Innovative Community Working Methods: Anoulack Association used in the Sustainable Livelihood Community Project in Nakai National Park, Khammouan Province

Abstract

Background and Aim: The Lao PDR is a less developed country that utilizes natural resources to reduce poverty in rural areas. The various organizations are interested in helping people in the local area to increase their income to survive. Anoulak Association (AA) is a successful organization that applied the innovation methods in the CRCB projects (Community Resilience and Biodiversity Conservation project) to assist local communities in improving their livelihood while natural resources and forests are protected, which can be achieved in the National Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, this study explored the innovation methods that the Anoulak Association has applied in their work, including factors contributing to its positive success, and explored the benefits of this project that contributed to the local community.

Materials and Methods:  A qualitative method was applied in the research by using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as a tool for collecting data.  A purposive sampling technique was used for selecting samples and considering gender equality and ethnic minorities. A total of 23 participants were selected to be key informants for in-depth interviews (IDIs), and 4 groups of villagers from 4 villages were invited to join the focus group discussion (FGDs). Content and thematic analysis were used for data analysis by summarising key informants’ and FGDs’ responses. 

Results:  The innovative work of the Association Anoulack (AA) is identified as the procedure of implementing, which can be seen that the association has taken seriously management via the 7 aspects, such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting. The association uses research evidence and bottom-up planning principles in participatory planning tasks and focuses on the management of facilitators as a key innovation to reach a successful project. However, the communities could get the benefit of Economic, Social, and Environmental protection.  

Conclusion: The CRBC project was perceived as a good project because it contributes to the improvement of the livelihood of local people in four villages, along with the preservation of forests and biodiversity. However, in order to make the administration and encourage people to participate in the production of crafts more and better, selecting the village facilitators should consider these relevant characteristics, such as experiences, leadership skills, and dedication, because it is related to the common interests of the village. If facilitators who are not enthusiastic were chosen, the handicraft production, including the trade chain, would not be carried out well.