Integrated Agriculture: Livelihood Strategies of Isan Farmers under Globalization

Abstract

This article analyzes the livelihoods of farmers engaged in integrated agriculture as their livelihood strategies in the context of globalization. The analysis is guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, emphasizing five kinds of capital/assets: human, social, natural, physical, and financial. Through studying the experiences of farmers who are members of the Integrated Agriculture Network, Amphoe Ubonrat, Khon Kaen Province, this study shows that integrated agriculture is a strategy that helps farmers  solve problems caused by “modern” agriculture aimed at mono-cropping for market sale. This kind of production has resulted in the degradation and decline of natural and financial capital. By turning to integrated agriculture, which is based on social and human capital, farmers can revitalize and accumulate natural, financial, and physical capital, which have been declining and becoming lost. Thus, their livelihoods became more secure in the context of globalization.