The development of a farmer based network on agroforestry in Northeast Thailand.
Prof Sawaeng Ruaysoongnern, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

Agricultural resource in the Northeast of Thailand over the past 40 years has undergone significant degradation due to extensive clearing for the cultivation of upland crops. These activities have resulted in significant degradation of soil, water and forest resources. Associated with this extensive expansion of agriculture there has been over the past 10 years, an exponential depletion of food resources at the village level resulting in food insecurity within and surrounding these communities. In order to alleviate constraints on food sources, a group of farmers in Sakon Nakon Northeast of Thailand led by Mr. Lek Kudwongkeo, got together 20 years ago to try to regenerate the food resources around homes. The approach that was taken by this group of farmers was to secure food security at the household level by promoting the establishment of indigenous vegetable and native fruit trees. Over the years the number of plant species established around the home has gradually increased to cover a range of food species and timber species, as well as species for environmental protection.

From this rather small beginning associated with an individuals desire to promote the conservation of natural resources, the success of the group has stimulated awareness of nearby villagers both within the same and surrounding villages. This awareness initiated the formation of the agroforestry farmer network in Bua village, Kudbak district, Sakonnakon province, Northeast Thailand. The site is currently the network center of more than 30,000 household agroforestry network members. Their activities currently range from promoting tree planting, food processing, education development and support at the community levels. In addition, the networking is promoting expansion to other areas and to date the number of members has doubled annually.

There have been a number of positive impacts associated with the development of this agroforestry group. These include enhanced food security at the household level, increased fuel wood security, social security and the revival of local wisdom with respect to agricultural production and development. Moreover, there has been a positive impact in the rehabilitation of the agricultural resources in the area.

	Due to the diversity of tree species that have been established, there has been a high degree of soil fertility improvement through regeneration of ecosystems. In addition, there has been a significant increase in water use efficiency associated with the establishment of the agroforestry system. There is clear evidence that through the establishment of trees surface soil fertility improvement has occurred through natural processes. With the productivity improvements that have been achieved for both food and forest products, it is considered that this approach has enhanced the sustainable use of soil and water resources to the benefit of the environment and network household members.
Mr. Lek Kudwongkeo on his farm that was formerly a bare upland plot of Sakonnakon Province Northeast Thailand.