Abstract:
Fruit orchards are green areas of clear importance to the city as they contribute to balance in the environment and ecological system through the water, plants, and soil. They also help reduce the temperature in urban areas as well as alleviate pollution. However, urban expansion has resulted in changes that have led to a reduction in orchard areas. Nevertheless, fruit orchards still exist in areas on the western side of Klong Bangkokyai Klong Chakpra. This has prompted this study into the roles of land owners and tenants in the continued existence of the fruit orchards in these areas.The research has the following objectives: 1) to study the present conditions of the existence of fruit orchards, 2) to study the characteristics of land owners and tenants, and 3) to study the relationship between land owners and tenants as well as the physical characteristics of the existing orchards. The research methodology was as follows: 1) a review of the related literature and information on-site to create current maps of the orchards, 2) a field study incorporating interviews of the tenants of all the 13 orchards to identify the problems, background, plants, management, conditions, and adjustments that allow the orchards to remain viable, 3) selection and detailed analysis of the case study regarding attitudes and retracing land ownership for micro level information, and 4) analysis of the relationship between the data about the people involved and the orchards conditions and existence. The research shows all involved can affect 1) land usage policy, and 2) the maintenance of the existing orchards, which falls into three levels: well-maintained, moderately-maintained, and poorly maintained. The relationship between those involved with the orchards and the conditions of the orchards that render them well-maintained can be described as follows: 1) the land owner is from a traditional orchard/fruit growing family, still lives in the area, has a secure financial status and enjoys the fruit growers lifestyle, and 2) the tenant/caretaker is also from a traditional orchard/fruit growing family, is established in the area, has good relations with the land owner, and is highly capable of managing orchards.