EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROMOTION PROJECT: CASE STUDY NONG BUA LAMPHU PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Promotion Project: a case study of the promotion of organic agriculture in Nong Bua Lamphu Province, by evaluating 3 main points; 1) to assess the knowledge that farmers receive after participating in various training programs 2) to assess the use of inputs obtained from the project to produce agricultural products in accordance with the sufficiency economy guidelines, and 3) to assess the empirical results of the project include reducing production costs and reducing household food expenditures with products from organic farms instead of buying from the general market. Assessment tools are semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews. The Sample were a group of farmers supported by organic production factors from Nong Bua Lam Phu Province under the Nong Bua Lam Phu Organic Agriculture Promotion Project according to Kasetsart-Phra Racha principles since 2018-2019 covered 6 districts of Nong Bua Lam Phu province, namely Mueang District, Nang Klang District, Na Wang District, Suwannakhuha District, Non Sang District and Si Bunrueang District, by collecting data from a total of 247 farmers from 174 groups. T-test statistics was used for comparing the average before and after participating in the project. The results of the research are as follows: 1) Farmers who are trained in various projects organized by the province have more knowledge after training with statistical significance at the level of 0.05 2) Farmers under the program have reduced food expenses with statistical significance at the level of 0.05 and 3) Farmers have a significant reduction in the cost of producing organic products at the level of 0.05. Other suggestions that are beneficial to the promotion of organic agriculture in Nong Bua Lamphu province, such as developing a brand Organic Trade of the province and develop outlets for organic produce farmers in the project