenous plants for food security. 4) Developing natural water collecting ponds as a hillside irrigation system for water resilience. Over two decades, the center successfully promoted sustainable agriculture. The McNemar test showed significant (P<0.05) improvements in soil, water, and forest management among training recipients. The resource management model at the learning center received high scores for economics (4.44 ± 0.67), society (4.92 ± 0.68), and the environment (4.39 ± 0.71). In conclusion, this Sufficiency Economy Philosophy guided approach effectively revitalized degraded land, meeting the needs of both individuals and the community.