From Crisis

8/8/2019 From Crisis

1/32

How Sustainable Agriculture Provide the Solutions

to Low Carbon and Low Risk Society

From Crisis

Buddhina Nuntavorakarn, Decharut Sukkumnoed

to Opportunity:


2/32

Paper based on the cooperative study of Oxfam GB Thailand, Earth Net Foundation, Northern

Development Foundation and Healthy Public Policy Foundation conducted during April 2009 April 2010.

The paper was presented at the Franco-Thai Seminar on Fostering Economic Growth through Low Carbon

Initiatives in Thailand, 25-26 February 2010, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Buddhina Nuntavorakarn Researcher, Healthy Public Policy Foundation (HPPF)

Decharut Sukkumnoed Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University


3/32

i

Contents

Introduction 1

Objectives of the study 1

Methodology 1

Expected Outcomes 1

Weather Variability: A Warning Sign of Climate Change in Thailand 2

Risks and Vulnerability of Thai Farmers to Climate Change 4

From Crisis to Opportunity: Water Management Initiative and Adaptation

Strategy to Climate Change in Yasothorn Province 6

When Climate Change occurred in Yasothorn Province 6

Participatory Development of Water Management System:

An Initiative at Farm Level 7

Growing for Food Security: An Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change 11

Shifting-Rotation Agriculture and Community Forest Agriculture in Chiang Rai

Province: A Contribution to Food Security and Reduce Green House

Gases Emission 13

Introduction of the Hauy Hin Lad Nai Community 13

Shifting-Rotation Agriculture: Sustainable Farming System for SustainableLivelihood 14

Community Forest Agriculture: Conserve Nature Conserve Communitys Life 16

Food Security and Community Ecological Foot Print: Less Consumption

Less GHG Emission 17

How Shifting Rotation Agriculture and Community Forest Contribute

to Reduce GHG Emission 21

Conclusion 23

References 24


4/32

ii

List of TableTable 1: Changes in rainfall patterns according to rice farmers

in Yasothorn Province in 2008 2

Table 2: Changes in production patterns of potato farming in Chiang

Mai Province due to declining cold weather conditions 3

Table 3: Loans made from the Water Management in Organic Agriculture Fund 8

Table 4: Capacity of carbon storage in Huay Hin Lad Nai, Huay Hin Lad Nok

and Pha Yeoung communities 22

List of Box

Box 1 Climate change in Thailand 3

Box 2 National Strategies for Climate Change Management (2007-2012) 5

Box 3 Impacts of climate change to Yasothorn farmers 6

Box 4 Revolving Fund for Water Management in Organic Agriculture 8

Box 5 Model of water management system of Manoon Phupa 10

Box 6 Model of crop diversication of Thongsa Juansang 11

Box 7 Rotation agriculture 15

Box 8 Ecological footprint 20

List of FigureFigure 1: Impact of a climate shock on asset trajectory and income levels 4

Figure 2: Vulnerability of the farmers in Kula Ronghai Field under

normal climate and climate variation 5

Figure 3: Comparison of rice yields reduction between different rice farming

practices in Yasothorn Province in 2008 9

Figure 4: Comparison of different farming practices on food diversity

and farm diversity 12

Figure 5: Comparison of percentage of household food security among

different farming practices 13

Figure 6: Production process of shifting-rotation agriculture 15

Figure 7: Sources for food plants in the community, indicating that shifting-rotation

eld is a major source of household food 17

Figure 8: Sources of household income for the Huay Hin Lad Nai community 18

Figure 9: Household income, expenses and debt of Huay Hin Lad Nai community19

Figure 10: Sources of income generation and food security of Huay Hin Lad Nai

community 19

Figure 11: Comparison of ecological footprint of Hin Lad Nai communitywith other communities 20

Figure 12: Carbon storage and GHG emission from the communities studied 22


5/32

1

Hw Ssaable Agrclre Prvde he Sls Lw Carb ad Lw Rsk Sce

Introduction

Climate change can create enormous risks to the agricultural sector. It could

worsen food insecurity and poverty problems, especially in tropical countries like Thailand.

Therefore, adaptive strategy is very crucial for the Thai farmers to cope with uncertain

weather conditions. Various forms of sustainable agriculture such as integrated farming,organic farming, forest agriculture and shifting-rotation agriculture could be promoted in the

development of adaptive mechanisms and strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate

change. More importantly, investing in sustainable agriculture could also lead to important

benets that strengthen food security and promote farm diversity not only in the farm level

but also in the communities.

This paper presents some evidence on the benets from and the potentials of

sustainable agriculture, particularly in promoting low carbon and low risk society. More

particularly, this paper focuses on the results of the case studies on integrated organic rice

farming in Yasothorn Province, as well as on shifting-rotation agriculture and community

forest agriculture in Chiang Rai Province.

Objectives of the study

1) To present some evidence of the advantages of sustainable agriculture in coping with

the risks of climate change for Thai farmers

2) To analyze the potentials of sustainable agriculture in reducing greenhouse gas emission

from agriculture in Thailand.

Methodology

Collection of data on the benets of integrated organic farming in reducing the risks

of climate change and food insecurity in Yasothorn Province.

Collection of data on the benets of shifting-rotation and community forest agriculture

in reducing greenhouse gas emission and food insecurity in Chiang Rai Province.

Analysis of data on the benets from and potentials of sustainable agriculture as an

adaptation mechanism to mitigate the impacts and risks of climate change.

