Youth Empowerment through Green Agriculture (YEGA) for Rural Revitalization in the Thai Berng Community

Project Team

Leader: Surendra Tiwari (AIRI Fellow)

Members: Tran Thi Nhu Ngoc (AIRI Fellow), Punchaya Raksasakun, Roengnarong Sukklud, Kanokchai Mangmesup, Areerat Mansalung

Background and Introduction

The community faces significant challenges, including the prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to contaminated food, highlighting the need for improved food safety standards. The lack of a dedicated organization to monitor and guarantee quality standards in agriculture and food production poses a risk to public health and environmental conservation. Additionally, the dwindling participation of the younger generation in agricultural and cultural practices indicates a gap in passing down traditional knowledge and sustaining these vital sectors.

The key objective of this initiative is to focus on fostering sustainable agriculture and food security. The goals include developing the Green Farm Learning Center (GFLC) for educating on green vegetable farming and marketing, ensuring community food security through green farming of local vegetables, and generating revenue and preserving culture through rural tourism. This involves collaboration with students and community centers to enhance tourists’ experiences in the Thai Berng community, Khok Salung Subdistrict.

Project Site

The Ban Khok Salung Community covering an area of approximately 182 square kilometers, situated in Khok Salung Subdistrict, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lop Buri Province of Thailand

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

Project Actions:

• Engage stakeholders for project setup, conduct surveys on food security and farming practices, and use findings to design training and project plans.
• Foster green agriculture and food security: Host workshops on green agriculture, establish Green Farm Learning Centers at schools, offer various trainings on farming techniques and marketing, and provide essential farming facilities and management skills training.
• Encourage home farming: Implement Training of Trainers (ToT) for family members, distribute seeds and equipment, form inspection committees, and collaborate with the Learning Center for seed bank establishment.
• Publicize the model: Develop food processing and sales outlets, create guidelines and curriculum, organize public showcases and agro-tourism activities, participate in festivals, and set up digital marketing campaigns.

Project Deliverables:

• Agreements from stakeholders, survey report, project plan, and training design.
• Documentation of training sessions, the establishment of the Green Farm Learning Center, and support for green agriculture practices.
• Documentation of increased farmer knowledge and skills, and successful implementation of home farming practices.
• Production of farming guidelines and curriculum, records of agro-tourism activities and product sales, demonstration materials, and marketing activity records.