Strengthening Resettled People’s Livelihood through Sustainable Community Farming in Pathumthani Province, Thailand

Project Team

Leader: Tran Thi Nhu Ngoc (AIRI Fellow)

Members: Kijsart Onngernthayakorn, Punchaya Raksasakun, Hayat Ullah, Borey Koemseang, Nikorn Asakati

Background and Introduction

In the Pathumthani, the community, having resettled from slum areas, faces several challenges in their shift to organic farming. They confront technical gaps in organic composting, biological pesticides, and post-harvest processes, and deal with limitations due to small land area and insufficient market access and group management skills. In the study area, the gender disparity is more pronounced, as many women, lacking qualifications or constrained by health or age, struggle with limited access to off-farm jobs, further complicating their adaptation to new living conditions.

The project focuses on enhancing the livelihood of the resettled community through sustainable farming initiatives. It aims to improve local organic vegetable production and marketing, bolster community development via joint lending groups and effective farm management, and ensure the sustainability and expansion of the project's outcomes. These objectives are designed to not only upgrade agricultural practices but also strengthen community cohesion and financial stability.

Project Site

An area of 30 rai (48,000 m2), near the Thammasat University in Klong Luang District, Pathumthani Province, Thailand

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

Project Actions:

• Preparation and training: Organize meetings with local authorities and the community, conduct surveys on farming interests and practices, and incorporate findings into Farmer Field Schools (FFS) for organic vegetable production and marketing enhancement.
• Market access and group management: Develop contracts with private firms and pursue certification, enhance marketing skills, and establish a community farming group focused on management and financial literacy, especially for women.
• Sustainability and expansion: Conduct training for potential community farming members, expand community membership, and upgrade the community farming garden into a learning center.

Project Deliverables:

• Enhanced knowledge and resources: Results from initial surveys, increased farmer knowledge and skills, field studies, and provision of necessary equipment and supplies.
• Improved market access and women empowerment: Publicity materials, product selling contracts, training curriculum, and an organized savings and lending scheme for women.
• Long-term development: Training documentation for new members, increased community farming membership, and development of a community learning center.