Para-rubber Farmers’ Household Livelihoods under the Para-rubber and Fruit Production System in the Thung Nui Community, Khuan Kalong District, Satun Province

Abstract

Para-rubber farmer households still face a number of livelihood challenges and problems, especially the fluctuating prices of para-rubber. Consequently, para-rubber farmer households need to adapt themselves and choose appropriate livelihood strategies. This research aimed to study para-rubber farmers’ household livelihoods under the para-rubber and fruit production system in the Thung Nui Community, Khuan Kalong District, and Satun Province. Primary data were collected using structured interviews, non-participant observations, and natural conversations, with a total sample of 256 para-rubber farmers having the para-rubber and fruit production system, and using the stratified sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and manifest content analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that shocks, such as insect pest infestation and natural disaster, had a moderate impact on the para-rubber farmer households. The price trends of yields and inputs had the greatest impact on the para-rubber farmer households. Human capital, physical capital, natural capital, financial capital, and social capital were essential to the para-rubber farmers’ household livelihoods. The para-rubber farmer households highly gained benefits from their participation in projects of the related government agencies. The key livelihood strategies of the para-rubber farmer households were financial management and social adaptation. The para-rubber farmer households had the highest livelihood outcome in terms of social relations. The findings of this research will provide valuable information to policymakers as they formulate appropriate policies, e.g., encourage diversification of fruits, and provide knowledge of appropriate fruit cultivations.