Economic Value Analysis and Impacts of Biomass–Rice Straw Fiber Earthen Building Technology on Local Economic Development and Community-Based Tourism of Ban Phai Moo 1 Waste Bank Community Enterprise, Nong Taphan Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province

Abstract

This research builds upon the development of earthen buildings constructed from biomass mixed with rice straw fibers, addressing the existing research gap concerning their economic feasibility and broader contributions to community development. The objectives were to 1) analyze the economic feasibility of earthen buildings constructed from biomass mixed with rice straw fibers 2) examine the effects of architectural technology for such earthen buildings on enhancing the local economy and community-based tourism and 3) formulate policies for strengthening the local economy and community-based tourism in Nong Taphan Subdistrict. The study employed an Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design, in which quantitative research was conducted initially, followed by qualitative research. The findings from both phases were integrated, analyzed thematically, and synthesized to formulate policy recommendations. The research instruments consisted of (1) in-depth interview guidelines administered to 20 key informants comprising chairpersons and members of community enterprises (2) a focus group discussion guideline administered to 10 key stakeholders and (3) a questionnaire administered to 333 residents from six villages selected using quota sampling. The statistical methods employed included percentage mean standard deviation t-test and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that the Return on Investment (ROI) was 0.52 times, suggesting that the project was not economically viable during the initial investment period. However, the Social Return on Investment (SROI) was 2.33 times, indicating substantial social value generated over a five-year period. Multiple regression analysis revealed that community tourism management, together with economic value of earthen buildings constructed from biomass and rice straw, were significant factors influencing the enhancement of the local economy and community-based tourism. Accordingly, the policy direction for Nong Taphan Subdistrict should shift from treating the earthen building merely as a physical structure toward developing it as an economic and tourism platform. The proposed policy, “One Building Five Activities” aims to generate income and transform the building into a community activity hub comprising at least five functions: (1) Green Learning: a learning center for waste and biomass management (2) Green Workshop: hands-on activities for developing materials and community products (3) Green Café: serving beverages, bakery products, and local cuisine (4) Green Market: a marketplace for community products and (5) Green Tourism: a community attraction, check-in destination, and gateway to local tourism routes. These findings demonstrate that biomass-based earthen buildings can serve not only as sustainable construction innovations but also as mechanisms for creating social value, strengthening local economic activities, and promoting sustainable community-based tourism.