The Promoting quality of life according to the principles of majjhimāpaṭipadā of chili farmers in Nong Muang Khai District, Phrae Province

การส่งเสริมคุณภาพชีวิตตามหลักมัชฌิมาปฏิปทาของเกษตรกรผู้ปลูกพริกในอำเภอหนองม่วงไข่ จังหวัดแพร่

Abstract

This Qualitative research aimed to: (1) examine the current conditions, problems, and needs for improving the quality of life of chili farmers; (2) investigate the components of quality-of-life development based on the Middle Path Majjhimāpaṭipadā; and (3) propose a process for promoting the quality of life based on the Middle Path Majjhimāpaṭipadā for chili farmers in Nong Muang Khai District, Phrae Province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 key informants and a focus group discussion involving 8 participants. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

          The findings were as follows:

1. The chili farmers experienced low crop prices, high production costs, natural disasters, health problems associated with chemical use, limited technological skills, and marketing constraints, all of which directly affected their quality of life. They expressed the need for relevant agencies to provide integrated support in terms of knowledge, technology, financial resources, marketing opportunities, and health promotion based on the principles of the Middle Path Majjhimāpaṭipadā.
2. The components of quality-of-life development consisted of six dimensions: physical and mental health, economy and income, learning, environment, morality and ethics, and security in life. These components were mutually supportive and were founded on the principles of balance, moderation, and sustainability.
3. The process for promoting the quality of life comprised five stages: situation analysis, goal setting, planning, promotion of farmers’ participation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. This process enhanced knowledge, improved production efficiency, reduced production costs, strengthened marketing opportunities, and elevated the farmers’ quality of life, enabling them to become self-reliant, achieve greater stability, and sustain their livelihoods in accordance with the principles of the Middle Path Majjhimāpaṭipadā.