Development of vocational skills and community-based innovation to solve income poverty problems: The case study of Phon Na Kaeo District, Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This research aims to study problems, needs, careers, community-based innovations, and guidelines for implementing solutions to poverty problems in Phon Na Kaeo District Sakon Nakhon Province. It is qualitative research using in-depth interviews. There were 7 target groups and 12 experts focus group discussions from various sectors, including academia, government, private sector, and civil society. The results of the research found that the main problems of the target groups were unstable income, and run-down houses. The needs were stable income, good housing, good health, education, welfare, raising laying hens, and growing medicinal plants. Suitable careers and innovations include integrated agriculture, such as growing herbs, raising laying hens, processing rice, etc. The results of using innovations and appropriate careers show that the target group can reduce household expenses, increase income, and create alternative careers. In this regard, there is coordinated management between the educational sector, the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. It is important to solve the problem of poverty. Suggestions for solving poverty problems include: 1) developing appropriate models and promoting the participation of target groups, 2) supporting funding knowledge technology and resources to develop monitoring and evaluation systems, 3) driving economy according to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, 4) developing health, education, and promote strength of mind, 5)  promoting the participation of all sectors with the shared goal of reducing household expenses of the poor, increasing their income, and improving their quality of life.