Development of Livestock and Safe Food Production Capabilities in Na Si Nuan Subdistrict, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province
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Abstract
This project aimed to enhance sustainable livestock and food production practices in Na Si Nuan Subdistrict, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province. Through a collaborative effort between Mahasarakham University and local communities, the project focused on addressing key agricultural challenges such as limited access to modern veterinary care, high costs of livestock management, and traditional farming practices. The "Happy Chicken" cage-free farming model was introduced as a sustainable alternative, improving animal welfare and increasing egg production. Comprehensive training workshops provided local farmers with essential knowledge in livestock management, disease prevention, and biosecurity. The project also included vaccination campaigns and veterinary services, which significantly reduced disease incidence among livestock, thereby improving overall productivity. Community engagement was a central aspect, with local leaders and farmers actively participating in the planning and implementation phases. The project also focused on educating younger generations through workshops and an E-book on poultry farming, laying the foundation for long-term sustainable practices. While the project achieved notable short-term successes, including improved livestock health and food security, ongoing challenges such as ensuring the sustainability of these practices remain. The project highlights the importance of integrating academic expertise with local knowledge and suggests that such collaborative approaches can significantly contribute to sustainable rural development. The outcomes of this project provide valuable insights for similar initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and economic stability in rural communities.
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References
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o This paper discusses the economic and welfare considerations of cage-free egg production systems, which is directly relevant to the "Happy Chicken" model described in your project.
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o This article provides a thorough overview of sustainable agricultural practices, which can be applied to the context of developing sustainable livestock farming systems in rural communities.
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o This paper explores the international standards and concerns regarding animal welfare, which are crucial when implementing and promoting cage-free or "Happy Chicken" farming practices.
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o Altieri’s work on agroecology emphasizes the importance of small-scale, sustainable farming practices, which aligns with the goals of your project in promoting local food security and sustainable livestock practices.
Brooks, S., & Loevinsohn, M. (2011). Shaping Agricultural Innovation Systems Responsive to Food Insecurity and Climate Change. Natural Resources Forum, 35(3), 185-193.
o This article discusses how agricultural innovation systems can be tailored to address food insecurity and climate change, providing insights that could be applied to the development of action plans in your project.
FAO. (2014). Sustainable Livestock Production and Animal Welfare. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
o This FAO report outlines guidelines and strategies for sustainable livestock production with a focus on animal welfare, offering a global perspective that can support the rationale behind the project.
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o This paper advocates for investment in sustainable food production systems, particularly mixed crop-livestock systems, which may provide a useful context for your project's approach to integrated farming.
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o This study examines the environmental and economic impacts of limiting livestock production to pasture-based systems, which is relevant to your project’s emphasis on sustainable livestock farming.
Pretty, J. (2008). Agricultural Sustainability: Concepts, Principles, and Evidence. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1491), 447-465.
o This reference provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural sustainability principles, which can support your discussion on the need for sustainable farming practices in Na Si Nuan Subdistrict.
FAO. (2014). Sustainable Livestock Production and Animal Welfare. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
o This document outlines sustainable livestock production practices, with a focus on animal welfare, supporting the introduction of the "Happy Chicken" model as an ethical and sustainable alternative.
Altieri, M. A. (2009). Agroecology, Small Farms, and Food Sovereignty. Monthly Review, 61(3), 102-113.
o Altieri discusses the importance of integrating modern agricultural practices with traditional methods to improve food security in rural communities, relevant to the project’s objectives.
Röös, E., Patel, M., Spångberg, J., Carlsson, G., & Rydhmer, L. (2016). Limiting Livestock Production to Pasture and By-products in a Search for Sustainable Diets. Food Policy, 58, 1-13.
o This study explores the environmental and economic impacts of sustainable livestock production, reinforcing the benefits of models like "Happy Chicken."
Brooks, S., & Loevinsohn, M. (2011). Shaping Agricultural Innovation Systems Responsive to Food Insecurity and Climate Change. Natural Resources Forum, 35(3), 185-193.
o This article discusses how agricultural innovation systems can address food insecurity and climate change, which aligns with your project’s focus on developing sustainable farming practices.
Gliessman, S. R. (2014). Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems. CRC Press.
o Gliessman’s book provides an in-depth look at agroecology, offering a theoretical framework for understanding the integration of sustainable practices in food production systems like those in Na Si Nuan.
McMichael, P. (2013). Food Regimes and Agrarian Questions. Fernwood Publishing.
o McMichael discusses the global implications of local agricultural practices, which can support your discussion on the broader impact of the project on rural development.
Herrero, M., & Thornton, P. K. (2013). Livestock and Global Change: Emerging Issues for Sustainable Food Systems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(52), 20878-20881.
o This paper addresses the role of livestock in sustainable food systems, providing context for the introduction of the "Happy Chicken" model.
