Reporters:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatree Homkhiew
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanwit Naemsai
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanakorn Damsud
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kosin Teeparuksapun
Evidence Date: January-December 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 9.3
Details:
Songkhla, Thailand – A groundbreaking research project titled “Learning Design of ‘Withee Kon Withee Node’ for the Development and Utilization of Palmyra Palm in Sathing Phra Peninsula, Songkhla Province” has achieved remarkable results in driving community innovation, technology development, and grassroots economic growth.
The project was initiated with three main objectives: to promote a Learning and Innovation Platform (LIP) that empowers local communities to learn, adapt, and apply innovation; to develop appropriate technologies for upgrading palmyra palm products using local resources; and to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of these innovations at the subdistrict level, aiming to strengthen the grassroots economy across Songkhla Province.
Implemented across 14 subdistricts-12 within the Sathing Phra Peninsula and 2 in Mueang Songkhla District-the project adopted a participatory research approach to nurture community innovators capable of leading transformation in their own localities. Through hands-on learning and technology adaptation, participants enhanced their ability to improve both the production process and the quality of palmyra palm-based products.
The initiative successfully developed 74 community innovators at varying competency levels and created 22 ready-to-use technologies reaching Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8 and Social Readiness Levels (SRL) 6–7. These outcomes were supported by the establishment of three LIP that serve as hubs for community-based education and product development.
As a result, the target communities experienced significant economic and social impacts, including an 81.15% increase in grassroots economic value and the creation of new jobs and career paths. The project also established the “Withee Kon Withee Node” network, a collaborative community model that continues to drive innovation in palmyra palm utilization and has been integrated into Songkhla’s provincial development plan for long-term sustainability.
This research not only highlights the potential of community-driven innovation but also serves as a model for sustainable local development that bridges traditional wisdom with modern technology to empower rural Thailand.
Figure 1. Beyond empowering local communities, the “Withee Kon Withee Node” project has also played a vital role in academic outreach and knowledge transfer. The technologies and innovations developed through this research have been systematically integrated into academic activities, enabling universities and partner institutions to extend their impact beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications.
Related Links: https://shorturl.at/OIxzt
