Community Enterprise in Processed Agricultural Products after the COVID-19: Problems and Adaptation for the Development of Grassroots Economy

Abstract

-Community entrepreneurs in a processed agricultural product are the foundation of the economy which links the agricultural sector of the nation. They play an important role in driving the grassroots economy of Thailand after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reflected the usage of major ingredients grown locally in the processing of agricultural products, which provide the advantage of unique local ingredients while also preventing the waste of oversupply. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs have conventional wisdom in processing raw materials into products. Additionally, the challenging issues for small community enterprises are administration and fundraising to expand their production. The lack of labours in rural areas also poses a challenge to the administration of community enterprises. The findings also reveal that there should be a sustainable extension of other activities, such as integrating agritourism activities and the development of a sustainable ecosystem. There should also be the utilization of online channel in the sales and communication of products and communities’ identities. It was also found that the supporting mechanism for community enterprises is still limited in some ways due to the requirement to follow central policies in development. Finally, the new generation should be motivated to join community enterprises in processed agricultural products as they could help in the long-term development of the community.