Abstract:
This research has 3 main objectives: 1) To study and analyze the context, the problem situation, and the needs of people and community in Prang Ku District, Srisaket Province, and to explore the current theoretical concept of the Cattle Buffalo Bank - a local initiative- in the present Thai society era; 2) To study the Buddhist Peace Principles that contribute to the development of the Cattle Buffalo Bank and its role in fostering a harmonious community; and 3) To develop and present a process for the development of the Cattle Buffalo Bank to strengthen community peace and happiness based on the principles of Buddhist peace methodology in Prang Ku District, Srisaket Province. This is a qualitative research study conducted as an action research, following the 9 steps of ariyasacca model. It involves in-depth interviews with 30 members of the Cattle Buffalo Bank project for farmers in Khok Nong Na Santisuksa Model, Srisaket Province, and 10 other relevant individuals, totaling 40 participants.
The research findings are as follows:
1. Context, Problem situation, the people and community needs in the past, Prang Ku District, Srisaket Province, was known for severe drought, ranking among the driest areas in the province and the country. However, it has since become fertile with drought-resistant crops and a source of local wisdom. The majority of the population are engaged in agriculture, with 90% in rice farming, 4% in gardening and orchards, 4% in wage labor, and 2% in trade and other occupations. The community faces problems such as unemployment, unstable livelihoods, insufficient income, land shortages for farming, lack of capital for sustainable livelihoods, difficulty accessing funding, and a lack of water resources for agriculture. People in the community are seeking supplementary livelihoods to support their families, access to farmland, and capital for stable occupations. They also desire educational support for students.
2. The fundamental of Buddhist principles that support the development of the Cattle Buffalo Bank to foster a harmonious community in Prang Ku District, Srisaket Province are The Iddhipada (the four paths of accomplishment) and The Millionnaires heart which the abbreviated are "Uh" = Hard to find, "Ah"=treat well, "Ka" = have kalyanamitta -bond with good friends, "Sa"=live sufficiently. When integrated with the "Four Peaceful States of Mind" in the context of the Cattle Buffalo Bank, they contribute to physical development, environmental improvement, vocational development, to strengthening a harmonious community, having enough to live on, enough to eat, enough to use, enough shade, coolness, it will have positive effects on families and the community. This integration forms the foundation for Buddhist peace methodology in strengthening a harmonious community peace.
3. The development process of the Cattle Buffalo Bank for enhancing community peace and happiness in Prang Ku District, Srisaket Province, follows the SDM (Supply-Demand-Managerial) Model. It includes three main processes: 1) Supply Management (S): Involves selecting appropriate sources for the donation of cows and buffaloes, administering vaccinations, obtaining transportation permits, conducting religious ceremonies for their release, and timing delivery, 2) Demand Management (D): Establishes clear criteria and conditions for recipients, emphasizing diligence, responsibility, and ethical behavior, and 3) Managerial Management (M): Ensures the efficient readiness of organizations or agencies responsible for managing the project. This includes the Cattle Buffalo Bank Committee for Farmers in Khok Nong Na Santisuksa Model, Srisaket Province.
The key success of the project depends on full participation in management, readiness in terms of resources, responsibility, and dedication of project staff.