Participatory guarantee systems for organic vegetables : a study on farmer participation and government support in Thailand | |
| Author | Chanikan Mahora |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.DS-25-02 |
| Subject(s) | Organic gardening--Standards Vegetable gardening--Thailand Farmers--Thailand--Citizen participation |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study examines the factors influencing farmer participation and the role of government support in sustaining Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for organic vegetable production in Thailand. It addresses key gaps in the literature, including the evolution of farmers' motivations across participation stages, the influence of regional contexts on implementation outcomes, and the role of government support in sustaining long-term engagement. Thailand provides an ideal case study due to its national integration of PGS policies, regional diversity, and staged certification approach. Using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory as a framework, the study employed a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative surveys (n = 203) and qualitative interviews (20 farmers and 7 key informants) from Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Pathom. Data analysis included multinomial logistic regression, logistic regression, thematic analysis, narrative analysis and comparative statistical techniques.The findings show that farmers' motivations change as they participate in agricultural practices. Short-term farmers prioritize environmental concerns. In contrast, long-term farmers value knowledge exchange and economic benefits. There are regional differences. For example, Nakhon Pathom experienced a 44% increase in vegetable income due to stronger institutional support and better urban market access. Government support is crucial at the initial stage but diminishes over time because of fragmented implementation and inconsistent policies. Multinomial regression analysis highlights that organic-specific experience, community support, and access to stable markets are key predictors of sustained participation.The study recommends stage-specific interventions to support PGS development. Practical training and input support are essential for short-term participants, technical problem-solving and market facilitation are important for medium-term participants, and policy consistency and leadership development, particularly for women, are crucial for sustaining long-term participation. Strengthening peer networks, addressing regional disparities, and promoting gender-sensitive leadership are necessary to enhance the sustainability of PGS initiatives. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to strengthen the effectiveness and scalability of PGS in Thailand and similar agricultural contexts. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development and Sustainability (DS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Tsusaka, Takuji W. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Her Majesty the Queen’s Scholarships (Thailand) |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |