The present study consisted of three main objectives, namely,
1) to investigate the levels of self-reliance of community in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province; 2) to explore factors affecting self-reliance of community in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province; and 3) to examine guidelines on development of self-reliance of community in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province.
The study employed a mixed method research, with a quantitative research design of a survey. The subjects of the study were general people, government officials, and employees of organizations and agencies in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province, totaling 380 subjects, out of the total population of 9,800. Simple random sampling was used, and a questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics of t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Scheffe’s post hoc comparison were used to analyze data. In addition, in-depth interviews were used with 11 key informants, and data were analyzed by means of content analysis.
The study findings revealed that:
1. The overall self-reliance of community in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province, was at a moderate level in all five aspects. When considering each aspect, it could be seen that the mean score of the social aspect was at a high level, while the mean scores of the psychological aspect, the natural resources aspect, the local technology and local intellect aspect, and the economic aspect were at a moderate level, respectively.
2. The hypothesis testing showed that the people who were different in ages, educational backgrounds, occupations, monthly incomes, and positions in the community had different self-reliance with statistical significance. However, the people with different genders, statuses, support of the local administration organization, support of the government agencies, and adherence to the Buddhist principles showed no differences in self-reliance with statistical significance at 0.05 level, which did not support the study hypothesis that people with different genders, statuses, support of the local administration organization, support of the government agencies, and adherence to the Buddhist principles had different levels of self-reliance.
3. Regarding recommendations on self-reliance of community in Ban Bua Sub-District, Muang District, Buri Ram Province, people should be both receivers and givers of local technology and local intellect available. There should be a plan for payments and earnings, and natural resources such as bamboos, banana trees and leaves, pandan leaves, and sedge, as well as other raw materials should be utilized economically. People should not have the desires that are beyond their means and their ability, and they should have consideration, care, and mutual support for one another both in time of sufferings and in time of happiness.
|
