Ittipong Thongsrikate Faculty of Liberal Arts, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
Email: ittipong@mju.ac.th
Kangsadan Kanokhong Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
Email: kangsadan@mju.ac.th

Abstract:

This study investigated agricultural practices among farmers in Chiang Mai City, focusing on the determinants of creative agriculture and formulating a model to enhance such practices within the city, a regionally significant economic hub in Thailand. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative sample comprised 400 farmers selected via a two-stage random sampling technique, while the qualitative component involved 30 key informants. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guidelines. Analytical procedures encompassed descriptive statistics, chi-square correlation analysis, and thematic content analysis. The results revealed that the majority of respondents were male, with a mean age of 44 years. Most participants were married, had attained primary-level education, and resided within extended family households. They engaged in a variety of agricultural occupations within their communities and had accrued a minimum of five years of farming experience. While most were members of community-based agricultural groups, only a minority had benefited from formal agricultural knowledge promotion initiatives. Several factors were found to be significantly associated with creative agriculture among farmers in Chiang Mai City. These included age, household composition, number of agricultural labourers, size of cultivated land, affiliation with agricultural organisations or groups, farming-related indebtedness, participation in community activities, and agricultural practices. Based on these findings, a creative agriculture development model was proposed, comprising three primary components: (1) cultivating agricultural consciousness, (2) designing and implementing alternative agricultural methods, and (3) leveraging media and information technology in agricultural processes. It is therefore recommended that local governmental bodies in Chiang Mai City actively promote farmers' access to agricultural information to enhance their adaptability and resilience. Furthermore, efforts should be made to encourage diversification of farming practices, foster innovation in agricultural product processing, and improve market accessibility through the integration of digital technologies for the effective promotion and communication of agricultural products to consumers.

Keywords:Model of Creative Agriculture, Creative Agriculture, Farmers, Agriculture Development.