Driving forces and limiting factors of crop-livestock integration in Tambon Pong Talong, Lamphra Phloeng Watershed | |
| Author | Singzon, Sharon Basada |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.AS-06-2 |
| Subject(s) | Livestock--Thailand--Nakhon Ratchasima Lamphra Phloeng Watershed (Thailand) |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Technical Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. AS-06-02 |
| Abstract | Tambon Pong Ta Long is located at the foothill of Khao Yai National Park of Nakhon Ratchasima province in Northeast Thailand. Six of its thirteen villages belong to the upper part of Lamphra Phloeng watershed. Feed resources (i.e. grasses and crop residues) are abundant in the watershed but very few farmers raise cattle. Therefore, this study investigated the reasons behind the low level of animal production and tried to identify and examine the factors that hinder or encourage farmers to raise livestock. An in-depth analysis of the complexities-and inter-linkages of factors affecting crop-livestock integration was made possible through the integration of several approaches to gather both primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data from various stakeholders in the watershed. Initial field visit started in December 2003. Successive field observations and exploratory surveys were made until February 2006. Unstructured and structured interviews of key informants, group discussions in 3 villages and surveys of 90 households were conducted. The integration of various methodologies provided a comprehensive approach to farming systems research in the watershed context. The study revealed that farmers raise (or want to raise) cattle because of the additional income they can derive from it. Farmers in the watershed face several risks and uncertainties in cash crop production and livestock raising is a coping mechanism to minimize effect of crop failure. The outbreak of bird flu and the drought in 2004 caused some farmers to consider raising cattle. Cattle fattening is mostly extensive or semiintensive system, utilizing locally available grasses, corn residues or purchased rice straw. There is very minimal external input used as opposed to corn production. Yet, farmers consider lack of cash to purchase the young calf for fattening as a limitation. Unlike corn production where farmers can borrow money from various sources, in the past there was no lending program for cattle raising in the area except from the middlemen. Livestock production is labor intensive. Many farmers consider labor availability as an important factor. Family size is small with an average of 4 persons per household. Usually only one male and one female per households are involved in farming activities. Cattle production is mainly the husband's responsibility although few wives also assist in taking care of the animals. Although farmers are interested to integrate livestock, but the minimal support in terms of technical assistance as well as financial assistance from the government prohibits them from pursuing such a venture. For cash crops, the market sector linkage is very good. But the government's extension support, like educating farmers and training them on proper farming practices and livestock production, needs improvement. Meanwhile the non-government sector is more responsive to the farmers' need, by giving them access to improved breeds and financial loans for cattle production. It is recommended that appropriate financial and technical assistance be made available to those who are interested to raise cattle, through joint participation of government agencies and the private sector. Organizing and strengthening small farmers' groups like the credit groups for lending from the formal lending agencies should be pursued. Other recommendations for farmers, for the government, and for future researchers are likewise presented based on the findings of this research. |
| Year | 2006 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. AS-06-02 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ranamukhaarachchi, S. L.;Soparth Pongquan; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Denmark (DANIDA),; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006 |