By School of Environment, Resources and Development
12 June 2025: Chanikan Mahora, is a recent graduate from the Development and Sustainability program at the Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS), School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
Supervised by Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe with committee members Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen and Dr. Takuji W. Tsusaka, Chanikan followed 203 vegetable growers in the provinces of Nakhon Pathom and Kamphaeng Phet over four months of fieldwork. Her mixed-methods thesis pinpoints what motivates farmers at each PGS stage and which policy levers keep them engaged.
At a time when the world is grappling with climate change and food insecurity, Chanikan’s research offers critical solutions to help Thai farmers navigate these challenges. By highlighting how grassroots, community-driven initiatives can provide effective solutions, her findings are especially timely and critical for smallholder farmers navigating the complexities of sustainable agriculture. Her findings provide essential pathways for sustainable agriculture practices that enhance livelihoods, protect the environment, and strengthen local economies.
Chanikan’s research dives deep into Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), a grassroots certification model that empowers organic vegetable farmers in Thailand. Rather than relying on expensive external certifications, PGS harnesses community involvement and collective accountability. Her study reveals compelling insights: newcomers to PGS are primarily motivated by environmental concerns, while seasoned farmers value economic gains and the rich exchange of knowledge within their communities. Critically, her research highlights the vital role consistent government support plays in sustaining these initiatives.
This impactful study unfolded in the heart of Thailand’s agricultural communities in Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Pathom provinces. Chanikan’s immersive research involved intensive fieldwork, deep conversations with farmers, and close collaboration with local officials and community leaders.
The study shows a simple pattern: farmers first join PGS to cut chemicals and protect their health and the environment; they stay on when they start learning from neighbors and get help with seeds and supplies; and they commit for the long haul when the group opens steady, higher-paying markets for their produce. A clear set of numbers backs this up: the farmers most likely to reach the long-term stage are those who already have a few years of organic know-how under their belt, feel strong support from their community, and can count on a buyer for their vegetables. In short, ideas get farmers through the door, but shared learning and guaranteed income convince them to stay.
PGS Pay-Offs at a Glance
- Nakhon Pathom – the “urban edge” success story
• Net farm profit jumped 173 % (≈ 40 k → 110 k ฿) after farmers were linked to PGS networks.
• Vegetable revenue surged 44 % while production costs decreased by 25 %—proof that market access plus leaner inputs can multiply earnings. - Kamphaeng Phet – the rural cost-cut champion
• Net farm profit climbed 38 % (≈ 241 k → 332 k ฿), driven not by higher sales but by slashing production costs – a stunning 60 % decrease in cost of inputs through home-made bio-inputs and other low-input practices.
Both provinces point to the same conclusion: participatory organic certification is turning sustainable know-how of agriculture into serious cash income for smallholders.
Chanikan’s research doesn’t just stop at identifying patterns of adoption of PGS. It provides actionable recommendations. She advocates tailored training, improved market support, consistent governmental policy, and empowering leadership programs especially designed for women farmers. These targeted actions are key to significantly enhance the scalability and continuity of PGS initiatives throughout Thailand and beyond.
Driving Sustainable Change: Research Highlights Contributions to Global Goals
Even though Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) has strong potential to benefit small-scale farmers, it is understandied. Chanikan’s study on PGS for organic farming in Thailand is addressing this literature gap and directly advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Strengthens food security by promoting productive, sustainable farming practices.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Enhances livelihoods of smallholder farmers through better market access and improved income opportunities.
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Encourages environmentally friendly agriculture, reducing harmful impacts and fostering conscious consumer choices.
- Life on Land (SDG 15): Supports sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, protecting ecosystems and natural resources.
“From pre-dawn field walks to long talks under stilted roofs, working side-by-side with farmers showed me that sustainable agriculture is far more than a production method—it is a living tapestry that binds community, economy, and environment into one heartbeat. My deepest thanks go to the farming families and local officers of Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Pathom who opened their fields, their homes, and their hearts; this research grew from your soil and your generosity.”
-Chanikan Mahora
