The Participation of Hmong and Karen Hilltribes in Natural Resources and Environment Conservation in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to compare the levels of participation in natural resources and environment conservation between Hmong and Karen hilltribes, to investigate the relationship between personal characteristics, socio - economic factor and the levels of participation as well as to study needs and suggestions of hilltribes relating to conservation. Population used were Hmong and Karen hilltribes, 40 households each from two villages, namely, Khun Klang Nuoe and Tha Som Poy, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai. Statistical techniques used were t-test, Chi-square test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation.

From research findings, it was found that the levels of participation of both hilltribes were statistically different at 0.01 significant level, by which the level of participation of the Karen was higher than that of the Hmong. As for hypothesis testing, it was found that age, family members, income, forest utilization and mass media contact were related to the Karen's participation level while organizational membership and knowledge and understanding on forest law and agroforestry were associated whth Hmong's participation level. With regard to farmers' needs, the Hmong are in need of government's budget, self-forest management and land right while Karen hilltribe needs also government budget, knowledge on natural resources conservation, reforestation and self-forest management.