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Short-duration rnungbean sown in April or May (before the main crop of
rice in August) fits into the two-peak rainfall pattern of the country. However,
mungbean is not recommended in low-lying areas of the ricefield where
waterlogged conditions are likely to occur.
Farmers who followed the recommended input levels for mungbean and
rice obtained a gross margin of THB5,630/ha. This is about 100% higher than in
fields where recommendations were not followed (Table 2).
Other promising technologies, such as jute before rice and kenaf before
rice, were tested in four provinces in the northeast. The EEC- and USAID-
funded projects in the area joined this project on the basis of these two
technologies.
STUDY OBJECTIVES
In 1988, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in coordi-
nation with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), supported studies
in several countries to investigate the impact of FSR. In Thailand, an impact
study was conducted by social scientists from Chiang Mai University and Phayap
University together with personnel from the FSRI. The study area, amphoe Dok
Kham Tai, Phayao, was selected under the guidance of the FSRI. The two
mature technologies introduced by the Integrated Rainfed FR/D project were
the subject of investigation. The main objective of the study was to determine
the changes in productivity and income of farmers who adopted the new
technologies in the rainfed areas of Dok Kham Tai. The specific objectives were
to determine the level and extent of adoption of the new technology introduced
in the project site and in neighboring areas; to estimate changes in net farm and
household incomes resulting from the adoption of the new technology in relation
to other sources of household income; and to examine the adoption of the new
technology and its benefits to different groups of farmers.
The study lasted 3 yr (1989-91). The first 2 yr were devoted to data
collection and the last year to data analysis. Following the recommendations
made during review meetings in Chiang Rai in November 1990, the study
focused on the impact on institutions and communities. It was felt that without
this aspect, impact assessment might be viewed as inadequate. Therefore, this
study included the extent to which technologies and recommendations were
adopted by extension officers and farmers; and the contribution of FSR to
improvements in the capability of the research systems to meet the needs of its
clients. However, greatest emphasis was given to the original objectives because
this was the initial orientation of the study in 1989.