การดำรงอยู่ของภูมิปัญญาตาลโตนดในคาบสมุทรสทิงพระ ท่ามกลางพลวัตสังคม

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to investigate the existence of the wisdom of sugar palms and to explore the creation of added value to sugar palms in Sathing Phra Peninsula amidst social dynamics. Data were collected from four occupational groups consisting of sugar palm fruit in syrup producers, palm sugar powder producers, sugar palm leaf lampshades producers, and sugar palm soap producers. The data of this qualitative research were collected using in-depth interview, participant observation, non-participant observation and focus group discussion. Then data analysis was performed, and a discussion was written. The research results were as follows. First, In all the four occupational groups, the existence of the wisdom of sugar palms amidst social dynamics included a collection of databases about occupational groups related to wisdom of sugar palms. The databases showed locations, names, number of members and total incomes of the occupational groups. In addition, the databases consisted of conservation of the wisdom of sugar palms from traditional wisdom to development of products, development of the wisdom of sugar palms to keep up with the modern age by improving the production process and creating new products, transfer of the wisdom of sugar palms to society by transferring the wisdom in family and groups of housewives to people interested in sugar palms, promotion of learning activities related to the wisdom of sugar palms by participating in activities organized by the government and the education sectors, participation in activities of the Annual Sugar Palm Fruit Fair of Sathing Phra District, establishment of a learning center to disseminate and exchange knowledge of sugar palms with other communities domestically and internationally, and promotion of local wise men as speakers to deliver talks about sugar palms. Second, In all the four occupational groups, the creations of added value to sugar palms amidst social dynamics included transportation management of distribution channels and transportation services, production of environmentally friendly products through management of raw materials and local resources to have zero waste, product standards certification to indicate product quality, packaging development to obtain acceptable quality, development of new products, and exporting products to overseas markets. Therefore, maintaining the existence of the wisdom of sugar palms and creating added value to sugar palms corresponding to social dynamics are methods to provide sustainable security to the occupational groups and community.