Changes to farmers’ lifestyles after attending Ratchathani asoke’s sufficiency economy training program (Thai)

Abstract

This study investigated the changes in farmers’ lifestyles after completion of the Sufficiency Economy Training Program conducted by the Ratchathani Asoke community, located in Warinchamrab district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The research participants were separated into two groups. Results reveal that the first group of farmers who completed the 2008 training program and did not participate in any follow-up activities did not show positive changes in all indicators. However, the second group of farmers who completed the training program between 2001 and 2006 and participated in a follow-up course showed positive behavior changes in all indicators except debt status. The factors that contributed to the mentioned changes of both groups included better health, improved well-being of self and family, a stronger faith in Buddhism and a desire to be a more faithful follower, decreased production costs, increased income, the acquisition of occupational skills, knowledge, and moral behavior. The study suggests that family support, becoming a member of career groups, and the continued support provided by post-training and follow-up courses were the major contributors to sustainable change in the farmers’ lifestyles.