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Use of a Participatory Extension Approach for Sustainable Agricultural Development: A Case Study of the Management of Sloping Lands Project in Thailand
Thesis Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study the concepts, process, and methods of a participatory extension approach (PEA) including its strengths, weaknesses, and course of action to increase effectiveness in using PEA. The Management of Sloping Lands for Sustainable Agricultural Development Project in Thailand was selected as a case study. A sample of 62 farmers and six government officials who participated in the project activities in three pilot provinces (Nan, Loei, and Phitsanulok) were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using interview schedules for the farmers and questionnaires for the officials. Frequencies, percentages, and means were used for data analysis.
The study revealed that the concepts of the project were the development of integrated conservation farming systems and the empowerment of farmers and community. The project process covered four phases: (1) preliminary survey and site selection to be pilot conservation farming villages (CFVs), (2) preparatory planning to solve land degradation problems due to water erosion, (3) testing soil and water conservation practices in the CFVs by farmers, and (4) dissemination of appropriate conservation practices to farmers in the same village and neighboring villages for widespread adoption. There were 10 process steps that emphasized farmers’ participation as equivalent partners in consultation, decision making, and collective action through the farmer field school approach and farmer-to-farmer extension.
The farmer groups and farmer networks were established to enhance adoption of conservation practices by farmers based upon self-help and mutual-help principles. It was found that the most number of farmers (at least 75%) joined in the stages of situational analysis and problem identification, solution searching, and conduct of on-farm farmer-managed trial in the CFVs.
The strengths of PEA used in the project were the introduction and dissemination of conservation practices as alternative solutions to farmers for their independent decision making. The farmers were encouraged to participate in the joint discussion, decision making, and collective action to learn and develop self-confidence in solving erosion problems. The weaknesses were inadequate knowledge and skills of the officials and lack of consistent monitoring from the project personnel from the central and provincial offices. The recipients suggested strengthening the officials’ capability and farmer networks to be able to rely on themselves to conduct integrated conservation farming. In addition, there should be consistent monitoring and supervision by the officials and provision of assistance to farmers and farmer networks for effective problem solving and efficient project implementation.
