Abstract:
This thesis aims to study the creation of alternative economic practices by networks of Witeetai organic farmers in the province of Songkhla, and efforts to build social acceptance of such farmers. The findings of the study can be summarized as follows.
As a result of current efforts to development the country by emphasizing economic growth farmers in every region are experienced two sides of a similar problem. Firstly, natural resources that were once the basis for their livelihood are in a continuous state of degradation. Farmers are encouraged to practice commercial agriculture in order to create an income to cover the expenses associated with new standards of living. Farmers are forced to adjust to new ways of practicing agriculture and other occupations. It was found that in one village which was used as a case-study rice fields often experienced severe flooding, while at the same time increasing amounts of salty water flowed into the canal as a result of decreased rainfall due to deforestation. This has resulted in farmers in these areas completely ceasing their farming activities. Members of the family are forced to work as laborers in the city. The higher areas of land which are not subject to flooding are used to grow vegetables to sell. In another village studied farmers have tried to practice agriculture as they had in the past by relying on natural rainfall. In the past, this form of agriculture was possible because the cost of living was low. However as we have moved towards a system of commercial agricultural production, not only are production costs much higher but the selling price of the agricultural products is also uncertain. Family members in agricultural families are forced to sell their labour to provide the familys main source of income. While some families have stopped rice farming altogether and leave rice fields fallow most are still trying to farm. When outside capitalists come in to buy up land farmers often decide to sell their fields. Although both of these communities have faced different problems and have adapted themselves in different ways, there is one major similarity. Farmers are still trying to farm, but they practice a form of agriculture which uses large amounts of chemicals in order to increase production for sale. No-one has considered organic farming or other forms of alternative agriculture. Nevertheless, it is possible to see that some farmers are trying hard to adapt themselves and to seek new opportunities in order to support their livelihood.
The Witeetai Organic Agriculture Association in Songkhla is a group of progressive farmers who provide support for farmers who wish to learn about economic alternatives. The emphasis is on organic agriculture and the creation of products to enhance self sufficiency. In the area of organic agriculture it was found that a number of farmers from both case-study villages received training from this Association. The majority of farmers, however, did not participate. The reasons for the lack of participation by many farmers is their view that organic agriculture has not been able to produce actual results. Using these methods pests are not able to be destroyed and the plants grow slowly. These farmers believe that if chemicals are not overused they are unlikely to be harmful. Those who do participate in the training programs believe that in the basic idea that it may help them reduce production costs, that organic rice and vegetables might fetch a better price, and out of concern for their own safety.
Villagers who have received training have experienced different results from organic farming. They may be divided into 3 groups. In the first group all members practiced organic farming. The main reason for this was that they were located closer to the operations of the Witeetai Organic Agriculture Association. Some farmers had alternative sources of income and practised organic farming only for their own consumption. The second group consisted of farmers who practised both organic farmers and farming with agricultural chemicals. They divided their land into areas where they grew rice or vegetables using chemicals and another part of their land where they grew organic vegetables or rice. The main factor involved in their decision was the need to sell most of their produce at the market. That is, even though organic rice and vegetables fetched a better price, the market for such products is still too small because the price is higher than the general price of rice and vegetables, because they are more difficult to produce and the average yield per area is lower. Also, most consumers still do not believe that the produce is really grown organically. Farmers whose income depends upon farming therefore choose to farm vegetables or rice grown using agricultural chemicals at the same time as organic farming, so they can sell their produce on the market as usual. However for their own consumption they will consume organic vegetables and rice. The third group received training but did not change their farming methods to organic farming. This group is made up of farmers who grow large amounts of rice or vegetables, and their principal income is from the production of these crops. These farmers believe that organic farming requires large efforts, which is difficult when the main emphasis is on production for sale.
Nevertheless, all the groups of farmers who practiced organic farming have tried to build a social movement with the aim of developing wider social networks in order, on the one hand, to sell more organic products, and on the other hand so that their identity as Producers of Safe Food is more widely accepted by society. The movement to create this network is carried out both via the mechanisms and networks of the Witeetai Organic Agriculture Association as well as through the groups own networks. Most forms of the movement involve exhibitions at agricultural Shows, community products exhibitions, and food and health festivals. In involving themselves in these events the farmer groups try to demonstrate the value of organic agriculture, their identity as farmers who practice organic agriculture, and their extensive networks, using methods that highlight the main features of the products. They discuss the concept of organic farming and give clear examples, wear special costumes, and present themselves in a way where they appear modest but healthy. In fact, some farmers who participate in these events still practise agriculture using chemicals, but this is not mentioned at such events.
The reasons that farmers are creating alternative economic practices include the following: first, farmers are experiencing problems with traditional forms of agricultural problems and are seeking a better alternative. These problems include high production costs which are not matched by the sale price. Sometimes they are also experiencing health problems. Secondly, farmers believe that alternative agriculture may help farmers survive economically. Third, there are intellectuals who believe in the farmers way of life who provide them with academic and practical support. And fourth, it may help them to create and significantly expand networks. Even though farmers may be subject to similar conditions nevertheless they may create alternative economic practices that are different from each other. Each practice depends on the different habitus of each person or group.
WALAILAK UNIVERSITY. CENTER FOR LIBRARY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL MEDIA