Assessment of the challenges to becoming a new farmer : a case study of the young smart farmer programme in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand | |
| Author | Kittipan Tikum |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.DP-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Farmers--Thailand--Chiang Mai Farmers--Thailand--Chiang Mai--Attitudes |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Planning Management and Innovation |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | In recent years, there has been a global decline in the farming population, coupled with the demographic transition and ageing. While previous studies have examined general trends in farmer transitions and policy responses, the motivations, challenges, and satisfaction levels of youth entering agriculture remain underexplored. This study seeks to assess the motivations, challenges, and satisfaction levels with farming and non farming activities through the Young Smart Farmer Programme (YSFP) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A mixed-methods methodology was utilised in this research. The research gathered data from three distinct groups: Thai young farmers who have officially joined the YSFP (Type I or YSF, n = 154), young farmers who are interested in YSFP but have not joined it (Type II, N = 50), and young farmers who know about YSFP but are not interested in it (Type III, N = 50). In-depth interviews and surveys were utilised, and the data were analysed through descriptive statistics, chi-square, ANOVA, T-test, H-test, multinomial logit regression, multiple regression, and content analysis. Findings illustrated a socio-economic diversity among groups, highlighting that men, older farmers, one-type farming and part-time farmers were more likely to be YSF. Motivations to become a farmer were multifaceted, influenced by profitability, well-being, culture and tradition, taking over a family business, and social influence. Moreover, the study underscores the varied challenges faced by the types of farmers, including agricultural production, marketing, assets, shocks and seasons, inspiration, and criticism. Additionally, socio-economic backgrounds, such as gender, age, marital status, education, job type, farming systems, land holding, and agricultural income, had multifaceted effects on both motivations and challenges. Regarding satisfaction, higher social satisfaction reduced constraints to programme participation, while greater environmental satisfaction with non-farming activities increased the intention to join the YSFP. Interestingly, motivation related to taking over the family business was the most significant factor influencing satisfaction across all dimensions with both activities. Moreover, education and job type were also significant determinants. In response, this study provides two-step solutions: first, to motivate youth by targeting backgrounds, enhancing engagement, collaboration, and educational-level based training; second, to strengthen the YSFP by supporting social engagement, utilising environmental incentives and targeting motivations and challenges. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development Planning Management and Innovation (DPMI) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Tsusaka, Takuji W. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government;AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |