Farming System for Food Security of Rice Farmers in the Pak Phanang River Basin

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) food security and self-reliance of smart farmers and general farmers in the Pak Phanang River Basin, 2) farming system of smart farmers, 3) strategies and operational guidelines for agricultural promotion, programs, and projects for food security. The research applied a mixed-method approach. The sample groups were: 1) smart farmers (rice expertise) selected by purposive sampling method and general farmers selected by multistage sampling, and the samples were carried out in each province of 80 persons in the Pak Phanang River Basin. Data were collected using interviews and observations; 2) 11 smart farmers (rice expertise) select by purposive sampling method and data were collected by using an interview form; 3) 24 agricultural representatives were interviewed, and 4) 30 agricultural representatives participated in the seminar. The quantitative analysis was conducted by finding out frequency, and standard deviation, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using classification and the study of rationality.

The results indicated as follows: 1) Smart farmers and general farmers had a high level of food security as well as a high level and a moderate level of self-reliance, respectively. 2) Farming system of smart farmers in three provinces were rice farming with animal raising in Songkhla province, rice farming with crop cultivation and fish farming in Phatthalung Province, and rice farming with horticulture, field crop farming, animal raising and fish farming in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. 3) Strategies for food security are the plans and the projects under 5 strategies, including (1) increasing efficiency and reducing production costs by using organic fertilizers and promoting community rice varieties, (2) creating food security by promoting and sharing a wide variety of production knowledge, (3) promoting research and development by using innovation and technology in the agriproduct processing, (4) promoting the integrated agricultural activities such as alternative farming and integrated farming, and (5) promoting the quality of life by raising awareness of conservation of natural resources as well as strengthening and enhancing farmers' quality of life.