Expected Outcomes

Better understanding on the benets of sustainable agriculture in reducing climate

change risks and ensuring food security for Thai farmers.

Development of farming and investment models for climate change adaptation and

mitigation strategies through sustainable agriculture. Clear policy suggestions on reduction of greenhouse gas emission and in bringing about

economic security for Thai farmers.


6/32

FRom CRiSiS to oPPoRtunity

2

Weather Variability:A Warning Sign of Climate Change in Thailand

Rice farmers in Yasothorn Province, one of the poorest provinces of Thailand, had

encountered unusual changes in the local climate in 2008. Prolonged drought occurred duringthe transplanting of rice when water is most needed, while during the harvesting season,

rain was continuously pouring.

Such variability of the climate caused severe damages to the rice production of the

farmers (Table 1).

Table 1: Changes in rainfall patterns according to rice farmers in Yasothorn Province

in 20082

April May-June July-September

October November

Activities Prepare soil Plant seedlingsTransplantseedlings

Seedlingsallowed toower and

grow

Harvest rice

Normalclimate

No or hardly

any rainRain starts Rain continues

Rain continues

but intensity

decreasing

No rain

Climate now Rain starts Little or no rain

Rain comesat the end of

August, heavy

in September

Rain continues

Rain

continueseven heavier,

stops at

the end of

November

Effects Drought Drought Water logging

Effects oncrops

Seedlings wilt,

difcult to

transplant

Quality

of grains

affected by

high moisture

and absence

of dry andcolder

weather

unsal clmae varably cased harshmpacs o rce farmers n Kla Rongha

Source of pictures: Vichean Kerdsuk, 20091.


7/32

3


The farmers noticed that such unusual climate uctuation had continuously occurred

for several years, apparently since 2006. Since then, there had been longer dry spells duringrainy season and when the rain comes it is usually heavy that often causes ooding and

inundation of rice elds.

The study of Dr. Vichean Kerdsuk (2009)3 on the Health Impacts of Climate Change:

Case study on Rain-fed Farmers in Kula Ronghai Field provides an evidence similar to whatthe Yasothorn farmers had also been confronted with. The ndings from the study indicated

that climate change is threatening the sustainability of rice farming in Kula Ronghai Field,

which is well known as one of the areas in Thailand where the best quality of jasmine riceis grown. More particularly, uctuation of climate in 2008 had caused severe impacts to the

farmers lives, not only in terms of decreased rice yields but also affecting their health in

various aspects.

Meanwhile, farmers in the northern part of Thailand had also been confronted

with decreasing cold weather period, a condition necessary for growing various economic

commodities, e.g. potato, lychee and longan. Due to the persistent cold days, the potato

farmers in Chiang Mai Province decided to change their production patterns (Table 2),

because the shrinking period of cold days can degrade the potato yields both in terms ofquality and quantity. Therefore, starting in 2000, the farmers no longer grow potato in

December as before because of inadequate cold weather in February, which is a critical

period for producing potato4.

Table 2: Changes in production patterns of potato farming in Chiang Mai Province due to

declining cold weather conditions5

Before 2000 After 2000

RiceGrow from mid July and harvest

in mid November

Grow from May and harvest in

September

PotatoGrow from mid December and

harvest around mid of March

Grown from October and harvest

in January

It is not only the farmers in the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand who had

experienced the severe impacts of local weather variations. Farmers in other regions of the

country had also run counter into similar situations, like the farmers who grow fruit trees

in the eastern part of Thailand. They

also experienced irregular local weather

conditions in the form of hot and cold

spells that promote pest infestationson fruit trees causing damages to the

fruits. Even more, farmers in Suphan Buri

Province had encountered an unusual

cold weather condition during the rainy

season in 2009, which affected their riceproduction. Thus, climate uctuation

has occurred frequently and the impacts

have become more obvious for the Thai

farmers. Is this a warning sign of severe

climate change in Thailand?

Box 1 Climate change in Thailand6

Temperature increasing Change in rainfall patterns (frequency

and intensity)

Prolonged drought

Intense rainfall leading to ooding and

storm surges

Reduced agricultural production,

including declining rice yields

Impacts on food and water security,

health, settlements and forestenvironment.


8/32


4

Risks and Vulnerability of Thai Farmers toClimate Change

Based on the results of the study on the Economic Review of Climate Change by

Nicholas Stern (2008)8, adverse climate can lock people into long-term poverty traps.

He cited that the poor people are at greater risks and are vulnerable to drastic changes of

the climate.

More particularly, he showed that when adverse climate happens (Figure 1), the poor

would lose more assets during the period of shock (e.g. drought) than the rich people, thus,

would usually suffer from income shock. During the coping period when households deal

with the immediate losses created by the shock, the poor would continue to be in the state

of income shock more than the better-off people who can easily increase their assets during

coping period. In the recovery period, households would try to rebuild the assets that were

lost as a result of the climate-induced income shock or through the coping strategy they haveadopted. During such period, it would be more difcult for the poor to get away from the

income shock than the rich who have the means to recover and increase their assets from the

adverse impact of climate change9.

Only one year that climate variability happens,

rice farmers in Kula Ronghai Field have to spendat least 7 years to earn incomes for debt repayment.

