Challenge of Sea Salt Farming in Central Region of Thailand: Indigenous Knowledge and SWOT Analysis

Abstract

Sea salt farming in Thailand is challenging the end of indigenous knowledge which has been blended in this career since the reign of King Rama V. This qualitative research aimed to investigate that indigenous knowledge and to doing SWOT analysis of sea salt farming community. The key methods were in-depth interview, participatory observation, and focus group. Participants were selected by purposive samplings from sea salt farmers, folk philosophers and members of cooperatives in totally 387 people. The content analysis, interpretation together with triangular checked were used. The results found that 1) the indigenous knowledge: The communities were proud of sea salt farming which has been inherited since the reign of King Rama V. Their life style reflected career, language and ritual. They designed their sea salt farm with five portions: “WangNum”, “NaTark”, “Na RongCheua”, “NaCheua” and “NaPlong”. People used local materials for making their tools. The main products are salt flower and black salt 2) SWOT analysis; they were challenging in digital period. There were disadvantages on weather fluctuation, lack of business successors, lack of marketing and also technology knowledge. There were competitive advantages on produce quality and pricing. Consumers were trust of quality, and their community was strong. They created better chances by getting processed products with added value and community touring services for survival of sea salt farming community in digital economy.