Honest Livelihood: Knowledge of Local Medicinal Plants and Connection Management for Sustainable Development in Doi Langka

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to explore and collect information on local medicinal plants to be used as a learning resource in Doi Lanka; 2) to investigate public utilities and the development of alternative energy in order to promote green village energy in Doi Lanka; and 3) to develop an honest livelihood (sammājīva) through the processing of local medicinal plants and promote marketing in Doi Lanka. The study employed mixed-method research. The research areas included Ban Mae Chaem, Ban Pa Miang and Ban Pang Ton Nun in Chae Son Subdistrict, Mueang Pan District, Lampang Province. The obtained qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis and presented by descriptive method. The quantitative data obtained through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and workshops were analyzed using an inductive method, which was followed by the systematic classification, interpretation to connect the relationships, and summarization based on the collected data. All of this was carried out simultaneously with data collection. 

From the study, the following results are found: 1) There are 24 discovered medicinal plants and 3 types of extracted herbs that are used to produce products that can meet business needs in the community, namely turmeric, phyllanthus emblica, and red Lanka cannabis. All these 3 herbs are developed into 12 herbal products; 2) From investigating public utilities and the development of alternative energy in order to promote green village energy in Doi Lanka, it is found that the satisfaction with basic public utilities to promote occupation for Doi Lanka people in 5 aspects is moderate and low. These 5 aspects include roads, mountain water supply, public electricity, drainage channels, and waste management; and 3) The researcher along with people of the community, in collaboration with government sectors and various entrepreneurs, establish a learning center for local medicinal plants and promote occupation for Doi Lanka people, comprising: 1) Demonstration area for planting prototype herbs; 2) Demonstration area for processing prototype herbs; and 3) A center for coordination, as well as a display of prototype medicinal plants and processed herbal products, including the distribution of products for direct and online sales.