Dr. Vichean Kerdsuk

RDI, Khonkaen University

Figure 1: Impact of a climate shock on asset trajectory and income levels10

Source of pictures: Vichean Kerdsuk, 20097.

in he year when clmae varaonoccrred, farmers n Kla Rongha Feld

were worred abo her rce yeld

whch was less han hey cold ge na normal year and navodably affecedher hosehold ncomes11. FldDrgh


9/32

5


The results of the study of Dr. Vichean Kerdsuk (2009) also indicated that the effect

of climate change had increased the number of high risk farmers from 30 percent to 42

percent (Figure 2). In the year when climate variation occurred, approximately 45.5 percentof the rice yields of farmers in Kula Ronghai Field were damaged. This is signicant for the

farmers considering that about 71 percent of their household incomes are derived from rice

production. This means that the farmers lose about 35 percent of their household incomes

due to climate change. It should be noted that the situation was even worse in some areas

because rice yields were almost completely damaged resulting in the decrease of household

incomes by 70%.

Climate change is being experienced in Thailand and is confronting the farmers in

many parts of the country with much challenge. Considering that small-scale farmers are at

high risks and are vulnerable to climate change, preparations for climate change adaptation

and mitigation measures in the agricultural sector are therefore necessary. Otherwise, the

impact of the adverse climate change will lock the Thai farmers, who are recognized as the

poorest people in the country, in long-term poverty traps.

Figure 2: Vulnerability of the farmers in Kula Ronghai Field under

normal climate and climate variation12

Vulnerability of farmers under

normal climate

Vulnerability of farmers under

climate variation

Box 2 National Strategies for Climate Change Management (2007-2012)13

Thailand currently has a ve-year National Strategies (20072012) for climate-change

management. Two of the countrys six development plans discussed the impacts of climate change

on the agricultural sector and considered the types of adaptation methods that are needed. These

include providing irrigation systems, developing drought-resistant crops, and promoting forest

conservation. The Agenda explains the need to conduct low-carbon-intensive agriculture, and the

importance of educating the public about the impacts of climate change on the production of a

range of agricultural commodities.

In support of the National Strategies on climate change, a National Recommendation is being

developed with the support of various stakeholders, in addition to the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It will contain a section on Impacts, Vulnerability and

Adaptation, which will provide more concrete recommendations on the actions needed to

mitigate the impacts of climate change in the agriculture sector. The National Recommendationis scheduled to be nalized in 2010.


10/32


6

From Crisis to Opportunity:Water Management Initiative and AdaptationStrategy to Climate Change in Yasothorn

Province

When Climate Change occurred in Yasothorn Province

The farmers in Yasothorn Province deeply suffered from prolonged drought in 2008 -

the worst in 57 years, according to 65 year-old Moon Polchai, an elderly villager in Kut Chum

district14. A long dry spell occurred during the transplanting of

the rice seedlings, and then ooding came when the grains were

ready to be harvested. This had caused severe impacts to the

farmers since their rice production is derived mainly from rain-

fed farms. On the average, rice yields were down by 40%, whereasin many elds there was completely no rice production15.

Considering that rice is the most important cash crop

for the farmers, lower farm income means that they could no

longer pay their debts. At the same time, household expenses

increase, not only for rice re-planting but also for food. Thus,

food insecurity and debt problems continued to become the

serious situation for the Yasothorn farmers. Although climate

change may still be a new issue for Thai farmers, the impacts

were already felt, particularly by the Yasothorn farmers.

Box 3 Impacts of climate change to Yasothorn farmers16

Inability to use indigenous skills and knowledge in anticipating weather patterns as in the

past

No longer possible to plan for rice cultivation

Rising incidence of pests infestations, including emergence of new species of plant diseases

and pests

Intrusion of overgrowing weeds in rice elds

Increasing presence of new and unknown kinds plants and insects in rice elds

Increasing humidity in paddy elds

Production of rice in terms of quality and quantity becoming more risky

Reduction of farmers income

Increasing production cost

Decreasing ability to settle indebtedness

Declining availability of food from nature and home-grown crops

More farmers becoming migrant workers in urban areas to earn additional income for the

familys expenses and debt repayments

Increasing incidence of stress and illness

Weakening of family relationships

Rce seedlngs wereransplaned no dry grondwang for he rans


11/32

7


Participatory Development of Water Management System: An Initiative at Farm Level

With the objective of mitigating the impacts of climate change to local farmers,

Earth Net Foundation (ENF), a local organization which has been working with farmers in

Yasothorn Province to promote organic agricultural production and fair-trade marketing,

initiated a one year pilot project on climate change adaptation for organic rice production,

with support from Oxfam GB Thailand. The project commenced during a critical period whenthe farmers were hit by a prolonged drought, i.e. the project period was from May 2008 to

March 2009. A total of 57 organic farming households joined the project, which aimed to

support the farmers in developing appropriate water management systems for their organic

farms, as well as strengthening their adaptation capacity towards climate change.

The project conducted a number of workshops and training sessions for the participating

farmers in order to provide them information and knowledge on climate change and itspotential impacts to their farming systems. Accurate climate data and scientic analysis for

future climate projections were also provided to the farmers. Moreover, emphasis was also

placed in understanding climate situations and the variability of local climate in order that

the farmers could deal with the risks of climate change. During the workshops, experiences

and suggestions on adaptation strategies were shared and discussed among the farmers, theresult of which included the identication of water management as a main tool that could

help the farmers prepare for and adapt to climate change.

Dfferen knds ofwaer managemensysems were desgnedand creaed by he

parcpang farmershemselves


12/32


8

It had been recognized that

learning process and participatory

decision making approach in each

stage of the project implementation

is the heart for strengthening climate

change adaptation. In this regard, the

participating farmers were involved

in each stage of the development

of the water management systems.

