Drivers and outcomes of a shift to sustainable food systems : a study of organic farmers' communities in Yasothon province, Thailand

Abstract

The expansion and intensification of agriculture to meet rising human consumption levels has degraded the integrity of global ecosystems. Environmental degradation has been accelerated by the innovations used to alter the ways crops are grown, processed and transported. These changes in the treatment of food also have diminished community food security, health and welfare. Scholars have developed theories about the benefits of local and organic food production, yet few studies have exhibited the impacts of a shift to sustainable food systems from the perspective of farmers. Through mixed methods this research investigated the ways the Thai alternative agriculture network supports farmers, and examined the socio-ecological drivers of well-being in communities of organic rice farmers in Yasothon Province. Data were gathered through three sequential phases: 1) topical interviews with key informants; 2) exploratory interviews; and 3) structured instruments. Results showed that participants shifted to organic farming methods with aspirations of better health, reduced costs, and access to new marketing channels. Governmental agencies raised the capacity of organic farmers' collectives by providing access to loans and technology. Organic extension organizations built up farmer groups through leadership development, instilling environmental values, facilitating knowledge exchange, and crop certification. Participants improved soil fertility with animal manure, nitrogenfixing plants, and making bio-fertilizers in collectives. As participants learned to nurture the soil through organic methods, environmental values were reinforced. Shared Buddhist beliefs provided the lens through which organic farmers conceptualized well-being. While external socio-economic factors also weighed upon organic farmers' decision making, their worldviews, the methods used, and the ability to access production factors were critical to maintaining organic farms in their communities. Participants' spiritual and environmental values were significantly correlated with their health, debts, and decision to use organic fertilizers. Findings suggest that the expansion of organic farming systems depends on a changed perspective of well-being. This thesis identifies key leverage points for alternative agriculturalists, educators, and policy makers working towards a more sustainable food system.