THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY-BASED AGRO-ECOTOURISM IN CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of the research on the sustainable management guidelines for community-based agro-ecotourism in Chaiyaphum Province were: 1) to study the management of community-based agro-ecotourism; 2) to investigate the impacts of the management of community-based agro-ecotourism in terms of economy, society and environment; and 3) to explore the sustainable management guidelines for community-based agro-ecotourism. Quantitative research data were collected from 200 subjects in the research area and qualitative data were collected from 12 stakeholders in community-based agro-ecotourism management by focus group discussions and 6 key informants by in-depth interviews to explore the sustainable management guidelines for community-based agro-ecotourism. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and content analysis.     

          The analysis results of the management of community-based agro-ecotourism revealed that the overall opinion of the people on the management of community-based tourism was at a high level. When analyzing each aspect, the aspect of society, traditions, and community culture gained the highest mean scores, followed by the environment, tourist services, and community economy, respectively. The study results on the impacts of the management of community-based agro-ecotourism in terms of economy, society and environment can be presented as follows. Regarding the economy, people have increased income and have jobs in the local area. Facilities and community identity have been developed to attract tourists. The negative impacts also have included inequality in the community and exploitation by certain groups of people. In terms of  social/traditional/cultural impacts, people have knowledge and understanding of community tourism management, and can adapt and use the wisdom, traditions, culture, and identity of the community to develop products that can improve their quality of life. The negative impacts have included inequality in the community and nearby communities that have not been involved in the tourism activities, lack of participation and conflict in the community, risk of safety of life and property, and drug problems. In terms of the environment, the areas have been improved to be orderly and beautiful. Houses, toilets have been improved to be clean and hygienic. Food is also safe and clean. People also have more knowledge and understanding in caring for the environment and natural resources. As for the negative impacts on the environment, a large amount of waste and degradation of natural resources have been found. The sustainable management guidelines for community-based agro-ecotourism can be summarized as follows. 1) Tourism promotion policy must specify a clear and continuous community tourism development plan and give local administrative organizations a role in driving the tourism development policy. 2) Public participation and network partners in developing community-based agro-ecotourism are required. 3) Tourism activities that emphasize the way of life, community lifestyle, community identity should be organized and served as sources of learning for tourists about agricultural activities and ecosystem and community environment that are balanced and sustainable. 4)  A good, efficient, ethical tourism management system that reduces inequality in the community should be implemented in the form of the committee with government agencies as advisors. 5)  The potential of local personnel should be developed. 6) Local agricultural products should be promoted.