The farmers actively designed and

developed their own on-farm water

management system corresponding

to their respective farm sizes,

opportunities for energy saving, as well as available labour force in the households.

Construction of most of the on-farm water-management systems were completed in time for

the growing season with loans acquired from the Revolving Fund for Water Management in

Organic Agriculture (Table 3).

Table 3: Loans made from the Water Management in Organic Agriculture Fund18

AreaNo. of

families

ActivitiesLoans fromFund (Baht)Pond

excavationUnderground

water

Waterdistribution

systemPump

Bak Ruea 20 10 8 13 1 564,000

Kut Chum 25 3 12 20 9 496,000

Loeng Nok Tha 12 10 4 12 0 340,000

Total 57 23 24 45 10 1,400,000

Box 4 Revolving Fund for Water Management inOrganic Agriculture17

ENF established a fund for water management

in organic agriculture, in order to provide loans of up to

30,000 Baht to each participating household with low

interest rates (1-3 %) and 1-6 years repayment period.

This was intended to assist farmers in the construction

of on-farm water-management systems. The money

returned will be lent to new members to enable them

to invest in their own water management systems, and

to existing members to develop their systems further.

Snce women and chldren are key sorces of labor for rcefarmng and vegeable gardenng, he waer managemen

sysems were desgned o be more convenen for hem o se


13/32

9


Figure 3: Comparison of rice yields reduction between different rice farming practices in

Yasothorn Province in 200820

After using the on-farm water management systems developed by the participating

farmers, more than 90 percent of the participants agreed that the systems had reduced the

impacts of drought and long dry spells on their production systems.

In terms of their rice yields, it was found that although the rice yields of the

participating farmers (considered as integrated organic rice farming or Int.OA) had slightly

fallen (by approximately 8.65%), the decrease was much less compared with the yields of otherfarmers who did not participate in the project and adopted other farming practices. More

particularly, while rice production from mono organic rice farming (Mono OA) was reduced

by about 14.76%, the rice farmers adopting the chemical-based systems were at higher

risks as their rice yields were greatly reduced by about 31.5-42.75% (Figure 3). Generally,

while some rice farmers like Manoon Phupa gained higher rice yields, other farmers seemed

to lose in terms of rice production. This means that the appropriate and effective water

management system can reduce the risks and impacts of climate change to local farmers19.


14/32


10

Total farming Area: 10 Rai

Area for growing rice: 5.5 Rai

Investment cost for the water management system(excluding pond that already exists)

Field leveling and soil reclamation 20,500 Baht

Water distribution system 5,000 Baht

Underground water (by himself)

Wind turbine and water storage tank 2,700

Baht

Manual water pumping 460 Baht

Dripping system 3,000 Baht

= 31,660 Baht

Rice yields

2007 = 450 kg/Rai

2008 = 480 kg/Rai

2009 = 507 kg/Rai

Benets from the system

can plan for rice production even if drought

occurs

can grow legumes to enhance soil fertility

can grow vegetables and fruit trees all year

round

can stock shes in the pond ensuring food

security

Manoon Phupa, a farmer who

joined the project, had creatively

designed an appropriate water

management system. He also created

a wind turbine pump from old billboard

cut-outs to drain and distribute the

water for irrigation. He constructed a

ditch inside his paddy elds to be able

to access water from the storage pond

to supply the paddy elds especially

when drought occurs.

Even though his area for growing

rice may have been reduced as a result

of the establishment of the water

management system, but this did not

affect his rice production. Instead, thesystem helped increase food security

as vegetables and fruit trees could be

planted along the area of the water

system, which could be nurtured using

the water from the system.

In 2008, while a number of

farmers lose their rice yields due to

prolonged drought, Manoons water-

management system helped him gain

higher yields of both jasmine rice and

sticky rice for household consumption,

while the surplus was meant for sale.

Comparison of rice yield of

Manoon Phupa between

2007 - 2009

Box 5 Model of water management system of Manoon Phupa


15/32

11


Growing for Food Security: An Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change

When climate change occurred in Yasothorn Province in 2008, it caused severe impacts

to local farmers, in terms of declined rice production which meant that there was inadequaterice for the families consumption, while home-grown crops and food from nature were also

not available. Furthermore, household expenses had increased, particularly since it was

necessary to buy food from outside sources. Such situation has exhibited food insecurity

which leads to insecure life.

Enhancing household food security has been considered as a key concern for climate

change adaptation. This concern had also become a provision and requirement for acquiring

loans. Farmers who want

to borrow money from the

revolving fund must grow at

least 31 compulsory food plants

identied as common vegetablesfor household consumption.

Many farmers, especially

women, grew vegetables and

planted fruit trees as alternative

crops, in order to reduce the

risks from weather variation and

uncertainty of the rainy season

occurring. Some farmers were

able to earn additional income

of around 500 to 1,500 Baht per

week from selling vegetableproducts. Growing vegetables

and fruits can therefore provide

food and economic security to

the farmers.

After the implementation

of the project, it was found

that 57 households were more

food-secure than they had been

before the start of the project.

Approximately 90 percent of the

food was produced in the farms,and only about 10 percent was

purchased from outside sources.

The drought in 2008 was too severe for Thongsas family and their rice paddies.

Even with their water-management system, they were unable to provide enough water

for all of the rice paddies, and they had to give up jasmine rice farming, leaving only

their sticky rice paddies. Due to these extreme losses, women had to work harder tomeet their families economic needs.

