Political Economy of Agroecology and Adaptive Capacity to COVID-19 of Mango Farmers in NoenMaprang District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This study examines the adaptation of Thai mango farmers following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on economic and political factors. It analyzes the quantity and value of fresh and frozen mango exports during the pandemic, emphasizing that small-scale farmers may not have benefited from these exports. The study has two primary objectives: (1) to investigate the political economy impacts on Thailand’s mango industry after COVID-19 and (2) to explore the adaptation strategies employed by mango farmers in response to these challenges.

           This research adopts an anthropological perspective and employs qualitative research methods, including document analysis and interviews with seven key informants. It applies the concept of “Agroecology” as a critical framework for achieving food sovereignty by integrating diverse knowledge systems to ensure economy and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it utilizes the Marxist concept of the “metabolic rift” to analyze the interactions between capitalism and nature, which result in the increasing alienation of humans from the natural environment.

           The findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted mango farming livelihoods, further exacerbated by government-imposed regulatory measures aimed at controlling the virus’s spread. The impacts can be categorized into two main aspects:                1) Production factors: farmers experienced environmental degradation due to shifts in cultivation practices, including soil nutrient depletion. Political economy challenges also arose, such as declining mango prices, rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, reduced income, and increasing debt. 2) Market relationships: the relationships between farmers, middlemen, and exporters (both domestic and foreign) were affected, leading to unequal market access and profitability among different groups. Although the government implemented relief measures, the distribution of aid varied across farming groups. Small-scale family farmers and kinship-based farming households often faced difficulties in accessing assistance due to eligibility constraints and bureaucratic requirements. In response, mango farmers adopted three key adaptation strategies: 1) Production adaptation: reducing production costs and utilizing bio-fermented solutions. 2) Market adaptation: expanding domestic sales, leveraging online platforms, and engaging in direct retail sales. And 3) Lifestyle adaptation: reducing household expenses, diversifying income sources, and improving financial management.