Socio-Economic / Development Research

The following are examples of research topics that would allow VWB to accomplish the goal of enhancing livelihoods of the partnership village residents and eventually others in the project catchment area, such that they have sustainable alternatives to the dying tradition of tea farming and to the harmful practice of slash and burn agriculture.

Providing these alternatives will help reduce mass migration to city centres and potentially preserve the unique culture of this quiet region in Northern Thailand.

1. Agroforestry based on traditional and modern methods. Assess the community interest, options specific to the area, and the best methods. Assist in the establishment of this programme.

2. Sustainable cottage industries in the project catchment area whose products are primed for international certifications after understanding the level of interest in the community. I.e. Coffee roasting (shade grown coffee), organic spa products, furniture made from agroforestry products, carpentry, clothing, and handicrafts. Developing international markets for the products (online and physical).

3. Develop training for the forest guides to in order for them to learn; English, formal ecology classes that harness their intimate knowledge of the forest, how to explain ecology to clients and world class hospitality. Creating it such that it can be replicated throughout the country for local villages guides specifically.

4. Developing customer and community satisfaction surveys and ongoing monitoring.