Agricultural extension approaches for longan collaborative farm management in Lamphun Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to: (1) explore the current status of longan collaborative farm management (2) analyze the agricultural extension of longan collaborative farm management and (3) recommend agricultural extension approaches for longan collaborative farm management, conduct of mixed-method convergent design of parallel patterns. The quantitative research was conducted by interviewing 302 sampled farmers of the longan collaborative farming project in Lamphun province. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative research was conducted by focus group discussion specific targeted 10 agricultural extension officers, 10 officials from various relevant departments, and 10 representatives of the longan collaborative farms committee. The data were analyzed by the method of content analysis. The study found that farmers absolutely agreed with the extension management of the longan collaborative farming project. They were satisfied with the extension the longan collaborative farming project at a high level and with the participation of extension of the longan collaborative farming project at a medium level. There are 7 significant impact factors consisting of 6 positive factors, which are technology for longan production, income of longan production, having a title or a position in the longan collaborative farm, being a member of some agricultural organization, sources of information and channels for contacting officials. But there is only one negative factor, which is the area for growing longan. The study concludes that agricultural extension approaches for longan collaborative farm management consist of these aspects. (1) Approaches for extension of production management which consist of: promoting quality longan production throughout the supply chain, promoting the use of technology and innovation in longan production, promoting cost reduction in longan production, promoting the creation of added value from longan production according to the BCG Model, and promoting adaptation in dealing with climate change. (2) Approaches for extension of marketing management which consist of: promoting longan production to meet market demand, promoting the sale of longans directly from producers to consumers, and increasing marketing potential for longan collaborative farm. (3) Approaches for extension on group management which consist of: encouraging farmers to regularly participate in the group's activities to increase the efficiency of the management of longan collaborative farm committee, promoting good governance in managing longan collaborative farm, promoting coordination and network connections between collaborative farms and other agencies, and promoting the succession of farmer heirs to enter the profession of longan production and supporting new generations of farmers to become smart farmers. (4) Approaches for extension of participation in longan collaborative farm management which consist of: having more technology used in longan production, annual income from longan production has increased, holding a position in a longan collaborative farm, being members in agricultural organizations has increased, having more information source, and having more channels to contact officials. (5) Approaches for increasing efficiency in extension of longan collaborative farms which consist of: increasing the potential for knowledge and skills in longan production and improving the quality of life of agricultural extension officers, developing and extending further research and study knowledge, technology, and modern innovations in producing quality longan throughout the supply chain, raising the level of integration of work with various agencies to be more efficient.