Key Indicators in Transforming from Conventional Farming to Sustainable Farming: Shifting in Paradigm, Receiving Relevant Knowledge, and Economic Self Reliance

Abstract

     This study was aimed to investigate a set of indicators relating to changes from conventional farming to sustainable farming of a group of 32 northeastern Thai farmers. These farmers have transformed from Thai conventional farming to more sustainable systems. Their farms are located in three districts of Yasothon province, namely, Gudchum, Saimun and Muang. An action-research approach was employed in this study. The period of study was from October 2002 to June 2004. This study indicated that there are three main indicators relating to the transformation of conventional farming to sustainable farming. They are shifting in paradigm, receiving relevant knowledge, and becoming economically self reliant. The paradigm shift indicators of this study are further classified into five sub indicators. These are (1) changing in belief and thinking process, (2) changing in farming practice, (3) changing in the way of life, (4) becoming decisive and (5) consistent. Shifting in belief and thinking process leads to changes in farming practices and the way of life. To shift to a new belief, they have to learn sustainable farming practices by doing. Simultaneously, their ways of life change accordingly. All processes occurred repeatedly until their belief is well established. Consequently, their farming practices gradually become more and more sustainable. In addition, their ways of life adapt accordingly to the new farming practices. All sub indicators of paradigm shift indicators in this group have to harmonize or synchronize with each other. The changes in farming practices have been depended mainly on receiving relevant knowledge. Farmers have to have the needed knowledge and skills to make their farming more sustainable. Therefore, receiving relevant knowledge is one of the main indicators. It consists of 4 sub-indicators. They are (1) having an active learning habit, (2) being practical, (3) being able to find new knowledge when it is needed, and (4) having creative ideas in developing a sustainable farm. The last main indicator is becoming economically self reliant. This consists of 4 sub-indicators. These are (1) relying more on home-grown food, (2) relying more on home-made farm inputs, (3) earning sufficient cash from farming for daily life and (4) decreasing debts and increasing assets. These three main indicators are inter-related in their roles of transforming from conventional farming to sustainable farming. The paradigm shift leads the farmers to a consistent sustainable farming which is vital under the dynamic changes of social, economical, political and environmental forces. To cope with this situation, they have to receive the right knowledge at the right time. The ability to manage a vital sustainable farm leads to better economic self-reliance in terms of food consumption, farming inputs and financial status.