Satoyama Agricultural Development Tool (SADT) for Collaborative Assessment of Hilltribe Communities in Chiang Mai: Case Studies of Mueang Ang, Nhong Lom and Pa Kea Noi

The Satoyama Agricultural Development Tool (SADT) is based on five perspectives identified by the International Partnership for the SatoyamaInitiative (IPSI). To determine itsefficiency in indigenous communities, case studies were undertaken inthree hilltribe com-munities: Mueang Ang, Nhong Lom and Pa Kea Noi, located in the province of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Satoyama analysis was conducted in each village by officers attached to the Royal Project Foundation (RPF) and the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI) operating out of the stations of Inthanon and Mae Hae. These were compared with similar analysis done by villagers of each village studied. Results showed uniformity amongstvillagers, and amongst officers. No statistical differences were obtained when analysis betweenofficers and villagers were compared, demonstrating that if persons are exposed to the same data and experiences within a given locale, they would produce similar evaluations when using thetool. Further, because villagers are capable of auto-evaluation, it is an indication that the tool should be simplified to facilitate ease of use. We were able to conclude that the SADT allowsevaluation of the extent to which the perspectives of Satoyama are met in any given commu-nity. It is diagnostic in nature and would set the stage for a systematic and scientific approach that should be employed to advance sustainable agricultural development in the community,premised on its local culture and characteristics. The staff attached to the RPF has opted to use the tool as a means of evaluating progress in hilltribe communities affiliated to it.