Sustainable Development of Quality of Life of Agriculture Farmers by Organic Agriculture : A Case Study of Organic Agriculture Community, Khlongyong Subdistrict, Phutthamonthon District, Nakhonpathom Province

Abstract

This research aims to develop the quality of life of agriculture farmers in Khlongyong organic agriculture community to be sustainable with organic agriculture. The research used a qualitative research method by using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The target group for collect specific data involves 30 agriculture farmers. The results revealed that the majority of agriculture farmers are male, aged between 22 and 71 years old and with not more than secondary level of education. Their monthly income is between 10,000 and 30,000 baht and contributes to the improvement of quality of life in all 8 terms. 1) Health: agriculture farmers are in good health because they have not been exposed to toxic chemicals. 2) Education: agriculture farmers exchanged knowledge and there is knowledge management in community. 3) Work life: organic agriculture builds occupation in community with security in work. 4) Income: products bring high income and popular among consumers therefore they increase income and saving as well as decrease the cost for purchasing chemicals and financial problem. 5) Housing and Environment: organic agriculture makes farmers safe from toxic residues and is friendly to consumers and the environment and helps creating ecological balance. 6) Family and Community: organic agriculture makes family members work in the community without long commute, creates family warmth and community empowerment to continually develop 7) Transportation: organic agriculture produces a lot of household product. Thus, it can reduce the time to buy the other products from the difference place and energy consumption. 8) Participation: organic agriculture community organizes meetings to exchange opinions at least once a month and created organic agriculture networks for food security and future market expansion.