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โครงการหนังสืออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ด้านการเกษตร เฉลิมพระเกียรติพระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว

Abstract (17)

Abstract

The study on risk perception and risk management strategy of rubber farmers in

Southern Thailand aimed to (1) study the classification of rubber farmers, production structure
and constraints of the production system in different types of rubber farmers in the Southern

part of Thailand, (2) study the livelihood system and vulnerability of different types of rubber

farmers, (3) study the risk, risk perception and risk management strategy of different types of

rubber farmers, and (4) assess the viability of different types of rubber farmers by purposely
focusing on two provinces, where represented the Southern Thailand; Songkhla and

Patthalung. This study approached mixed methods research comprising of in-depth

interviews and individual interview via structured and semi-structured questionnaire. The data

was analyzed by the descriptive and quantitative statistics via Q method.

The results revealed as details. The rubber farmers in the Southern part of Thailand
are categorized into 5 classifications; 1) very small family rubber farms, 2) small family rubber

farms, 3) small patronal farms, 4) diversified rubber based farming farms, and 5) medium-

sized family rubber farm enterprise. All types of farms earn main income from rubber

production. On the other hand, the small patronal farms earn supplementary income from
rubber. The very small and small family farms present smallholding, utilize household labors,

and use mono-specific plantation system. The very small family rubber farms work in their

farms and off farm employment (share-tapping contracts). In view of the small patronal farm,

the rubber-owners work in full time non-farm employment, hold small size of land, use mono-
specific plantation system, employ hired-labors, and utilize their part-time to manage rubber

plantations. The diversified rubber based farming farms use both household and hired-labors,

and apply diversified farming system. The medium-sized family rubber farm enterprise and

the rubber-owners hold medium size of land apply mono-specific plantation system, employ

hired-labors, and manage rubber plantations together with related rubber businesses.
Regarding the livelihood systemof rubber farm types, livelihood outcomes depend on

the livelihood capitals, production system, livelihood strategies, policies/institutions and their

vulnerabilities. All farms are facing the vulnerability, which is mainly caused by low rubber

price, high production costs, the decrease of other agricultural products price, and the
increment of farm wages, as well as, the negative impacts from the changes in natural

resources, climate change and technological change.