Way of life and security in local southern food

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to study way of life and food security of people in the southern part of Thailand in terms of ability to use existing local resources for food, food processing, cooking, types of food, local cuisine, and food consumption culture. This research is both quantitative and qualitative. Research tools consisted of questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group, and participative observation. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed for frequency and percentage and qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis method. Results of the research show that, firstly, most of the local Southern people purchased food from market. Regarding consumption pattern, most local people usually eat 3 times a day. Food preservation and processing methods included drying, salt curing, pickling, fermentation, and smoking. In terms of problems and solutions in food management, southern people solved the problems by growing their own food plants or finding alternative food. Secondly, a variety of foods are available and these various types of food resources are regarded as culinary treasures which guarantee food security. Thirdly, food and food resources of local southern people could be accessed in 4 ways: planting, collecting from nature, purchasing, and sharing. Finally, for food utilization, local southern people managed their food and food resources by making use of their knowledge, talents, and skills in food resources management for use in their daily life, for producing and acquiring food, and for use as raw materials in making various utensils. Concerning attitude towards self-dependence, most southern people thought that they could depend on themselves for food.