Grassroots Economic Development and Strong Community Building: A Case Study of Mae Kampong Village, Huai Kaew Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This article aimed to study the conditions and factors supporting the successful development of the grassroots economy of Mae Kampong community, Huai Kaeo Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province, and to identify appropriate approaches for strengthening the sustainable grassroots economy of Mae Kampong village. This wss a qualitative research study using a semi-structured interview questionnaire. Key informants included local leaders, village committee members, representatives of entrepreneurs, representatives of community organizations, representatives of the community members, and representatives from the government, academic, religious sectors, and community experts, totaling 63 informants. Data was collected in conjunction with document analysis and analyzed using content analysis, categorizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting the results descriptively.

The research findings revealed that: 1) The conditions and factors supporting the successful development of the grassroots economy of Mae Kampong village, leading to its status as a model village, include: having capable and strong community leaders; possessing community capital; employing strategies and techniques for community management and development; the participation of all sectors of the population; and building development partnerships. 2) The appropriate approaches for strengthening the sustainable grassroots economy of Mae Kampong village include managing natural resources and the environment. Protecting the capitalist economic system; preserving cultural quality and building village community identity; reforming, improving, and creating village community rules and regulations; improving roads and parking areas; establishing a Mae Kampong Village Community Council; and cultivating successor leaders.