THE DEVELOPMENT OF NO-BURNING BEHAVIOR IN RISK AREA OF MAE KA, PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

               This research aims to 1) find out farmers’ problems in burning weeds and agricultural
waste, along with the implementation of government policy to prevent smog pollution from burning in MaeKa Sub-District, Phayao Province and 2) develop community participation principles and social responsibility concepts to help establishing no-burning behavior in the community of MaeKa. The population used is from 2,804 households which accommodate 7,265 habitants in 5 villages of MaeKa Sub-District, Phayao Province. Quota sampling is used to select representatives from village leaders, natural resources and environment volunteers, as well as agriculturists who are risk of burning agricultural waste. The total sampling is 392. The research tools consist of a questionnaire and a in-depth interview using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the data. They are: frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics One-Way ANOVA. Data from the interview is analyzed for contents matters and descriptive frequencies.
               The research findings reveals most of the sample group are female (58.8%) ages between 41-50 years (38.5%), married (77%), and 42.7% are lower than 10,000 Baht average monthly income. The main occupation of the participants are agriculture (64.9 %). Importantly, it is found that 57.2 % of the participants mention that burning is the best solution to get rid of weeds and agricultural waste with an economic reason. However, people’s opinion towards government policies to aware smog and pollution is at a highest level (  = 4.24). Considering the attitude for public participatory scheme, it is obvious that the sample group gives an important role to the participation in preventing and solving haze and forest fires at a high level (  = 4.17). Recommendation from the research is to enhance government budget installation and leaders’ roles in public relations as well as focussing on campaigning for communities to make use of philosophies and local wisdom to solve the problems.