The lack of rain has forced me to nd extra income as a labourer in other

peoples farms. This is in addition to helping my husband in maintaining the paddy elds

and taking care of the home and children.

Thongsa Juansang,

Kham-kuen Kaew district

(Cited from Supaporn Anuchiracheeva and Tul Pinkaew, 2009)

Box 6 Model of crop diversication of Thongsa

Thongsa Juansang, a farmer who has been practicing

organic rice farming for several years (sticky rice forhome consumption and jasmine rice for commercial sale),

observed that during the last few years the rainfall patterns

have changed. As a consequence she has been experiencing

low yields of both jasmine rice and sticky rice.

After joining the Oxfam project in 2009, her family

has learned more about the impacts of climate change

and ways in which they can adjust their farming methods

to adapt to the change. Her family has received a small

revolving fund from the project to improve the water supply

system for their farm, which they used to dig a new well.

Like Manoon, they used a windmill-powered pump to supply

the paddies with water during the drought period. Their on-farm water-supply system is simple, energy-efcient, and

convenient for women and children to use.

Even with the water that we have, it is not enough

to cultivate both jasmine rice and sticky rice. We decided

to keep the sticky rice for our familys consumption. Instead

of jasmine rice, we grow organic watermelon, vegetables,

and some other fruits which do not require much water, for

family consumption and sell the surplus to the local market.

Even though we do not have enough rice for sale next

year, we are still in a better situation compared with other

farmers who did not prepare themselves for the effects of

the drought that occurred this yearThongsa Juansang(Cited from Supaporn Anuchiracheeva and Tul Pinkaew, 2009)


16/32


12

From an analysis on food security, Pannee Samerpak (2010) found that the food plantsgrown in the integrated organic rice elds (by participating farmers) on the average were

more than 29 varieties, while other farmers grew less. Concerning farm diversity, the farmers

who practiced the integrated organic rice farming also had the highest varieties of farm

plants. There were about 87 varieties of plants found in their farms, while farmers doing the

mono chemical rice farming had less than 40 (Figure 4).

Therefore, the percentage of household food security of the integrated organic

rice farmers was the highest, while that of the mono chemical rice farmers was the least

(Figure 5). Hence, enhancing food security and farm diversity should be recognized as crucial

strategies for climate change adaptation.

Enhancng foodsecry s an mporanadapaon sraegy forfarmers n dealng whnceran clmae

Figure 4: Comparison of different farming practices on food diversity and farm diversity21

Number of farm diversity in rice eldsNumber of food plants in rice elds


17/32

13


Shifting-Rotation Agriculture and CommunityForest Agriculture in Chiang Rai Province:A Contribution to Food Security and ReduceGreen House Gases Emission

Introduction of the Hauy Hin Lad Nai Community

Huay Hin Lad Nai Community is inhabited by the Paka-

kayaw, one of the major hill tribe groups living in the northernThailand. The community which is located in Wiang Pa Pao

District, Chiang Rai Province, has a total of 17 households

with 93 people. The people in the community earn their living

by growing both upland and lowland rice, tea gardening and

collecting food from the forest. The community forest area

covers 9,527 Raii. The villagers livelihoods rely heavily on

nature. Therefore, protecting the forest and carefully using

it is their priority23. Living in harmony with the nature is the

heart of sustainable community which is the core belief of

the people in the community.

Nevertheless, mountain communities have always

been blamed as the cause of deforestations and source of

smog problems in the northern part of Thailand. Recently,

a number of villagers were arrested for allegedly contributing to climate change because

of their presence and activities in the conserved forests. Protecting community rights of

indigenous people on forest management and utilization are still controversial problems in

Thai society.

Shifting-rotation agriculture, a cultural-based farming system of mountain

communities, had been assessed by the government as an illegal method of farming. As a

result, a number of villagers have shifted their local farming practices to the so-called modern

steady agriculture that requires the use of large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides.

Figure 5: Comparison of percentage of household food security among

different farming practices22

Percentage of household security

1 Ra = 0.16 ha


18/32


14

Meanwhile, the issue on climate change has not yet caused much physical impact to

highland communities, but the issue is causing harm to local villagers. It is for this reason

that Huay Hin Lad Nai Community with support from the Northern Development Foundation

(NDF) and Oxfam GB Thailand, initiated the study on Forestry Agriculture and CommunityForest and its Roles in Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Green House Gases. Based on

the results of the study, the community hopes to raise their voice to inform the public that

the mountain people should not be blamed for causing climate change. The community alsowanted to prove that their farming systems and ways of living are in fact benecial and have

the potentials to reduce Green House Gases (GHG) emissions.

Shifting-Rotation Agriculture: Sustainable Farming System for Sustainable Livelihood

Shifting-rotation agriculture is an environment-

friendly and ecologically-based farming system. Inrotation elds, native rice and many food plants are

cultivated rotationally on terraces for 6-8 years per

round 24. The average size of a rotation farm is about 5

Rai per family. The villagers do not use any fertilizersand agricultural chemicals in the rotation elds.

Under this agricultural system, land is cleared

every February by cutting the weeds and small trees

of less value. If trees have to be cut, the stump is left

intact and allowed to grow again after the harvest season. Scraps of wood and weeds are left

on the top soil for 2 months to enhance the nutrients of the soil in a natural way. During April,

the eld is burned in order to get rid of weeds and unwanted plants, while preparing for the

upcoming growing season. Burning time is approximately 1-1.5 hours, which is repeated in thenext 2-3 days25. Before burning the eld, re breakers are constructed to avoid the spread of

wildre (Figure 6). Then a number of food plants, more than 60 varieties, e.g. chilies, tomatoes,

taro, sesame, cucumber etc. are planted in the eld while waiting for the rains to come.

