Investigating farmer's perception of on-farm forest reserves and implications on its adoption : case study in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand | |
| Author | Dan Samitisirisuk |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-14-11 |
| Subject(s) | Land degradation--Thailand--Sakon Nakhon Agroforestry--Thailand--Sakon Nakhon |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment and Resources Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-14-11 |
| Abstract | Thailand’s agriculture sector has grown rapidly from the benefits gained during the global Green Revolution. However, the question of its continued agriculture sustainability and its benefits towards farmer’s livelihood has always been an issue because of the effects of land degradation caused by intense monoculture and land mismanagement. Efforts by past and current government have been made to remedy this through the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices such as agroforestry through extension services. Despite that, not many formal studies could be found that investigate how successful the adoption of it is. Further, there are insufficient studies done that investigates the influence of farmer’s subjective perception on their decision to participate in agroforestry practices. Hence, the purpose of this case study is to assess the influence of farmer’s perceptions and attitudes towards on-farm forest reserve, a form of agroforestry, in their decision to have them using the Theory of Planned Behavior(TPB)framework. The results of this study have found that the demographic factors of farmers that positively correlate with having on-farm forest reserve are being farm cooperative members, older in age, more farming experience and land size owned. While, Attitudes Towards Behavior of farmers was found to be highly positive and likely correlating to the positive adoption of on-farm forest reserves. Additionally, these attitudes were found to be relating to deeper reasons of local social norm changes and resource conflict that is driving adoption and conservation in the study area. Low Subjective Norm results are mildly correlated with abandonment of on-farm forest reserves and correspond to the findings in this study and the wider literature that farmer’s involvement in a farming cooperative has positive influence on adoption. Perceived Behavioral Control was found to have the highest negative results from inadequate capital availability, suggesting that it significantly correlate with abandonment of on-farm forest reserves. Moreover, underlying reasons for farmer’s low perception of control are increasing land division, perceived low financial benefits and perceived difficulties in maintenance of the forest reserves. Furthermore, it was found that, while useful, the TPB framework had some shortcomings that were not ideal for the investigation in this case study. |
| Year | 2014 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-14-11 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Grunbuhel, Clemens;Kusakabe, Kyoko; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2014 |