Local community participatory learning with a nature interpretation system: A case study in Ban Pong, Sansai district, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

     Community involvement is a major factor in stimulating the sense of community ownership and self-empowerment, which consequently create a strong and sustainable community. Thus, this study recognized the importance of community involvement and the role of interpretation toward tourism. The aim of this work was to study the participatory learning process of the local community in the development of an interpretive nature trail. The research employed multiple research methods consisting of surveys, focus group discussion, and participatory observation. Samples used in the study were members of the Agro-tourism Club of Ban Pong community, Ban Pong, Papai sub-district, Sansai district, Chiang Mai province. The community members undertook learning through a four-step participatory learning process; (1) analyzing problems, (2) planning, exploring, and voting, (3) implementation, and (4) evaluation. The results showed that the community members had gained knowledge about tourism interpretation and showed a positive attitude toward the development of tourism interpretation. Moreover, at the end of the study, they had actually developed an interpretative nature trail that was derived from the real needs of their community.