Addressing Poverty and Advancing Smallholder Farming in Thailand

Introduction

This page offers a curated collection of resources that delve into the challenges and solutions for smallholder farmers in Thailand. From government initiatives to international support programs, these articles and studies provide a comprehensive view of the efforts to alleviate poverty and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

Resource List

1. Agriculture Ministry Aims to Triple Farm Incomes

   • Description: This article explores the Thai government’s ambitious initiatives to significantly boost the incomes of smallholder farmers through various support schemes and modernization efforts.
   • Link: Agriculture Ministry Aims to Triple Farm Incomes

2. Thailand’s Inequality Remains Entrenched

   • Description: Highlighting the economic inequality in Thailand, this article discusses the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including low income levels and high production costs.
   • Link: Thailand’s Inequality Remains Entrenched

3. Bayer Thai Continues Its “Better Farms, Better Lives” Program for Smallholder Farmers

   • Description: This article covers Bayer Thai’s ongoing efforts to support smallholder farmers through its “Better Farms, Better Lives” initiative, which introduces new agricultural technologies and practices to improve yields and reduce costs.
   • Link: Bayer Thai Continues Its “Better Farms, Better Lives” Program

4. Project Boosts Rice Farmers’ Skill, Income

   • Description: Detailed information about the Market-Oriented Smallholders Value Chain (MSVC) project, which increased the incomes of jasmine rice farmers through sustainable farming practices and better market access.
   • Link: Project Boosts Rice Farmers’ Skill, Income

5. Green Rice Scheme to Aid 250,000 Smallholders

   • Description: This article discusses a Green Climate Fund-backed project aimed at helping smallholder farmers adopt climate-smart farming practices, benefiting over 250,000 smallholders.
   • Link: Green Rice Scheme to Aid 250,000 Smallholders

6. Prayut Assures Farmers’ Income Will Increase Over Next 5 Years

   • Description: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s pledge to improve farmers’ incomes through long-term agricultural strategies, including smart farmer projects and production cost reduction measures.
   • Link: Prayut Assures Farmers’ Income Will Increase Over Next 5 Years

7. Govt Gives Cash Boost to Farmers

   • Description: Details about a government initiative providing financial assistance to rice farmers as part of an economic stimulus package to alleviate financial burdens and stimulate the rural economy.
   • Link: Govt Gives Cash Boost to Farmers

8. Thai Agricultural Sector: Problems and Solutions

   • Description: This source from the United Nations provides an overview of the challenges and solutions in the Thai agricultural sector, emphasizing the financial struggles of smallholder farmers.
   • Link: Thai Agricultural Sector: Problems and Solutions

9. Number of Smallholder Farms in Thailand

   • Description: Various sources indicate there are about 6.2 million smallholder farms in Thailand, highlighting their significance in the country’s agricultural landscape.
   • Link: MIT News on Smallholder Farms in Thailand
   • Link: FSC on Smallholder Farmers’ Environmental Impact
   • Link: FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform
   • Link: Grow Asia on Smallholder AgriTech

10. Average Number of People in a Thai Smallholder Farming Family

    • Description: On average, a Thai smallholder farming household consists of 4 members, reflecting the family-oriented nature of smallholder farming in Thailand.
    • Link: FAO Family Farming Knowledge Platform

11. Survey Finds 40% of Farmers Live Under Poverty Line

    • Description: This article reveals that 40% of Thai farmers live below the poverty line, highlighting the economic hardships faced by smallholder farmers and the need for targeted interventions.
    • Link: Survey Finds 40% of Farmers Live Under Poverty Line

12. Thailand’s Economy Relies on Agriculture But Farmers Remain Poor

    • Description: This Reuters article discusses the paradox of Thailand’s reliance on agriculture for economic stability while many farmers continue to struggle with poverty.
    • Link: Thailand’s Economy Relies on Agriculture But Farmers Remain Poor

These resources provide a thorough understanding of the dynamics of smallholder farming in Thailand and the efforts being made to mitigate poverty in this sector.