Community Forest Management Model through Public Participation in the Nong Mek Community Forest Area, Ko Kaeo Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study (1) the problems and obstacles to public participation in the management of the Nong Mek community forest, (2) the factors affecting public participation in the management of the community forest, and (3) to propose a model for community forest management through public participation in the Nong Mek community forest area. This research was a mixed-methods study. Quantitative research used questionnaires to collect data from a 300-person sample obtained through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 key informants. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and data reliability was checked using triangulation techniques.

The research results found that (1) the problems and obstacles to public participation in the management of the community forest were, overall, at a moderate level ( = 2.99, S.D. = 0.89), including a lack of knowledge and understanding about the rules and guidelines for community forest management, insufficient information dissemination, and a lack of budget to support community forest activities; and (2) the factors affecting public participation in the management of the community forest. Overall, the level of participation was moderate ( = 3.03, S.D. = 0.85). The results of the regression analysis showed that the utilization and conservation of community forest resources (β =.396), operations and activities in the forest (β =.315), planning for community forest management (β =.284), and monitoring and evaluation (β =.221), all of which were statistically significant (p <.001). (3) The model for managing community forests through public participation in 4 dimensions, namely joint planning, joint expressing opinions, joint decision-making, and joint utilization, under the principle of "community management and for the community," reflects the creation of a collaborative network between the community, local government organizations, schools, and the public sector in managing community forests sustainably.