INTEGRATING THE PRINCIPLE OF KINDNESS TO CREATE SAFE FOOD FOR FARMERS IN THE NONG SUEA TEMPLE COMMUNITY, KRAB YAI UBDISTRICT, BAN PONG DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the integration of the principle of loving-kindness (Metta) into safe food production among farmers in Wat Nong Suea Community, Krap Yai Subdistrict, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province; (2) organize activities to promote the application of the principle of loving-kindness in safe food production among the community farmers; and (3) propose a model for integrating the principle of loving-kindness into safe food production in Wat Nong Suea Community. This study employed a qualitative research approach using participatory action research (PAR). Key informants included community farmers, Buddhist monks, and other community stakeholders. The research instruments consisted of in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions, and collaborative learning activities. Data were analyzed through content analysis and descriptive synthesis.

The findings revealed that: (1) the integration of the principle of loving-kindness into safe food production among farmers in Wat Nong Suea Community was reflected in their awareness of the impacts of food production on consumers, the environment, their own health, and the community. This awareness encouraged farmers to modify their agricultural practices by reducing the use of chemical substances, adopting organic fertilizers, and preserving agricultural ecosystems. (2) Activities promoting the integration of loving-kindness into safe food production were implemented through participatory community learning processes, including dialogue, experience sharing, experiential learning, and collective reflection. These activities enhanced farmers’ understanding and enabled them to apply the principle of loving-kindness to food production in a practical and tangible manner. (3) The synthesis of the research findings led to the development of a model for integrating the principle of loving-kindness into safe food production. The model consists of four key dimensions: loving-kindness toward consumers, the environment, oneself, and the community. The resulting new body of knowledge was conceptualized as the Metta-Driven Ethical Food Production Model (MEF Model), which explains the process of developing ethical food production within communities through four stages: awareness of loving-kindness, reflection on the role of food producers, transformation of food production practices, and collaborative community learning.