Development of Red Palm Weevil Breeding Model with Participation of Stakeholders in Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) study the situation of coconut weevil farming in Ratchaburi province, 2) develop a participatory model for coconut weevil farming involving stakeholders in Ratchaburi province, and 3) study the level of satisfaction regarding the participatory model for coconut weevil farming among stakeholders in Ratchaburi province. Qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions with 16 key informants, consisting of farmers and agricultural extension officers. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires from three stakeholder groups selected using purposive sampling: 10 coconut weevil farmers, 360 fragrant coconut farmers, and 50 agricultural extension officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research findings indicated that 1) the situation of coconut weevil farming in Ratchaburi province has declined, and there is a lack of government support due to the coconut weevil being a significant pest of fragrant coconut cultivation, 2) the development of a model by establishing five standard criteria for coconut weevil farming, including farm composition, was successful. In terms of farm management, health, environment, and data recording, and 3) stakeholders, coconut weevil farmers and agricultural extension officers expressed the highest overall satisfaction with the coconut weevil farming standard criteria, while fragrant coconut farmers expressed a high level of satisfaction with the standard criteria.