Local Knowledge on Sedge Utilisation for Handicraft

Abstract

Sedge is one of the natural plants for handicraft in Thailand, as well as in the countries where there is sedge; such as Madagascar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Sumatra island, countries and islands nearby Malay Strait, Borneo, Australia, and Vietnam (Inthongkong, 1986; M4P [Making Markets Work Better for the Poor], 2008). In Thailand, sedge is mostly found especially in eastern part of Southern Thailand; such as Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Suratthani, Pattani, and Chumphon Provinces (Karakade, 1996). Although in the past there were many researchers studied about sedge utilization in Thailand (Karakade, 1996; Sonsang, 2003; Kullayasiri, 2011), this research article aims to apply the value chain analysis (VCA)—better tools in explanation—to present about the local knowledge, step, process, and flow on sedge utilization for handicraft, especially in Cha-uad District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province because here is the source of sedge that now distributes to producers in the other provinces, as well as there is a day in July of every year to praise sedge called "Blooming of Sedge Flower Day". This research article aims to 1) support the idea of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Highest Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG); 2) present the local knowledge of sedge utilization for handicraft; and 3) present steps and process, as well as flow of sedge utilization for handicraft. Keywords: Cha-uad District; Handicraft; Local Knowledge; Sedge Utilisation