Consequences of farmers' participation in extension projects on chemical-free vegetable production in Tambon Pongyang, Amphur Maerim, Chiangmai, Thailand
2002
Kanok-orn Boonpipat
Purposes of this research were to investigate 1) personal characteristics of farmers participating in integrated pest management projects in Amphoe Maerim, Chiangmai province; 2) consequences of such projects as perceived by the farmers; and 3) farmers' problems and obstacles as well as recommendations concerning their participation in such projects. Data were collected by means of interview schedule from 63 farmers participating in the Integrated Pest Management projects in Banmuangkum, Tambon Pongyang, Amphoe Maerim, Chiangmai province in the year 1999 and analyzed by using the SPSS for Windows. The respondents were 43 years old on average, had completed a primary level of education, and owned agricultural land. The average number of household members was four and three of them accounted for household labor. Most of the respondents sold their products to Pongyang Integrated Pest Management group. The consequences of the Integrated Pest Management projects as perceived by the farmers were as follows: 1) Economic aspect. Although prices of chemical-free vegetables were generally higher, the respondents' incomes were not increased due to very few markets and low prices offered to them. Capital investment was not increased and most respondents did not obtain credit; only a few obtained credit from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. 2) Social aspect. After participating in the projects, most respondents joined more social groups. They had more interaction with others, participated in community development activities, and had more contact with change agents of governmental and private sectors. 3) Environmental aspect. Environmental consequences were positive: higher soil fertility and moisture, cleaner water and air, and greater amounts of fish and other animals living in water 4) health. Most of the respondents became healthier and were confident in farm product consumption.
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