DROUGHT MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) manage the development of communities through research and innovations; 2) manage drought according to the community potential; 3) develop careers and products by community innovation. Using mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample size of 150 was selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected using two questionnaires, and analyzed descriptively for frequency, percentages, and mean. The study participants included 16 key informant interviews, a focus group discussion with 28 participants, and lessons learned from 30 participants selected purposively from leaders and stakeholders. Data were analyzed using context analysis, and descriptive statistics.  The results showed that ; 1) The average score of management was at a very good level of achievement from the strength of human resources in the area. 2) The satisfaction score for drought management and the average confidence score was at a high level, the highest was reducing the risk of drought, the lowest was the management and operational processes after the project. 3) Level of well - being was at a moderate level. The highest score was for adequate food, but the lowest was for using chemicals in cultivation. Before joining the project, average income per household was 50,000 – 150,000 baht/year (67.64%), with most savings (76.47%). After joining, 94.11% of participants reported increased income, 97.78% reduced expenses and 97.05% improved quality of life. Key success factors were: (1) Clarity of input data, community leaders, and the linkage between innovation and the area, (2) Collaboration of communities, working groups, and networks, and (3) understanding of community, projects, and innovations.