Guidelines for Creating Community Food Security through Local Rice Production in Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study: 1) farmers’ backgrounds in agricultural production and their use; 2) their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on food security; and 3) challenges and suggestions for promoting food security through local rice production among 75 farmers in three sub-districts of Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Data were collected via interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, along with content analysis.

The study found that most farmers had primary education or lower (82.67%), lacked participation in community groups (70.67%), and had not received food production training (73.33%). However, local rice varieties, especially glutinous rice grown with rubber and oil palm, can provide both income and food for households. Each production cycle gives an average yield of 3,685.33 kilograms and earns about 193,459.72 Baht. Farmers had high knowledge and positive attitudes toward food security (avg. 13.34–20.00), but practices were moderate (avg. 4.17), with food stability lowest. Key challenges included limited land, low food diversity, and poor consumption planning.

Policy recommendations include efficient land use, support for household food production, better income and food management, stronger community markets and preserving local rice varieties to support biodiversity. This research suggests that managing local rice at the community level can help achieve sustainable food security for households and communities.