THE DESIRE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH INTEGRATED FARMING PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN BAN NA SAO UNG VILLAGE, LOM KAO DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Study the personal factors of farmers, 2) Examine their quality of life, and 3) Investigate their knowledge and learning needs regarding the practice of integrated farming among farmers in Ban Na Sao Ung, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected using structured interviews with 228 farmers and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants who were community leaders and socially influential individuals, and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that most farmers were male (59.2%), with an average age of 48 years, primary education level (36.8%), and married status (88.2%). Overall, the farmers’ quality of life was at a low level ( = 1.41), particularly in economic, occupational, educational, and health aspects, while the social relationship dimension was at a moderate level ( = 2.05). Farmers demonstrated a low level of knowledge on integrated farming ( = 1.25) and limited practice, especially in the use of organic fertilizers and biological pest management. However, their learning needs were high, particularly in organic fertilizer production (97.4%) and the use of biological pest control agents (96.9%), with a preference for interpersonal and printed media as learning channels. Qualitative findings confirmed that the overall quality of life remained low due to limitations in education and infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and communication systems. Nonetheless, the community exhibited strong social capital. It is recommended that economic, social, and learning development be integrated by leveraging social capital as a key mechanism to promote practical learning and create model farmers, thereby enhancing quality of life and fostering sustainable community development.