Community Forest Management: A Case Study of Ban Pa Sak Ngam, Loung Nuer Sub-district, Doy Sa Ked District, Chiang Mai

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to investigate the managerial process of the community forestand activities promoting natural resource conservation in the community. This research was conducted atBan Pa Sak Ngam, Loung Nuer Sub-district, Doy Sa Ked District, Chiang Mai. Data were collected byinterview schedule from 90 forest management group members, with in-depth interview from 5 membersof the forest management committee. Data obtained from the interview schedule were analyzed by usingdescriptive statistics.

The finding revealed that the existing community forest management process was conforming toculture, tradition, ritual ceremonies and belief dimensions in the community. These managerial processaffected people,s acceptance and abide by the rules and regulations, including participation contributes tocommunity sustainable development. These participation activities were based on the local wisdom usedfor mutual learning and development. People,s participation in mutual benefit receiving was in a highestlevel ( =4.23). A high level of the project implementation ( =3.56) and moderate level of planning andmonitoring/evaluation ( =3.20, =3.01, respectively) were also observed.

The strict rules and regulation concerning forest management were regarded as problem encountered,with inadequate allocated budget and lacked of transparency. New generation youth in the communitywas not prepared to handle the entire task. The remedial guidelines for betterment suggested wereamendment of the rules and regulations; continual coordination with government and private agencies onbudget support; transparent preparation of account on expenses and incomes; and selection of youth to beprepared for handling forest management activities.

To accelerate the project implementation, the activity on household wastes bio-extract production,,was offered to people in the community. It was found that more than one-half of the participants couldapply what they had learned to the actual situations. That is, they were able to reduce chemical fertilizerapplication and transfer their knowledge to their new generation.

Keywords : Managerial Administration / Community Forest / Natural Resource Conservation /Participation