Diversity of Ethno-Botanic Vegetables, Utilization, and Indigenous Knowledge Community at Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

                   This research aims 1) to study the diversity of local vegetables in Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, 2) to study the use of local vegetables and local community wisdom about them in Khong Chiam District, and 3) to collect information about the local vegetables in Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District. The key informants were Mr.Pinijnun Thongserm, the manager of Kin Khao Sao Huen group of Sasom Homestay, and Mr.Leang Chanjing, the local wisdom of Ban Sasom. The instruments were in-depth interview and participant observation form. Data was analyzed by using content analysis by identifying words and messages from participants’ opinions and interpreting, synthesizing, and analyzing them logically. Analytic induction was used for conclusion. Discussion was based on empirical data from situations, incidents, relationships, and significant issues in order to answer the research questions.  

                   The finding revealed that 1) the diversity of local vegetables in Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District were 105 different vegetables consisting of 26 types of perennial plants, 21 types of climbers, 8 types of herbaceous plants, 18 types of bushes, and 32 other types. The diversity categorized by locations were: 76 types of the vegetables grow on mounds, 11 types of vegetables grow on hill, 8 types of vegetables grow in field and mound areas, 5 types of vegetables grow on mounds and hills, 2 types of vegetables grow on low flood plains, 2 types of vegetables grow on low flood plains and fields, and 1 type of vegetables grows on fields. There were 9 types of local vegetables that were seasonal industrial crops. 2) Local vegetables and local community wisdom in Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District were used in various ways including cooking food, or as herbs for treatment and health promotion (some can be used for treatment only or for health promotion only). Moreover, the results showed that the local vegetables were also useful in terms of the local economy as they generate income for people in the community. 3) The information collected about the local vegetables in Ban Sasom, Khong Chiam District was compiled as a manual of the diversity of local vegetables, their use, and local community wisdom, and then displayed as a board of local vegetables calendar, and as a board of community industrial crops calendar. These media can be used to a database for the community to publicize the vegetables to tourists, people in the community, and other people who are interested to know about, conserve, and further maintain the local vegetables in the community.