Abstract

          Research Project Title: Development and Expansion of Localized Support Systems to Address Persistent and Precise Solutions to Poverty Issues in the Province of Lampang, Year 2 (AD 2022-2023)

          Work Progress Summary for the 12-Month Period Pursuant to the Main Objectives of the 5 Key Areas are as follows: 1. Search and Verification of Targeted Impoverished Groups: A task force was established to cover the 7 districts in Lampang province, including Sabprab, Mae Phrik, Serm Ngam, Ko Kha, Mae Tha, Wang Nuea, and Chae Hom, encompassing 46 sub-districts. Utilized the list of impoverished households in the TPMAP system for the year 2022, totaling 3,585 households. The task force conducted monthly meetings (twice per month) focusing on data search, verification, and synthesis, aiming to raise awareness at the district and sub-district levels. 2. Data Synthesis, Processing, Presentation, System Input, and Data Forwarding: From the 3,585 households in the TPMAP system, a survey was conducted on 2,287 households. This included 1,130 households from the TPMAP system and an additional/dropped out 1,157 households. 3. Development of Models/Approaches to Address Impoverishment Challenges: Implemented a pioneering project called "Poverty Alleviation Model," focusing on three aspects: Herbal Medicine, Community Forest, and Quick Wins in the leading area of Amphoe Thoen. These efforts are aimed at addressing impoverishment challenges through a precise and effective approach. The outcomes of the 12-month work period are summarized as follows: Data were collected from the TPMAP system and through additional surveys. Regular meetings were conducted to raise awareness at the district and sub-district levels. A Poverty Alleviation Model project was initiated, focusing on herbal medicine, community forest, and Quick Wins in the leading area of Amphoe Thoen. These results provide a foundation for the next steps of the project, with a focus on addressing impoverishment challenges in Lampang province in a precise and effective manner.

Operating Model: Herbal Focus under the Development Project of the Value Chain of Mae Mok Herbal Products to Address Poverty Issues in Amphoe Thoen, Lampang Province. The progress of the activities is as follows: Upstream Activities: Strategic Planning: Development is strategized in four dimensions, aiming to expand the market for herbal products. Organizational Development: Enhancing the organization's capabilities. New Product Value Creation: Introducing new products using biotechnology. Committee and Group Structure Review: Evaluating the committee's structure and group members. Database Establishment for Cultivation: Compiling a database for herbal cultivation. Certification Standards: Implementing organic herbal farm certification standards, including GAP and PGS. Establishment of Integrated Learning Centers: Creating holistic learning centers at the sub-district level. Midstream Activities: Pre-audit: Conducting pre-audits for certification. Herbal Product Development: Developing two herbal products: "Mae Mok Herbal Massage Oil" from primary herbs such as tender ginger, devil's tongue fern, and sacred lotus, and ceramic compress balls. Knowledge Transfer: Transferring knowledge and technology to group members. E-book Knowledge Database: Creating and disseminating knowledge in E-book (online) format. Downstream Activities: Market Development: Promoting offline and online marketing. Product Catalog and E-catalog: Creating product catalogs and e-catalogs. Video Clips: Producing video clips to introduce products. Search, Synthesis, and Knowledge Set Creation: Conducting research, synthesis, and creating knowledge sets on herbal plants, traditional medicine recipes, and treatments. Sustainability Linkage: Establishing connections with relevant organizations such as public health and sub-district hospitals for sustainable knowledge transmission in the area. This operating model encompasses a comprehensive approach from cultivation to market development, focusing on sustainable knowledge transfer and poverty alleviation in the target area.

          Operating Model: Community Forest Focus under the Poverty Alleviation Project through Community Forests in Amphoe Thoen, Lampang Province. The progress of the activities is as follows: 1. Community Forest Management Process with Participatory Approach: Participatory management processes were conducted across 10 target villages in Tambon Mae Mok. Collaborative participation was encouraged in reviewing community forest bylaws for each village. Joint plans for community forest management were developed. 2. Community Forest Database Establishment: Learning activities took place through surveys of tree species, types, and measurements. Navigation was conducted in five villages, specifically: Ban Hua Nam developed a community forest covering 4,413 rai, data collected from 15 plots, revealing 2,540 tree species and 52 genera. Ban Sap Phan Hin developed a community forest covering 6,150 rai, data collected from 10 plots, revealing 2,331 tree species and 33 genera. Ban Den Udom developed a community forest covering 1,584 rai, data collected from 10 plots, revealing 2,150 tree species and 36 genera. Ban Hua Nam Phatthana developed a community forest covering 1,584 rai, data collected from 10 plots, revealing 2,150 tree species and 36 genera. Ban Sap Phan Hin Phatthana developed a community forest, data not specified. 3. Development of an Ecologically Sustainable Forest System: Conservation and restoration activities were undertaken to benefit the community. Initiatives included creating firebreaks and organizing anti-fire campaigns. People from impoverished backgrounds participated in surveys and gained opportunities for training and practical experience in data collection for community forests. Income generation initiatives involved carbon credit applications, fish farming, egg-laying chicken farming, seasonal vegetable cultivation, earthworm farming for organic fertilizer, composting leaf litter, and raising red worms. Promoted household accounting practices and established voluntary groups for seedling cultivation and herbal plantations. Developed field training centers, established permanent plots for tree species data collection, and created guides for long-term plot placement and tree data collection. Published a booklet on the diversity of herbal plants in the Mae Mok forest. This operating model involves a collaborative approach to community forest management, focusing on learning, data collection, and sustainable ecological practices for the benefit of the local population, along with economic empowerment initiatives.

