Food around the Home and Para-rubber Farmer Households’ Food Security in Bang Rieang

Abstract

Para-rubber farmer households face problems such as inappropriate land ownership and land use, high costs of agricultural production, and low agricultural product prices. Therefore, food around the home is more important to household food security. This research describes the para-rubber farmer households’ demographic and socio–economic characteristics, food security, and food coping strategies in Bang Rieang. Primary data were collected using structured interviews, non-participant observations, and natural conversations with a total sample of 330 para-rubber farmers, using the mixed method sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and manifest content analysis were applied for data analysis as well. The results reveal that the para-rubber farmers are very experienced in farming. The average farm size of the para-rubber farming households is 9.9 rai. They produce a different variety of food around their own home. There are 11 species of food crops and 2 species of economic animals. The objectives of the production are for household consumption and sale. The food availability from production sources is inadequate  for consumption. Consequently, the para-rubber farming households have to spend money to acquire food from the market. The key food coping strategies are eating inexpensive food, limiting meal-sized portions, and buying food on credit. The related government agencies should initiate projects to improve the para-rubber farmers’ household food security.