Assessment of Socio-Economic Impacts of Turmeric and Black Ginger Herbal Beverage Product Development among Community Enterprises in Udon Thani Province

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the social and economic outcomes of developing turmeric and black ginger herbal beverage products among a community enterprise group in Udon Thani Province. Participatory action research was employed. The sample comprised 130 participants, including 15 turmeric and black ginger farmers, 30 community enterprise members, 5 personnel from a subdistrict health-promoting hospital and village health volunteers, and 80 community consumers. The research instruments consisted of pre- and post-technology transfer tests, a production skills assessment form, a group readiness assessment form, a cost and revenue recording form, and a product acceptance questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired-samples t test, and a preliminary economic outcome analysis. The findings indicated that, following the technology transfer, the members’ mean knowledge and skills scores increased from 2.20 ± 0.74 to 4.17 ± 0.57, with a statistically significant difference (p < .001). The total knowledge score demonstrated a very large effect size (Cohen’s dz = 1.80). The proportion of members who participated continuously in project activities increased from 26.70% to 80.00%. Readiness for basic production standards increased from 58.40% to 83.70%, while the proportion of consumers who perceived the product image as appropriate for a health product increased from 52.50% to 85.00%. During the two-month market trial, 1,480 of the 1,680 units produced were sold, representing a sales rate of 88.10%. Total revenue was 71,040 baht, gross profit was 25,500 baht, and the value of economic circulation within the community was 40,200 baht. The members’ average monthly income increased from 6,920.00 ± 1,145.32 baht to 7,487.44 ± 1,206.18 baht, representing an increase of 8.20%, with a statistically significant difference (t = 3.214, p = .003). The findings reflect that the development of turmeric and black ginger herbal beverage products can serve as a mechanism for grassroots economic development through a “university–community enterprise–health service unit–community market collaboration model.” Local health service units played an important role in enhancing health-related credibility and increasing consumer acceptance. This model can be applied as an approach to upgrading community herbal products in other areas with similar contexts, particularly in relation to group capacity development, value creation, small-scale market testing, and policy expansion to promote the grassroots economy.