LIVELIHOODS AND EVERYDAY POLITICS OF THE INDEPENDENT TOBACCO FARMERS UNDER REGULATE OF THE GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The aims of this research, focusing on livelihoods and everyday politics of independent tobacco farmers in Ban Phon Sa, Nong Khai Province. It is qualitative research and gathering data through interviews with 17 informants. The result of this research found that Tobacco cultivation is strictly regulated by the government through several licensing procedures. Furthermore, the pressure that tobacco farmers face from various actors within social networks and local power structures, often hidden in many activities. The involvement of groups such as the state excise agency, local government organization, tobacco buyers, money lenders, and land lessors. These actors have significantly influenced the livelihoods and daily politics of farmers, compelling them to navigate a landscape fraught with pressure and challenges. Farmers have demonstrated resilience in the face of these challenges by capitalizing on a diverse range of livelihood resources and strategies. This adaptive approach has enabled farmers to successfully navigate and overcome the various pressures and challenges they encounter.

            Although farmers, will be under the power structure, do not simply accept their circumstances without resistance. Instead, they exercise their autonomy in interacting with superior authorities. These strategies encompass various approaches, such as evasion and postponement, exploitation, Participation in informal social practices like gossip and the utilization of nicknames, as well as active negotiation and other alternative courses of action. Behavior expressed in such a way it also helps promote successful livelihoods.

            Furthermore it was also found that in the research area. The government has endeavored to incentivize farmers to transition from tobacco cultivation to other crop varieties. However, these efforts have not yielded success, primarily due to mismatches between the resources and livelihood strategies of farmers. Consequently, under the Regulate, pressures, and challenges they encounter, two primary factors compel farmers to ‘stubborn’ in tobacco cultivation: Firstly, the alignment of tobacco cultivation with their existing resources and livelihood strategies, and secondly, the government's inability to effectively promote the cultivation of alternative crops.