Perceptions and Conditions of Young Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Northeastern Thailand
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Abstract
Developing young entrepreneurs in agriculture has been a key policy priority in Thailand for more than a decade to strengthen the new-generation workforce in the agricultural sector. This qualitative study examined the perceptions and conditions of young entrepreneurship in agriculture (YEAs) in Northeast Thailand. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 explored occupational perceptions through in-depth interviews with 30 non-YEAs, 40 current YEAs, and 20 former YEAs. Phase 2 examined the living and entrepreneurial conditions of 60 YEAs participating in the Young Smart Farmer program. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis, with comparisons across YEA status groups and Generations X, Y, Z. The findings indicate that agricultural entrepreneurship is perceived as a household-based business practice characterized by three core dimensions: (1) money and assets, (2) family warmth and occupational networks, and (3) well-being and convenience. Key conditions underlying these dimensions include income and asset holding, family and network support with confidence, and health and infrastructure. Across generations, priorities followed a similar order, with economic conditions ranked the highest, followed by relational and well-being conditions. The results suggest that relevant agencies should strengthen YEAs through income- and market-led production, enhanced market access, and agribusiness management skills tailored to new-generation cohorts.
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