Development of an Innovative Hybrid Drying System Prototype for Sustainable Development and Grassroots Economic Enhancement in Seafood Processing Communities of Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

This article objective to 1) study develop innovative hybrid drying house prototype for sustainability and grassroots economy enhancement of seafood processing community in Ban Laem Phetchaburi area. 2) develop prototype community that use technology and innovation to solve seafood processing problem under area and climate condition limitations. 3) analyze economic and social return from using innovative hybrid drying house to grassroots economy of seafood processing community. This research use Design Thinking framework combine with appropriate technology concept and grassroots economy development. By focus on participation of stakeholders in community from problem context survey, innovation design, prototype testing, and use content analysis. Result of research found that"Keywords: Hybrid drying plant, Smart farm, Community innovation, Social return on investment, Grassroots economy

Innovative hybrid drying house system which use heat energy sources at least 2 sources together. Can control temperature and humidity in drying process stably make reduce moisture of squid and cuttlefish as desired value. Product color quality in criteria that entrepreneurs accept and market need. Average dried squid processing cost reduced from 296.48 Baht per kilogram left 291.10 Baht per kilogram, reduced 5.38 Baht per kilogram or calculated as 1.81 percent. While output per square meter increased from 182 Baht per square meter to 248.50 Baht per square meter, increased 66.50 Baht per square meter or calculated as 36.50 percent. Result in total benefits from using innovation increased 38.97 percent with Return on Investment (ROI) equal 20.23 percent and Social Return on Investment (SROI) equal 2.17 times, calculated as total economic and social impact value 318,520.80 Baht within 7 months period of operation in target area. Which results indicate that innovative hybrid drying house system not just physical technology but important mechanism in uplifting quality of life and grassroots economy of seafood processing community sustainably.