Assessment of the Economic and Social of Farmers in the Area of the Khlong Luang Rachalothorn Reservoir Project in Chon Buri Province

Abstract

The study aimed to 1) examine the context and settlement patterns of households within the project's beneficiary area 2) examine the conditions of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in the beneficiary area of the project and 3) study the benefits of the project and the recommendations made by households in the project's beneficiary area.

This study is a survey research. The population studied consisted of households in the Khlong Luang Ratchalothorn Reservoir Project, a royal initiative in Chon Buri Province, totaling 59,128 households. A purposive sampling method was used, with the Socio-Economic and Project Evaluation Division selecting 211 households as the sample group. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The research findings revealed that 48.8% of the respondents were male, with an average age of 57.86 years. 42.7% of households had 3-4 members, and 41.7% had completed Grade 4 of primary education. The average annual income from selling agricultural products in the irrigated area was 198,291.79 THB, with an average residential land area of 2.04 rai, while 85.3% owned their land with a title deed. The average agricultural land area was 21.00 rai. Farmers planted in season rice in April and harvested in August, with an average cultivated area of 21.76 rai, but suffered an average loss of 9.04 rai. The average yield was 593.65 kg per rai per year, with production costs averaging 4,110.45 THB per rai, and rice was sold to local mills at an average price of 8.19 THB per kg. Regarding livestock and aquaculture, 26.5% of households raised animals for sale. 3) The study also found that the overall usefulness of the project was rated at a high level. Respondents suggested that the government provide funding sources, markets for agricultural products, and price guarantees, along with ensuring an adequate water supply for actual usage.