          Quick Win Focus under the Poverty Alleviation Project through Quick Win Activities in Amphoe Thoen, Lampang Province: 1. The progress of Quick Win activities in addressing poverty in Amphoe Thoen, Lampang Province through various agricultural initiatives has shown significant results: Promotion of Agricultural Product Processing: Agricultural processing initiatives have generated income for the targeted impoverished individuals, leading to reduced household expenses and increased revenue. Key activities include: Safe vegetable cultivation involving 96 participating households. Vermiculture (earthworm farming) and fish farming. Yellow bean cultivation or processing. Promotion of branded products/packaging. Grass cultivation for animal husbandry. Training on household accounting was provided to impoverished households. 2.Enhancing Group Potential and Promoting Community Involvement: Activities aimed at fostering knowledge, resource access, and efficient utilization include: Establishment of three new occupational groups: yellow bean growers (29 households), watermelon growers (5 households), and vermiculture practitioners (15 households). Empowerment of new groups with volunteer leaders and the participation of impoverished individuals. Continuous development and training to enhance skills and knowledge in cultivation and processing, enabling sustainable self-reliance. 3.Promoting Group Management and Holistic Marketing: Research and support initiatives extend beyond group formation to include group management. This involves creating structures such as committees and assigning roles. Strengthening marketing skills through various channels, including social media platforms like Facebook and Line, has been encouraged. Market exploration within the community and collaboration with governmental and private organizations has been facilitated. The groups are encouraged to design product labels to enhance consumer awareness within and beyond the community. These Quick Win activities have effectively addressed poverty by empowering communities with sustainable agricultural practices, income-generating initiatives, and comprehensive group management and marketing strategies. 4) Poverty Forum Development: The establishment of a Poverty Forum serves as a crucial tool for coordinating and strategizing solutions to address poverty issues in a fair and transparent manner. This forum facilitates the referral of impoverished households to relevant assistance units through various mechanisms. The coordination involves: Research Project Steering Committee Meetings: Conduction of project research committee meetings to discuss and disseminate findings at both district and provincial levels. Referral Mechanisms: Utilization of platforms such as stages and forums to refer impoverished households to relevant agencies. Collaboration with various organizations, including the Department of Energy, District Development Offices, and Human Security Development Organizations. Informal Assistance: Informal assistance involves researchers working with relevant organizations, local authorities, and community leaders to address issues related to housing repairs and providing essential items for those facing difficulties in housing. Total Households Assisted: A total of 14,373 households have been identified and referred for assistance. Out of these, 11,589 households (134 cases) have already received support, while the remaining households are in the process of receiving assistance. The Poverty Forum, through its comprehensive approach, ensures the effective coordination of resources and assistance, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of poverty in the region. 5) Strategy Development for Addressing Local Poverty Issues: The strategy for addressing local poverty issues involves a comprehensive approach that integrates both top-down and bottom-up initiatives, linking with local, district, and provincial strategic plans. This strategy is implemented through collaborative efforts with provincial-level organizations in tandem with local-level initiatives and community leadership, such as village chiefs, elders, and community leaders. The operationalization of this strategy has resulted in the amplification of projects aimed at assisting impoverished households. At the sub-district level, local administrative organizations have been instrumental in extending support to vulnerable households. Simultaneously, at the provincial level, there has been an increased recognition and utilization of data generated from research projects. The collaboration has led to the creation of cooperative mechanisms, including the establishment of provincial level working groups responsible for planning and monitoring project outcomes. There is also ongoing integration and coordination among various agencies, such as the Provincial Agricultural Reform Office, Provincial Health Office, and the Municipality of Mueang Lampang. Furthermore, there is a forward-looking approach to the integration of shared databases in the future. This collaborative data-sharing initiative aims to enhance mutual benefits and streamline the utilization of resources for more effective poverty alleviation strategies.