High in the mountains of Northern Thailand, the Karen village of Ban Pa Kia has stood for more than a century. Nestled among the forests of Chiang Mai province, the community has long relied on small gardens, livestock and traditional skills to sustain daily life.
Yet for many families, making ends meet has not always been easy. When harvests are small or market prices fluctuate, even basic expenses can become difficult to cover. At times, families have relied on loans to get through challenging seasons, placing pressure on already vulnerable households.
In Ban Pa Kia, a local initiative is helping families build on the skills they already have while creating more stable opportunities for income.
The work focuses on two familiar areas: growing food and raising livestock. Through greenhouse vegetable production and pig farming, families are strengthening food security while developing more reliable sources of income within their own village.
Simple greenhouse structures are helping some households grow vegetables throughout the year. Crops such as tomatoes and strawberries are protected from heavy rain and pests, making it easier to grow consistently using organic methods. The produce is used at home, shared with neighbours or sold at local markets.
Alongside this, families are also raising pigs, building on existing knowledge. With practical support, households are learning how to care for the animals and create a steady source of income over time.
The initiative is led by the Social Development and Service Unit of the Church of Christ in Thailand, with Global Mission Partners supporting this work among Karen hill tribe communities.
Care has also been taken to include vulnerable households, including people living with disability and elderly residents, so they can take part in and benefit from the project.
Across the village, families are working together. Men often assist with building and transport, while women play a key role in caring for crops and animals.
For families in Ban Pa Kia, these changes are practical and immediate. There is more food at home, some income coming in and a growing sense that things are becoming a little more stable.