Abstract:
This thesis has objectives to study were: 1) study the current capabilities and desired capabilities of farmers in the Eastern region, particularly smart farm owners, and 2) propose sustainable development guidelines for enhancing the capabilities of farmers in the Eastern region, focusing on the characteristics of smart farm owners, leading to sustainable development. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, with a quantitative sample group of 340 smart farm owners in the Eastern region, surveyed through questionnaires, and a qualitative sample group consisting of 30 smart farm owners from Rayong (10), Chanthaburi (10), and Trat (10) provinces in the year 2023.Data collection methods include in-depth interviews and participatory observations. Statistical analyses utilized in the research include frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and Priority Needs Index Modified (PNI). Research findings indicating 1. The current competency status of Smart Farmers has a moderate average level (X = 3.34, S.D. = 0.04) representing 67.51%, while the desired competency status has a very high average level (X = 4.71, S.D. = 0.03). representing 95.09%. The highest priority needs index (PNI) for competency is in the area of knowledge management according to changing contexts and knowledge dissemination according to the role of Smart Farmers (PNI modified = 0.47). 2. The development guidelines for Eastern region farmers' competencies towards sustainable development according to the "SMART" approach include S : Sustainable agriculture, M: Moral Management, A: Awareness of Wellbeing, R: Responsibility to save the world, and T: Technology Literacy, leading to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.