Development Model for Enhancing Farmer Potential for Raising Mae Hong Son Chickens According to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy

Abstract

This research aims to study and evaluate the development model of farmers’ potential, production system, management system, and networking of Mae Hong Son chicken farmer groups and Mae Hong Son large-scale chicken farmer groups according to the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy because Mae Hong Son chicken is considered the identity of Mae Hong Son province. Mae Hong Son chicken has been a part of the farmers’ way of life in Mae Hong Son province for a long time. It is a source of protein for households and helps reduce expenses from buying protein for household consumption. However, the current problem is that the production of Mae Hong Son chicken is inconsistent. The production is not systematic. Most of them are still raised in households and have not expanded into networks. Therefore, it is not possible to expand to the level of promoting the household economy, which is to increase farmers’ income. Applying the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to Mae Hong Son chicken farmers is consistent with the social geography of Mae Hong Son chicken farmers. This research uses qualitative and quantitative research. The target group was selected by specific method, classified by objective into 2 groups. The first group consists of 3 qualified persons from educational institutions and 2 qualified persons from the Department of Livestock Development, totaling 5 persons. The second group consists of executives from the Department of Livestock Development and local livestock officers. and stakeholders, totaling 40 people. The tools used were the evaluation form for the correctness and appropriateness of the draft form and the semi-structured interview form. Data were collected by group discussions and questionnaires to assess the feasibility and usefulness. Data were analyzed by content analysis and presented in tables accompanying the presentation.

The research results found that 1) The results of the study on the development model for farmers’ potential, production systems, management systems, and networking of the Mae Hong Son chicken farmer group and the Mae Hong Son large-scale chicken farmer group consisted of 7 issues: 1) The principles of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy are appropriate and consistent with the community context. 2) The objectives emphasize development according to the Sufficiency Economy philosophy. 3) The potential of chicken farmers in terms of production, group management, product development, and marketing. 4) The Sufficiency Economy level is 3 levels: self-reliance, group formation, and networking. 5) Development of Mae Hong Son chicken products. 6) Management of the Mae Hong Son chicken farmer group. 7) Networking. And 2) The results of the evaluation of the development model for farmers’ potential, production systems, management systems, and networking. The results of the evaluation of the Mae Hong Son chicken farmer group and the Mae Hong Son large-scale chicken farmer group found that the overall evaluation results of the model were feasible and beneficial at the highest level ( =4.76, S.D. = 0.34). The application of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy at all 3 levels to develop the potential of farmers at each level, together with serious and continuous support from the government and private sectors in the area, will make the promotion of Mae Hong Son chicken farming sustainable.