The villagers grow rice in May, when during such time a number of vegetables are

ready to be harvested. Before growing rice, villagers usually perform The Rice OfferingCeremony which symbolizes that rice is the heart of the elds. This is also aimed at making

a wish and asking for abundant rice yields. In growing rice, rice seeds and vegetable seedsare dropped together in small holes dug in the elds. From June to August, the vegetables

can be harvested while rice is harvested around the end of October. In the beginning of

November, the villagers gather to harvest the rice. After the harvesting season, the top soil

will be left unused again until April in order that the nutrients of the soil are maintained ina natural way. Since this farming system is done in rotation26, this method has been known

as rotation agriculture.

From shfng-roaon agrclre o modern seady agrclre, s hs envronmen-frendlyagrclre?


19/32

15


Box 7 Rotation Agriculture27

(Shifting) rotation agriculture refers to a cultural-agriculture system in which farming and

forestry are combined. The system has dynamic management and adjustment that respond directly

to ecological conditions. To pave the way for farming, trees in some parts of the forest are uprooted

and cleared, and for an appropriate period of time the trees are allowed to restore their abundancenaturally. Due to the systematic fallow period, the ecological balance of soil, water and forest is

maintained. Farming could therefore be carried out on a sustainable and comprehensive basis.

In rotation agriculture, farmers grow rice alongside other plants while also raise farm

animals, etc. The diversity of plants and food security are the main goals of this concept of an

agricultural system. Rotation agriculture has a long history, tracing back to thousands of years

before the Christian era. Today, more than 500 million people in the world still embrace such

farming system. Of this total, about 400 millions are in Asia. No less than 3,000 ethnic groups have

relied on this rotation agricultural system, which now takes up 30 percent of the worlds arable

areas.

Figure 6: Production process of shifting-rotation agriculture

Some of the many food plants grown in the rotation elds to ensure the families food security


20/32


16

Community Forest Agriculture: Conserve Nature Conserve Communitys Life

The villagers livelihood is much dependent on nature. Therefore, forest is very

important for them. The community forest provides basic needs for their lives, not only as

source of food, shelter, herbal medicines or household energy, but also as the main source of

the families incomes. For the community, preserving the forest therefore means their lives

will be secured and sustained.The Huay Hin Lad Nai area is the source of tea which is naturally grown in the forest,

and gathering tea leaves is the main source of income for the community. Collecting different

types of tea leaves is done in a very careful way. For green tea for example, the top three

leaves are picked, and for white tea, only the top leaf is picked, while the rest of the leaves

are picked to be sold as Chinese tea. In the past, the villagers were asked to grow Oolong tea

but they did not agree to the proposal as growing this variety of tea would require a great

amount of fertilizer28.

Since the forest is vital for the communitys life, the villagers manage and use it

carefully. For example, bamboo caterpillars, a popular food product from the forest, are

collected with local wisdom. The villagers know which bamboo stems have the bamboo

caterpillars so they will cut down only the one that has the caterpillars. While villagers

from outside would have the tendency to cut down all bamboo stems in order to nd the

caterpillars. Moreover, from March to May, the villagers also collect honey, properly and

carefully without destroying the beehives or killing the bees. More importantly, from the

sale of honey, 20 Baht is deducted per bottle sold as their contribution for the upkeep of the

forest. This amount goes to the Forest Management Fund.

tea leaves are he major cashcrop of he commny, whdfferen knds of ea leavescommandng dfferen prces,b whe ea ges he hghesprce

in collecng bamboo caerpllars,he vllagers c only bamboo sems

ha have he caerpllars, whleohers wold c all bamboo sems

in order to nd the caterpillars


21/32


22/32


18

It is also worthwhile to note that the household income of the community mainly

comes from tea gardening as well as from other sources, e.g. selling raised animals, wages

(Figure 8).

The communitys household income on the average is approximately 52,000 Baht/

year, while expenditures would amount to about 37,860 Baht/year, and household debt

accounts for 3235 Baht/year (Figure 9). Although tea gardening and the community forestare the major sources of income for the community, shifting-rotation and paddy elds are

equally important for enhancing the communitys food security (Figure 10).

Furthermore, it should be noted that the energy consumption of the community is

very low compared with urban communities. The main sources of energy for the community

are in the forest and tea gardens, while other villagers buy fuel from outside the community,

e.g. gasoline.

Hosehold food consmpon:

90% - grown by hemselves10% - bogh from markes

Rotation eldCommunity forest Paddy eld Tea gardens

Sorces for hosehold food n he commny

Figure 8: Sources of household income for the Huay Hin Lad Nai community30


23/32

19


Figure 9: Household income, expenses and debt of Huay Hin Lad Nai community31

Figure 10: Sources of income generation and food security

of Huay Hin Lad Nai community32


24/32


20

Firewood is the main source of energy for cooking, where the

villagers use the trees which die naturally or dried branches only.In the community, the consumption of wood for rewood is about 2

cubic meters/person/year, and only 1 cubic meters/person/year for

constructing their houses. The communitys fuel usage in terms of

gasoline and diesel is about 32 and 29 liters, respectively33.

Figure 11 presents a comparison of the ecological footprint

of Huay Hin Lad Nai community with those of other communities.

