Assessing the sustainability of agriculture: a case of Mae Chaem Catchment, northern Thailand.
Sustainability is not a new concept but rather a prominent concept at the present time. Researchers have categorized sustainability indicators into economic, social, and ecological aspects. Sustainability of agriculture in the context of development efforts has to meet production efficiency, resilience of ecosystems, appropriate technology, maintenance of the environment, cultural diversity, and satisfaction of the basic needs. The research objective of this study is to determine the critical indicators of agricultural sustainability in the Mae Chaem Catchment, northern Thailand. In assessing sustainability, the authors applied the sustainability indicator analysis developed by FAO. The results of the study show that food sufficiency in the Wat Chan subcatchment is the most sustainable aspect of agriculture. The least sustainable facets of agriculture in the Wat Chan subcatchment are land holding size, land tenure, and water shortage. While expansion of agricultural land in the watershed area is not legally permitted, a practice of agroforestry is recommended. Insecure land tenure may result in reduced incentives to improve land productivity. Thus, official recognition of land ownership is required. As the problem of water shortage is most critical in the lower reaches, increased participation in the allocation scheme by downstream villagers should be encouraged. Finally, the construction of a small-scale water storage in the lower part of the catchment to increase water supply should be considered.
Praneetvatakul
S
S
Integrated Water Resources Assessment and Management Project, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Janekarnkij
P
P
Potchanasin
C
C
Prayoonwong
K
K
D000383:Agriculture; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D016468:Forestry; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010067:Ownership; D013785:Thailand; D014881:Water Supply