Participatory Management for Restructuring Feed Corn Production to Reduce Burning and Enhance Efficiency in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1) to analyze the restructuring of corn production for animal feed to reduce burning practices and increase efficiency in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, and 2) to examine participatory management approaches toward restructuring corn production for animal feed to reduce burning and enhance efficiency in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. The research employed a mixed-methods design, primarily collecting quantitative data supplemented by qualitative data. A total of 462 informants participated in the study, comprising: 1) 362 farmer samples, 2) 30 policymakers and 30 community leaders, 3) 10 farmer leaders, 4) 10 entrepreneurs, 5) 10 academics and experts, and 6) 10 civil society representatives. Research instruments included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and inferential statistics.
The findings revealed that:
1. Regarding the restructuring of corn production for animal feed to reduce burning and increase efficiency, farmers demonstrated a high level of interest in production restructuring (mean = 3.99), with government financial support identified as their primary need (mean = 4.32). Factors influencing their interest included educational level, number of family members assisting in agricultural activities, and debt burden. The analysis indicated that farmers with higher debt levels, higher educational attainment, larger cultivation areas, and prior participation in government programs showed greater propensity toward corn production restructuring. Conversely, farmers with higher income levels or those experiencing market-related challenges exhibited lower interest.
2. The participatory management approach for restructuring agricultural production to reduce burning and enhance efficiency consisted of a three-tier management structure: policy level, operational level, and area level. The strategy for fostering participation involved stakeholder mapping, alignment with organizational performance indicators, and the development of an integrated central data hub to support decision-making processes.