Factors affecting poverty in rural farm households in the Northeastern Region of Thailand: a case study at Tambon Banfang, Amphur Banfang, Changwat Khon Kaen (Thai)

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze factors affecting poverty and to give suggestions for poverty reduction. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify factors affecting poverty. The survey underlying this study was conducted in Tambon Banfang, Amphur Banfang, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Data were collected in 12 villages. The sample consisted of 200 farm households. Factors affecting poverty were number of family members, child dependency rate, old age dependency rate, rice consumption per month in kilograms per adult equivalent, crop production, main crop value, condition of housing, condition of water system, condition of kitchen, condition of furniture, quantity of land owned, quantity of farm land, value of transportation assets per adult equivalent, and value of total assets per adult equivalent. The comparison of poverty index and socio-economics variables showed that small family sized households had the opportunity to overcome poverty. Households that had a high number of elders, children, disabled persons and unemployed working members were likely to be poor. Moreover, households with little farm land had the tendency to encounter poverty.