Multi-Dimensions of Food Insecurity in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Socio-Economic Examination of Agricultural Production

Abstract

Multi-dimensions of food insecurity are varied and complex in negative production situations and related issues. The change to commercial agricultural production presented as a socioeconomic and environmental transition to food insecurity in a Ban Pa Phai, Chiangmai, Thailand. Farmers were faced with many stressors such as decline in crop and natural food acquisition, constraints in ecological and natural resources, unpredictable prices of agricultural products and changes in production processes. The community adapted to these crises with initiative and attempted to become self-reliant and collaboratively manage other agents. Initiation groups were formed both in-farm and off-farm to create more food security and additional income Farmers work as a group to creatively adapt to new technologies and showed high levels of improvement in view of both officials and researchers. Adaptive management involves awareness of farming food crises and the capacity of community leaders to instigate changes. Kinship in bonding relationships were demonstrated among farming households with mutually coherent collective effort. Management collaboration between the community and external organisational support is vital to solve problems in a holistical manner.