ความพึงพอใจของเกษตรกรต่อโครงการสนับสนุนสินเชื่อเพื่อชะลอการจำหน่ายกระเทียมในอำเมือง จังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study: (1) basic personal, economic and social factors of participant farmers in the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province; (2) farmers’ satisfaction towards the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province; (3) problems experienced by participant farmers regarding the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province; (4) factors related to farmers’ satisfaction towards the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province. The sample for this research consists of 90 participant farmers of the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales, production year 2017/2018, in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province. Yamane's sampling formula is used with a 95% confidence level. Data is collected using structured interview schedule with an alpha of 0.956. Data is analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, average, standard division and inferential statistics. Hypotheses are tested using multiple regression analysis.

The study indicates that (1) most of the farmers are female, aged 51-60 years old, primary educated, of married status, customers of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, members of a four-person household, two of which are employed, and have garlic cultivation experience of 35 - 44 years. The majority own land with an area of 3 - 8 rai, produce an annual garlic yield of 5,001-15000kg, have an agricultural income of 100,001 - 200,000 baht, and use funding from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives for reinvestment into agriculture. They receive project news from relatives/friends and are able to repay loans provided by the project in full within the specified period, although the purpose and conditions of the project remain unclear to many. (2) Farmers’ satisfaction towards the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province is of a high level. Considering sub-issues, satisfaction is expressed towards the project registration process for garlic farmers by the Office of Agriculture, Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province, application process for the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and policy. (3) Problems experienced by participant farmers in the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province are of a medium level. Considering subissues, farmers expressed problems regarding determining repayment schedules, loan amounts being too small and therefore insufficient to meet the requirements of farmers, and high loan interest rates. (4) Factors affecting farmers’ satisfaction towards the Credit Support Project to Delay Garlic Sales in Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province include age, education level, farmer institute membership, garlic planting experience, farming funding, and understanding of the project.

Research findings indicate that the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives should disseminate knowledge and understanding about the project to farmers, in order to increase satisfaction with the project, and should promote public relations to improve farmers' understanding of the project, such as through preparation of documents and pamphlets, social media, allowing bank officials to meet farmers, etc.