The Guidelines for Development of Agricultural Areas Based on Concepts from Participatory Ecological Agriculture to Solve Environmental Problems

Abstract

The objectives of this project are to design and develop agricultural areas in accordance with the concept of participatory agriculture ecology to solve poverty and protect the environment by using the study of Landscape ecology and agriculture ecology concepts. In-depth interviews were used to explore the problems and impacts of agriculture affecting the economy Society and Environment of Wapi Pathum District Maha Sarakham Province. The key findings showed that the former agricultural area was all forest areas. The forest area was transformed into the agriculture area. This community has been doing agriculture for more than 50 years and the farmers have been using fertilizer and chemicals for a long time. This results in reduced agricultural production and environmental deterioration. Therefore, these solutions not only must add the concept of "New Theory Agriculture" to introduce to the farmers by focusing on growing a variety of plants for various uses, "Khok Nong Na Model" concept should be implemented to help enhance land and water management for agriculture activities throughout the year also. Moreover “Agroforestry” together with "Organic agriculture" will help rehabilitate the completely degraded forest area and the treatment of soil, water, and air with the ecological plants could potentially help reduce toxins in the environment also. Finally, the Principles of landscape agricultural guidelines will help to create beautiful agricultural areas, sustainable, suitable for learning resources and tourist attractions. Combining these concepts together contributes to a new type of agriculture to help and create a better quality environment.