Abstract
This research studied the expectation of agriculturists who had to build a sustainable occupation for agricultural development that would protect natural resources and the environment, decrease the adverse effects of chemicals and produce safe food and a happy social condition, among other positive outcomes. It studied personal factors, the economy, and social aspects, compared with the expectation of sustainable development. The sample comprised 240 persons who were interviewed in order to collect data. The statistics were analyzed by percentage value, average, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA.
The study results found that most of the sampled household heads were males, aged 41 to 50 years, with a primary education, lacking social position, living in their village for more than 5 years, and had been trained in agriculture by their parents. Farm size was 11-20 rais, family farm labor averaged 9 persons, the individuals had a yearly income of 50,000 - 99,999 baht, household expenses of 10,000 - 19,999 baht per year, made occupational investments of 20,000 - 40,001 baht per year, and were likely to be members of an agricultural group.
Their expectations with regard to technology transfer, community business development for production, processing and marketing, plant and animal breeding modification were at a moderate level. However, those expectations with regard to technology support, soil, water and environmental resource development were at a high level. As for problems, operational guidelines and suggestions, the respondents
revealed that there were many problems, such as the quality of soil, lack of rain and irrigation, plant and animal breeds, organic fertilizer, labor, knowledge of breed selection, products, markets, investment and governmental support. Agricultural institutes played only a minor role in agricultural occupation development. It was suggested that group members be allowed to participate, to submit their opinions, to plan and to make decisions.
