Changes in Land Use Patterns by Farmers in Huai Pong Village, Mae Tuen Sub-district, Mae Ramat District, Tak Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study land use patterns along with economic, social, and environmental factors driving the land use changes and farmer' opinions of the impacts after the changes. The study was conducted in Huai Pong village, Mae Tuen sub-district, Mae Ramat district, Tak province, with data collected from 86 household representatives using an interview form. The data were analyzed using Fishbone Analysis to determine the main drivers of land use changes. Results indicated that the changes in land use patterns started from 2018, as evidenced by a decrease of the swidden rice fields from 648 rai of 45 households to 358 rai of 33 households in 2021. Most of the farmers changed their land use from the swidden rice field to the maize crop, which rising from 27 rai of 2 households to 423 rai of 29 households. The most influential factors for land use changes was an increase in the household income. As for the impacts after the land use changes, the economic impact was perceived as the positive one based on the increasing of the household income.  The social impact was also positively recognized because of the land tenure and land ownership clarification. However, the environmental impact was viewed as negative due to low soil fertility in agricultural areas and a decrease of forest areas.