Potentiality and Management of Household Labor in the Smallholding Rubber Production System: A Case Study in a Traditional Rubber Area of Southern Thailand

Abstract

     This research aimed to examine the dynamics, workings, and guidelines for development of household labor in the smallholding rubber production system of Sadao, Rattaphum, Hat Yai, Bang Klam, Khuan Niang, and Na Mom districts in Songkhla province, Thailand. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this research. A total sample of 394 rubber households that used household labor without hire labor in all activities of the rubber production system, was used for quantitative method. Also, 60 households of the total sample, officers of the Department of Agricultural Extension and officers of the Office of the Rubber Replanting Aid Fund in Songkhla province were used as key informants for qualitative method. Both structured and unstructured interviews were used for data collection. Appropriate descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The research found that there were 4 types of household labor in the smallholding rubber production system: 1) husband and wife, 2) children, 3) relatives, and 4) elderly labor with more complicated use of household labor according to the development of rubber. Each type of household labor worked on different activities which suited their abilities and amount of work carried out by household labor in rubber production knowledge and capability of working in the smallholding rubber production system when compared with other types of household labor. Guidelines for development of household labor in the smallholding rubber production system were development and improvement of skills, knowledge, and capability of household labor in rubber production activities. In addition, the relevant agencies should have plans and policies for labor in agricultural sector.