Developing A Holistic and Targeted Poverty Alleviation Model: A Case Study of Dong Khrang Noi Subdistrict, Kaset Wisai District, Roi Et

Abstract

     This study aimed to (1) investigate the process of selecting poor households in Dong Khrang Noi Sub-district, Kaset Wisai District, Roi Et Province, and (2) develop a pilot poverty alleviation model tailored to the context of the area.  A qualitative research design using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) process was applied in this study. The study sample consisted of 48 poor households in the target area, selected using multi-stage sampling, and 15 community leaders, selected using purposive sampling. Data collection tools included a 10-question semi-structured questionnaire for focus group discussions to verify information on poor households, unstructured interviews with community leaders, and a 15-question semi-structured questionnaire for brainstorming to design a poverty reduction model. Data will be analyzed using systematic content analysis.
     It was found that to select accurately poor households to participate in the program and co-design and develop a poverty alleviation model that is suitable for the context and meets the needs of poor households, as well as has a high chance of success and is practical in the area, the research team has designed a process for selecting poor households in Dong Krang Noi Subdistrict, Kaset Wisai District, Roi Et Province, into 4 steps as follows: 1) Analyzing data on poor households using the PPP CONNEXT information system, 2) Conducting focus group discussions, 3) Reviewing target household data with 15 community leaders, and 4) Surveying the interest of target households in participating in the development of the poverty alleviation model.
     To develop a poverty alleviation model suitable for the local context and aligned with the needs of poor households, with a high likelihood of success and practicality in the area. The research team organized a brainstorming session with the sample group using a semi-structured interview as a guide for brainstorming with a sample of 48 households to design the poverty alleviation model. The brainstorming discovered that the "Vegetables for Life" model and the "Alternative Agriculture" model were suitable for the sample group. When a field brainstorming session was held to discuss with the sample group the guideline and plans for implementing the "Vegetables for Life" model and the "Alternative Agriculture" model to generate income for the sample households, the results showed that from the "Vegetables for Life" model, 19 poor households proposed raised-bed vegetable farming to address issues of soil quality and lack of land. They believed that knowledge should be provided on techniques for making fertilizer, seeds, water sources, plant diseases, and soil preparation techniques. While the "Alternative Agriculture" model, 29 poor households proposed Caged-layer poultry production because they can be placed in narrow spaces and care can be done easily. In addition, the sample group proposed providing knowledge on raising laying hens in cages, making chicken feed to reduce food costs, and caring for chickens against epidemics.