Suan Dusit University places great emphasis on promoting food security and sustainable local economic development through the creation of participatory learning spaces that connect farmers, food producers, and academia. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), specifically Indicator 2.5.2, which encourages universities to organize events that facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer among local agricultural stakeholders.
In 2024, Suan Dusit University—through its Suphan Buri Campus and the Office of Special Affairs—implemented key initiatives that strengthened collaboration between farmers, local communities, and the university.
Activity 1: Promoting the “Khok Kho The Community Market” — Fostering Local Economy and Sustainable Tourism
Suan Dusit University, Suphan Buri Campus, in collaboration with Wat Khok Kho The and the Khok Kho The Subdistrict Administrative Organization, organized the “Khok Kho The Community Market” project to drive sustainable local economic growth and cultural tourism. The event, themed “Local Market – Local Way of Life – Agricultural and Cultural Heritage,” showcased over 33 stalls selling community agricultural products and showcased safe agricultural goods developed by Suan Dusit University. The event also featured music performances, local arts, and cultural exhibitions, with participation from public officials and local leaders.
This project served as a model of active engagement—a direct and meaningful platform connecting the university, farmers, and local producers. It allowed participants to exchange knowledge on marketing strategies, product design, and community market management, thereby fostering a creative local economy ecosystem.
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Activity 2: “From Farm to Table” Collaboration with Homkhajorn Farm and Suphan Buri Farmers’ Network
The Office of Special Affairs, led by Dr. Suthan Mumdaeng, collaborated with Homkhajorn Farm and local farmer networks in Suphan Buri Province to promote the “From Farm to Table” initiative. This activity supported the production of pesticide-free agricultural products under GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards and facilitated the direct supply of safe raw materials to the university’s Non-Profit Lunch Programme (Dusit Kitchen) and Suan Dusit Place Hotel.
The project also included field visits and workshops with model farmers, such as Ms. Aree Kungthong, who operates a 600-plant banana farm in Khok Kho The Subdistrict. These collaborations connected local agricultural outputs to healthy food menus served at the university, reflecting a holistic integration of education, agriculture, and food service sectors toward sustainable practice.
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Outcomes and Impacts
1. Knowledge and Skill Development: Local farmers and food producers gained practical knowledge in food safety, production management, and marketing.
2. Community-University Collaboration: The university acted as a knowledge-sharing hub, strengthening the link between agriculture, entrepreneurship, and food systems.
3. Local Economic Empowerment: Both initiatives enhanced market accessibility, increased farmers’ income, and boosted the grassroots economy of Suphan Buri Province.
4. Sustainable and Safe Food Practices: Agricultural products from partner farmers were integrated into the university’s food system, establishing a localized circular food model.
These two initiatives exemplify Suan Dusit University’s concrete actions under SDG 2.5.2 — organizing events that connect and empower local farmers and food producers through active participation and sustainable collaboration. They reinforce the university’s role as a model higher education institution for food security and sustainable agricultural development in Thailand, integrating academic expertise with local wisdom for long-term community resilience.
Summary :
Suan Dusit University promotes food security and sustainable local economies by connecting farmers, food producers, and academia under SDG 2.5.2: Events for local farmers and food producers. In 2024, through Suphan Buri Campus and the Office of Special Affairs, the university implemented two key initiatives. The first, the “Khok Kho The Community Market,” fostered sustainable tourism and local economy by engaging over 33 community stalls and showcasing safe agricultural products. The second, “From Farm to Table,” linked Homkhajorn Farm and farmer networks to supply pesticide-free ingredients under GAP standards directly to the university’s kitchen and hotel. Both projects enhanced farmers’ skills, income, and networks while integrating safe, sustainable food systems—affirming Suan Dusit University’s role as a national model in food security and sustainable agriculture.