Figure 11: Comparison of ecological footprint of Hin Lad Nai community

with other communities34

Box 8 Ecological footprint35

Ecological footprint is a measure of

human demand on the Earths ecosystems.

It compares human demand with planetEarths ecological capacity to regenerate.

It represents the amount of biologically

productive land and sea area needed to

regenerate the resources, which a human

population consumes and to absorbs, and

to render it harmless the corresponding

wastes.

Using this assessment, it is possible

to estimate how much of the Earth (or

how many planet Earths) it would take to

support humanity if everybody lives in a

given lifestyle.

Source of pictures: Wackernagel, M. and W. Rees.

1996. Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing HumanImpact on the Earth. New Society Publishers.


25/32

21


How Shifting Rotation Agriculture and Community Forest Contribute

to Reduce GHG Emission

An international expert on forestry, Dr.Jrgen Blaser explained that naturally, forest

which is recovering would have high capacity to absorb carbon that is necessary for itsgrowth. Rotation elds which are left to recover for 1-8 years would also have the potentials

to absorb carbon. The study of Dr. Somsak Sukkhawong, a Thai expert on forestry, also foundthat rotation elds have the capacity to absorb carbon of about 6 tons/ha/year36.

In spite of the readily available information, some people still believe that rotationelds, particularly the process of burning the elds, could be the major cause of smog

problems in the northern part of Thailand. Moreover, due to the allegations that the elds

emit green house gases, the rotation elds have been charged of being the culprit of climate

change. The issue of burning rotation elds has become very controversial in Thailand for

decades.

In the study of Dr. Prasert Trakarnsuphakorn, he argued that burning rotation elds

is not a cause of climate change and smog problems as the elds will be burned only once

a year for only 2-3 days with certain burning period about 1-2 hours per day. Furthermore,re breakers are constructed before burning to prevent the spread of wildre in adjoining

forests. Allowed to recover for 1-8 years, rotation elds have the potentials to absorb carbon

rising from adjacent burning elds. Therefore, there is rarely any green house gas emission

from rotation agriculture.

The study of the Northern Development Foundation et al. (2010) on Forestry Agriculture

and Community Forest and its Roles to Enhance Food Security and Reducing Green House

Gases, also found that carbon storage in the community forest at Huay Hin Lad Nai and two

nearby communities, Huay Hin Lad Nok and Pha Yeoung, which covers 19,498 Rai (3,119.68

ha) is approximately 661,372 tons. While carbon storage in farming areas (3,547 Rai or567.52 ha) which cover shifting-rotation elds, paddy elds and tea gardens is about 59,255

tons. Thus, the total carbon storage in the community is around 720,627 tons (Table 4 and

Figure 12).

As for shifting-rotation agriculture (left for 1-10 years), which covers 1,476 Rai

(236.16 ha), its net carbon storage accounts for only 17,167 tons. Furthermore, carbondioxide emitted from the burning rotation elds is only 476 tons.

Recovering rotation elds has the potentials to absorb carbon dioxide rising from adjacent burning elds


26/32


22

Table 4: Capacity of carbon storage in Huay Hin Lad Nai, Huay Hin Lad Nok

and Pha Yeoung communities37

Areas Rai Hectare %

Capacity of carbon storage

Tons

carbon/ha

Carbonstorage

(tons)

%

Total community forest 19,498 3,119.68 84.25 212 661,372.16 91.78

Huay Hin Lad Nai 9,527 1,524.32 41.17 323,155.84 44.83

Pha Yeoung 4,323 691.68 18.68 146,636.16 20.34

Huay Hin Lad Nok 5,648 903.68 24.40 191,580.16 26.58

Farming area 3,547 567.52 15.33 59,258.84 8.22

Paddy elds 226 36.16 0.98 25 904.00 0.13

Shifting-rotation elds 114 18.24 0.49 25 456.00 0.06

Recovering shifting

rotation elds (1-10

years)

1,476 236.16 6.38 17,167.00 2.38

Tea gardens 982 157.12 4.24 179 28,124.48 3.90

Fruit gardens 132 21.12 0.57 158 3,336.96 0.46

Maize crops 585 93.60 2.53 99 9,266.40 1.29

Animal raising areas 33 5.28 0.14

Residence area 98 15.68 0.42 0.00 0.00

Huay Hin Lad Nai 24 3.84 0.10

Pha Yeoung 6 0.96 0.03

Huay Hin Lad Nok 68 10.88 0.29

Total area 23,143 3,703 100.00 720,627.00 100.00

Figure 12: Carbon storage and GHG emission from the communities studied


27/32

23


Conclusion

The recent experiences of farmers in Thailand showed that sustainable agriculture

has high potentials as an important measure in coping with and combating against climate

change. On the one hand, sustainable agriculture can be one of the appropriate adaptation

strategies, as seen in the case of integrated farming in Yasothorn Province. As an adaptationstrategy, sustainable agriculture provides the solutions for coping with water shortage

through better water management. At the same time, sustainable agriculture also ensures

food security as it promotes farm diversity and resource integration. On another hand,

sustainable agriculture can also work as a mitigation strategy, as it fosters the reduction of

greenhouse gases emission and promotes carbon storage in highly fertile soil and community

forests. Apart from improving the climate, sustainable agriculture also provides signicant

benets for poverty alleviation, especially in terms of enhancing food security as well as

reducing market uncertainties and nancial burdens for household food consumption.

