“You Give, We Grow” - Innovative Agro-Matchmaking Program in Baan Charoensuk, Buriram

Project Team

Leader: Krittawit Krittayaruangroj (AIRI Fellow)

Members: Jiraya Phumiratanaprapin, Pradthana Jaipong, Saiwaroon Tiranonrungrueng, Phop Visesrojana, Chanida Vongsrimongkhol

Background and Introduction

Charoensuk village grapples with intricate rural sustainability issues. Approximately 10% fall below the poverty line and are caught in a poverty trap, impacting their access to education, healthcare, and services. Climate change and market shifts endanger traditional farming practices. Inadequate education and technology worsen soil erosion, impacting agriculture and the environment. Climate-induced floods and droughts further jeopardize production and resilience. Urban migration for better prospects leads to an aging population and labor shortages, magnifying village challenges.

The vision aims to empower rural communities through sustainable agriculture and tourism, focusing on economic growth, environmental conservation, and resilience. The aim is to enhance Thai farmers’ livelihoods through organic farming and community-based tourism, diversifying incomes for financial stability and empowerment. Key objectives include agro-matchmaking to connect farmers with investors for income boosts, revenue sharing from organic produce to improve crop quality and yield, and organizing community-based tourism activities to increase local revenue and raise awareness of organic farming. These efforts are intended to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable living among Thai farmers.

Project Site

The pilot project covers 1,800 rai (288 hectares) in Baan Charoensuk, Buriram’s Province, Thailand.

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

Project Actions:

• Identification and matching: Target farmers with a minimum of 15 rai of land for organic farming and identify potential customers with CSR interests. Match customers with farmers to foster sustainable practices and community relationships.
• Community-based tourism activities: Organize unique cultural experiences for customers, including plantation visits and local crafts, to promote organic farming appreciation and community involvement.
• Innovative value addition: Develop a range of products from rice residue, such as soap scrubs and nutritional supplements, aiming to boost revenue and farmer motivation, and explore further opportunities in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Project Deliverables:

• Customer-farmer connections: Establish at least 20 farmer-customer connections covering 300 Rai of land and onboard 5 investors in the first year.
• Tourism and cultural immersion: Provide engaging and immersive cultural experiences to customers, showcasing local traditions and organic farming practices.
• Revenue enhancement and reports: Generate increased revenue through innovative value-added products and provide continuous updates with monthly online reports on crop development and project progress.