Community Participation in Local Development: A Case Study of Ban Nong Waeng Community Kud Kwang Sub-district Nong Ruea District Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research consists purposes were to examine community participation in local development: a case study of Ban Nong Waeng Community Kut Kwang Sub-district Nong Ruea District Khon Kaen Province. This research employed a qualitative approach, using interviews and record forms as research instruments. The target group consisted of 26 community members from Ban Nong Waeng, Village No. 18, Kut Kwang Sub-district Nong Ruea District Khon Kaen Province, selected through purposive sampling. Data collected from the research instruments and relevant documents were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicated that community participation in local development in Ban Nong Waeng consisted of five aspects 1) participation in problem and needs recognition refers to the community’s awareness of its own needs. Participation provides opportunities for community members to collectively recognize and understand the problems they face, which can serve as foundational information for future development planning 2) participation in planning and proposing development strategies ensures that development plans reflect the community’s needs. Community members collaborated with local administrative organizations and governmental agencies to determine the direction and strategies for village development 3) participation in the implementation of local development activities involves active engagement and support from community members in projects initiated according to the development plan to achieve predefined objectives. Most residents of Ban Nong Waeng participated in various community projects as volunteers, such as dredging canals, repairing main roads, planting trees, and cleaning public areas and temples 4) participation in monitoring, inspecting, and evaluating refers to community involvement in assessing the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of local development projects or activities to ensure that operations are conducted according to plan. Village committees and local leaders actively monitored and evaluated these projects and 5) participation in benefiting from development refers to receiving outcomes or benefits from development projects, such as improvements in economic conditions, social welfare, and quality of life. Most residents of Ban Nong Waeng directly benefited from local development projects, such as improved village roads, upgraded water supply and irrigation systems that facilitated agricultural activities, and occupational promotion projects. Initiatives such as agricultural product processing and additional vocational training for housewives contributed to increased household income and reduced household expenses.