Factors Affecting Satisfaction in Group Membership of Rubber Farmers in Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) basic demographic, economic, and social fundamental factors 2) perception about being membership of rubber farmer group and perception on management of rubber farmer group 3) factors affecting satisfaction in group membership of the rubber farmers and 4) problems and suggestions of members of the rubber farmers group in Sanam Chai Khet district, Chachoengsao province. The sample size of this study was 250 farmers. The questionnaire was the research instrument. The statistical analysis was frequency, percentage, mean, standard division, minimum, maximum, and Chi–square to test the relationship. The research revealed that most of the rubber farmers were female, had an average age of 54.01 years, graduated from high school or equivalent, and had marital status. The main occupation was a rubber plantation. The average rubber plantation area was 40.80 rai. The average number of labors used for rubber plantation was 4 people. The average monthly income was 48,000 Baht, and the average monthly expenditure was 28,868 Baht. The duration of being group membership of the rubber farmers was 6.88 years. The farmers received media exposure from radio, broadcasting, and announcement. The overall average perception about being membership was at a high level (2.38 scores). The overall average perception of the management of the rubber farmer group was at a high level (2.43 scores). The hypothesis test found that age, educational level, rubber plantation area, number of labors, membership period of rubber farmer group, income, expenses, media exposure, perception about being membership and perception on the management of rubber farmer group related to the satisfaction of the farmer group membership at the statistical significance level of 0.01 and 0.05. The main problems for farmers were being in debt and tracking liabilities had been delayed.