The Status and Context of Community Forest Resources Through Economic Valuation Processes: Production in Sisaket Province DOI:

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) examine the status and contextual conditions of community forest resource products in Sisaket Province, 2) assess the economic value of community forest resource products in Sisaket Province, and 3) identify development guidelines for community products derived from community forest resources in Sisaket Province. A mixed-methods research design integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 key informants and focus group discussions with 15 participants, while quantitative data were obtained through questionnaire surveys administered to a sample of 378 respondents. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistical methods.  The research results found that:

1) The findings revealed that 1) the three community forests studied in Sisaket Province are located in border areas that had previously experienced forest encroachment. Community participation in forest conservation and restoration has played a crucial role in establishing clearly defined community forest boundaries and ensuring appropriate resource utilization, particularly non-timber forest products such as mushrooms, wild vegetables, and medicinal plants. These resources are closely linked to local livelihoods, indigenous knowledge, and seasonal ecological cycles, reflecting ecosystem-respectful patterns of use. 2) The economic valuation results indicate that forest product collection serves as a supplementary occupation that enhances household income and food security. In some areas, the annual economic value of community forest products reached as high as 4,781,940 baht, reflecting both resource abundance and sustainable management practices. And 3) The development of community products derived from community forest resources should emphasize sustainable resource use and value addition through local wisdom, product processing, quality upgrading, and market linkage, thereby strengthening community-based economies and long-term self-reliance.