From such points of view, sustainable agriculture can be a good strategy for the

management of farmers risks brought about by climate change. Firstly, it can reduce risks,

both in terms of production and marketing risks, through better water and farm management.Secondly, it can spread out risks through farm diversity. Moreover, the protection of community

forests and the practice of agro-forestry can also be considered as one of the strategies for

risk reduction and risk insurance, in cases of disasters such as drought and storm. However,

the concept of risk management for climate uncertainties still does not address many issues

and concerns of the farming communities in Thailand. Therefore, the benet of sustainable

agriculture as a strategy for coping climate change could be generally underestimated.

As seen in the case study, it is therefore very important to note that having a deep

understanding of the eco-cultural dimension of each community is the main success factor

in promoting sustainable agriculture, considering that sustainable agriculture is one of the

effective ways in coping with climate change. It is important to note that without deliberative

understanding of the local ecosystem and culture practices of the farmers, it would bedifcult to suggest practical ways of investing in sustainable agriculture that t well with

local condition and their ways of living.

Based on the aforementioned discourse, it is therefore an urgent task to promote the

adoption of sustainable farming practices in the midst of the current climate change crisis.

However, such effort should be done deliberatively in order to ensure the long-lasting results

and benets.


28/32


24

References

1 Vichean Kerdsuk, 2009. Health Impacts of Climate Change: Case study on Rain-fed

Farmers in Kula Ronghai Field. Presented in 2008 Asia and Pacic Regional Conference

on Health Impacts Assessment, held during 22-24 April 2009, Chiang Mai.

2 Supaporn Anuchiracheeva and Tul Pinkaew, 2009. Oxfam Disaster Risk Reduction and

Climate Change Adaptation Resources: Case Study Jasmine Rice in the Weeping Plain:

Adapting Rice Farming to Climate Change in Northeast Thailand. Oxfam GB.

3 Vichean Kerdsuk, 2009. (Op.Cit)

4 Chomchaun Boonrahong, 2009. Impacts of Climate Variation to Small-scale Farmers in

Chiang Mai. The report submitted to Oxfam GB. Institute for Sustainable Agriculture

Community, Chiang Mai.

5 Chomchaun Boonrahong, 2009. (Op.Cit)

6 Supaporn Anuchiracheeva and Tul Pinkaew, 2009. (Op.Cit)


8 Nicholas Stern, 2008. The Economics of Climate Change, The Stern Review. Cambridge

University Press.

9 Nicolas Stern, 2008. (Op.Cit)

10 Nicolas Stern, 2008. (Op.Cit)





15 Michael Commons, 2009. What Green Net is doing. Available from http://www.

greennet.or.th/ClimateChange/e7001.htm, access on 9 February 2010

16 Rujarek Bumrasarinpai, 2009. Global Warming in the Eyes of Yasothorn Farmers.

Conclusion from a seminar on the Community Reection on Global Warming:Thailands Position in the Global Community and the Governments Role in Handling

Global Warming and Promotion of the Agriculture Adaptation, held at the Yasothorn

Institute of Agriculture and Technology, on 26 July 2009



19 Pannee Samerpak, 2010. Water Management Adaptation to Climate Change in

Yasothorn Province. The progress report submitted to Oxfam GB. Earth Net Foundation,

Yasothorn

20 Pannee Samerpak, 2010. (Op.Cit)21 Pannee Samerpak, 2010. (Op.Cit)


29/32

25


22 Pannee Samerpak , 2010. (Op.Cit)

23 Northern Development Foundation, 2010. Forestry Agriculture and Community Forest

and its Roles in Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Green House Gases. The report

submitted to Oxfam GB. Northern Development Foundation, Chiang Mai.

24 Alternative World. Ban Huay Hin Lad Nai Community, conserve forest, water and life.

Available from www.pttplc.com/Files/Document/energy_mag/52_2/alternative_

world.pdf, access on 9 February 2010

25 Northern Development Foundation, 2010. (Op.Cit)

26 Alternative World. (Op.Cit)

27 Anan Ganjanapan. Rotation Agriculture:Status and Changes, by the Faculty of Social

Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Vol.1, Main Report and Recommended Policies,

referred from Oxfam GB, 2009. REDD against Global Warming, Is it a Solution or

a Problem for Local Communities in Thailands Upper North? Conclusion from a

seminar on The Voice of Communities about Global Warming: REDD Impacts on LocalCommunities in Thailands Upper North, held in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai on 5

August 2009.

28 Alternative World. (Op.Cit)

29 FORRSA_RE-2. A Diary from eld course on forest landscape restoration in Southeast

Asia, 18 January 2006.



32 Northern Development Foundation, 2010. (Op.Cit)33 Northern Development Foundation, 2010. (Op.Cit)


35 Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_footprint

36 Prasert Trakarnsuphakorn et al, 2006. Rotation Farming System: Indigenous Knowledge

and Practices of a Paka-kayaw Hill Tribe Group in Northern Thailand. Indigenous

Knowledge and Peoples (IKAP) Network, Chiang Mai.(in Thai)



30/32


31/32


32/32

Oxfam GB in East AsiaFloor 11A, Q. House Convent Bldg., 38 Convent Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2 632-0033-7 Fax:+66 (0) 2 632-0038

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/eastasia/

The Healthy Public Policy Foundation

87/495 Passorn Village, Rattanathibeth Soi 31, Bangrak Yai, Bangbauthong, Nonthaburee 11110Tel: +66 (0) 2 920-9691-2

From Crisis

Documents

Transcript of From Crisis