Author: Sukallaya Kasem
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Diss. no.RD-10-02
Year: 2010
Academic Program: Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)
Type: Thesis (Ph.D.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2010
Examination Committee: Gopal B. Thapa (Chairperson); Jayant Kumar Routray, Ganesh P. Shivakoti (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: Thailand has adopted sustainable agriculture development policy since the 7th National Economic and Social Development Plan period. Promotion of GAP, crop diversification and organic inputs has been the focus of the policy. This study employs longitudinal as well as cross-sectional methods of policy analysis and goes further down to check the effectiveness of SAD policies and programs. The study firstly traces the evolution of agricultural development policies in Thailand during the different planning periods. This is followed by an assessment of farmers’ awareness of sustainable agriculture development policies. Then, it analyzes in detail the status and determinants of GAP, crop diversification and use of organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides in Nakhon Pathom province. The information was collected from both from primary and secondary sources. Primary information was collected through mainly a questionnaire survey of 245 farm households. Additional primary information was collected through group discussion, key informants interview and observation. Secondary information was collected from relevant government agency reports, books and journal articles. Collected information was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings of the study revealed a gradual evolution of sustainable agricultural policies, with focus on promotion of GAP products, crop diversification and use of organic inputs, ever since the 7th NESDP. Majority of farmers in the study area are well aware of these policies. However, the adoption of practices consistent with these policies is rather low. A small group of vegetable farmers, who could earn attractive income by selling GAP vegetables to private export companies, are the one practicing GAP. Landholding and agricultural labor force sizes, attendance of training, interaction with GAP farmers group and soil suitability are other factors influencing the adoption of GAP. The majority of farmers,
Scholarship Donor(s): Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand
Note: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning
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