Extension Model of Sustainable Agriculture for Self-reliance of Small Scale Rice Farmers in the Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster 1

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to This research aimed to:1) examine the current situation of sustainable agriculture extension in Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster 1; 2) investigate sustainable agricultural practices for self-reliance among model rice farmers; 3) analyze factors influencing the demand for sustainable agriculture extension for self-reliance among small-scale rice farmers; and 4) analyze, synthesize, develop, and evaluate a sustainable agriculture extension model for self-reliance among small-scale rice farmers in the specified region.

This study employed a mixed-methods research design involving four groups of participants. 1) 12 agricultural extension officers were purposively selected and interviewed in depth, with data analyzed using content analysis. 2. 8 model rice farmers were also purposively selected and interviewed, and their data were analyzed qualitatively. 3, 524,073 small-scale rice farmers (with farm sizes not exceeding 15 rai during the 2022/2023 production year) constituted the population. A sample of 400 participants was determined using Yamane’s formula at a 0.05 level of error and selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected via structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. 4. the model development process consisted of two stages. Phase 1 was Analysis, Synthesis, and Model Development. Key informants were selected through purposive sampling. The target groups consisted of: (1) 12 agricultural extension officers from the Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster 1, selected purposively. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis; (2) 8 model rice farmers from the same region, also selected purposively. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis; and (3) 4 experts in sustainable agricultural extension from academic institutions or government agencies, making a total of 24 participants. The participants in groups (1) and (2) were the same as those in the earlier phases. Data were collected through focus group discussions and analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Phase 2 was Model Evaluation and Refinement. A new sample group of 26 participants was selected, comprising 6 experts in sustainable agricultural extension, 16 agricultural extension officers, and 4 small-scale rice farmers. Data were collected using a researcher-developed evaluation form, which assessed three aspects: suitability, feasibility, and utility. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results revealed that 1) Sustainable agriculture extension in the Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster 1 predominantly takes the form of organic farming, New Theory Agriculture, and integrated farming systems.
2) Model rice farmers integrate rice cultivation with other agricultural activities, emphasizing sufficient and continuous production for consumption, self-reliance, and adherence to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. They apply both modern technology and local wisdom in agricultural practices, expand marketing channels through online media and community networks, and actively participate in community development as leaders. 3) Factors significantly influencing the demand for sustainable agriculture extension for self-reliance among small-scale rice farmers at the 0.01 level include social status, knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and access to sources of knowledge. These factors positively increase the demand for sustainable agriculture extension. Conversely, problems associated with sustainable rice farming significantly affect the demand at the 0.05 level, acting as factors that reduce such demand. 4) The sustainable agriculture extension model for self-reliance among small-scale rice farmers in the Lower Northeastern Provincial Cluster 1 consists of five key components: (1) Inputs: basic data of small-scale rice farmers, knowledge of sustainable agriculture, rice cultivation, and self-reliance; (2) Extension process: focusing on integrated farming, New Theory Agriculture, and organic farming, using audio-visual media such as demonstrations, exhibitions, videos, digital media, field visits to farms or homes, and model plots; (3) Supporting factors: policies promoting sustainable agriculture systems at the local level and fair market mechanisms between producers and consumers; (4) Sustainable rice farming practices for self-reliance: emphasizing environmentally friendly production, self-reliance in five dimensions, and adherence to context-appropriate sustainable agriculture principles; and (5) Outcomes: the establishment of farmer networks practicing sustainable agriculture, reduced dependence on external inputs, improved soil fertility, enhanced agricultural capacity, and model evaluation results indicating the highest levels of suitability, feasibility, and utility across all dimensions.