Developing Management Model for Well-being of Farmer Families with Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Approach in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

This study is based on qualitative research whose data came from secondary-source data, and field data collection through semi-structure interview, in-depth interview, participant observation and intensive family study.

The findings: In the past, most sample single small-scale farmers were very much in debt after the farming some turned to general employment in other provinces. Later, these sample farmer families attended agricultural training with local scholars in the Northeast. These farmers went through concept and practice training with local scholars,  it was easy for them to understand the lessons; they were impressed with the scholars expertise. They then started to feel interested and decided to do integrated farming, new-theory farming, sufficiency farming including the change of living pattern and farming area management to suit sufficiency farming. This new integrated farming reduced their debts, and provide them with better life quality with more happiness in family, especially spiritual and healthful. These farmers could depend on themselves and on each other  their life management and family was also compatible with sufficiency economy theory, enabling them to find the model for development management (the model of  person) and farming area management (the model of work), leading all 10 families to well-being according to the indicators of the local scholar (Mr.Khamdueng Phasi) in these cases; debt to be reduced until all paid (no debt). Under this integrated farming, farmers worked less with better soil; biological diversity  resulted with nature and ecological system as helpers; farmers had life insurance and welfare for themselves  and families. They had someone to take over farming work, such as their own heirs for sustainable work; they became respectful and grateful by their off-spring. Also, the consideration of well-being indicators was derived from those of the Office of National Economic and Social Development Board to analyze and interpret the meaning of “well-being” which consists of good health (physical and mental), knowledge/training, work life (earning a living), income and its distribution, environment, family life and good management.