Author: Chanikan Mahora
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.DS-25-02
Year: 2025
Academic Program: Development and Sustainability (DS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2025
Examination Committee: Kyoko Kusakabe (Chairperson); Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Takuji W. Tsusaka (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: This study examines the factors influencing farmer participation and the role of government support in sustaining Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for organic vegetable production in Thailand. It addresses key gaps in the literature, including the evolution of farmers’ motivations across participation stages, the influence of regional contexts on implementation outcomes, and the role of government support in sustaining long-term engagement. Thailand provides an ideal case study due to its national integration of PGS policies, regional diversity, and staged certification approach. Using Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory as a framework, the study employed a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative surveys (n = 203) and qualitative interviews (20 farmers and 7 key informants) from Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Pathom. Data analysis included multinomial logistic regression, logistic regression, thematic analysis, narrative analysis and comparative statistical techniques.The findings show that farmers’ motivations change as they participate in agricultural practices. Short-term farmers prioritize environmental concerns. In contrast, long-term farmers value knowledge exchange and economic benefits. There are regional differences. For example, Nakhon Pathom experienced a 44% increase in vegetable income due to stronger institutional support and better urban market access. Government support is crucial at the initial stage but diminishes over time because of fragmented implementation and inconsistent policies. Multinomial regression analysis highlights that organic-specific experience, community support, and access to stable markets are key predictors of sustained participation.The study recommends stage-specific interventions to support PGS development. Practical training and input support are essential for short-term participants, technical problem-solving and market facilitation are important for medium-term participants, and policy consistency and leadership development, particularly
Scholarship Donor(s): Her Majesty the Queen’s Scholarships (Thailand)
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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