The Dynamic of Agrarian Society in Pak-Phanang Coastal Area, Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand.

Abstract

Qualitative research techniques were used in the study to understand dynamic of agrarian society in Pak-Phanang coastal area, Nakorn Sri Thammarat province. It is found that changing in socio-economic and land use patterns of the society since 1937 resulted in farmer crisis in terms of declining of labour productivity in rice farming. A large number of active persons has been moving out of the farming practice and seeking for works in fishery related industries, commercial shrimp farming of within area and in other big towns. This was mainly due to the application of the modernization approach of development policies to the region has given minor benefit to small-scale farmers. It is suggested that development strategies have to be carefully designed towards the equity of the society. Therefore, the strategies should be focused on allocation of capital, provision of knowledge and information and development of institutions to assist small-scale famers, who wish to do shrimp farming to compete with large-scale shrimp firms. The rice farmers should be encouraged to diversify their farming systems as well as to improve livestock production, especially cattle. Finally, any agencies concerned should find out the strategies to develop small-scale fisheries toward sustainability.