Disaster Preparedness of Farmers in Chang Khoeng Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

     This study aimed to investigate : 1) socio-economic attributes of farmers growing vegetables in Chang Khoeng sub-district, Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province; 2) their readiness to cope with disaster; 3) factors effecting the readiness; and 4) problems encountered and suggestions. The sample group consisted of 199 families growing vegetabes in Chang Khoeng sub-district, A set of questionnaires was used for data collection and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings showed that most of the respondents were males, elementary school graduates and they had been living in their community for 48 years on average. It was found that the respondents prepared their readiness to cope with disaster at a moderate level. Training/educational trip had a positive effect on the readiness before and during disaster. Time span of living in the community had a negative effect on the readiness before, during and after disaster. All were found in a statistical significance level. For problems encountered, some of respondents needed to be self-reliance after experiencing disaster. The following were suggestions: 1) concerned government agencies should hold a training to cope with disaster and 2) the public sector should assist those facing disaster.