People Participation in Forest Resource Conservation at Pa Dong Ranaeng National Reserved Forest, Yang Talat and Huai Mek Districts, Kalasin Province

Abstract

            The objectives of this study were to investigate socio-economic characteristics, people participation level and factors affecting forest resource conservation at Pa Dong Ranaeng national reserved forest, Yang Talat and Huai Mek districts, Kalasin province. Data collection was conducted from May 2012 to February 2013 (totally 8 months). The data were collected by using the designed questionnaires and interviewed 386 household heads. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, maximum, minimum, t-test and F-test with the significance level of .05. Data analysis was done by using computerized software package.

            The results showed that most respondent was male, with ages ranging from 51 to 60 years old, graduated at the primary school / lower level. Average settlement period was 37.38 years, Agriculture was their main occupation and it also was minor occupation. The average size of land holding was 13.69 rais. The average number of household members was 4.37 persons. Benefit from forest resource was at the medium level. Knowledge about forest resource conservation was at the high level. People participation in forest resource conservation was at the medium level, with an average score of 2.53. Factors affecting people  participation in forest resource conservation were  age, education level,  minor occupation, size of  land holding, number of household members, number of household labours, settlement period, network member being, receiving of forest information, knowledge about forest resource conservation, and receiving of forest benefit.

Keywords:  people participation, forest resource conservation,  Pa Dong Ranaeng national reserved forest,  Kalasin province