A Typology of Farming Systems Based on Their Functioning and History in Tambon Thung Khwang of Kamphaengsaen District

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify and classify farmers, in order to diagnose their key problems and be able to plan appropriate research projects or development activities adapted for each type of farm. Preliminary results concerning 16 agricultural production systems which covered the whole diversity of the main types of holding in the area were presented. As a consequence, a farmer typology for Thung Kwang area which distinguished between 4 main types of APS was proposed : very small family holding ( A type) : cultivated area/family worker was less than 5 rais, with almost only family labour, their objective was to maximize the net income per land unit. Market-oriented medium sized family holding (B type) : cultivated area/family worker was 5-12 rais, there was some hired labour. Their objective aimed at the maximization of family labour productivity. Entrepreneurial holding (C type) : where cultivated area/family worker was more than 12 rais, hired labour was more important and their objective tended to be the maximization of the rate of profit. Capitalist APS (D type) : cultivated area/family worker was more than 25 rais, hired labour was predominant and their objective was rate of profit maximization.