a case study of the young smart farmer programme in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand Kittipan Tikum creator Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed Chairperson Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen Examination Committee Tsusaka, Takuji W. Examination Committee Royal Thai Government Scholarship Donor AIT Scholarship Scsholarship Donor text series technical report th Pathum Thani Asian Institute of Technology 2025 continuing eng

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261 leaves : ill.+ 1 online resource In recent years, there has been a global decline in the farming population, coupled with the demographic transition and ageing. While previous studies have examined general trends in farmer transitions and policy responses, the motivations, challenges, and satisfaction levels of youth entering agriculture remain underexplored. This study seeks to assess the motivations, challenges, and satisfaction levels with farming and non farming activities through the Young Smart Farmer Programme (YSFP) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A mixed-methods methodology was utilised in this research. The research gathered data from three distinct groups: Thai young farmers who have officially joined the YSFP (Type I or YSF, n = 154), young farmers who are interested in YSFP but have not joined it (Type II, N = 50), and young farmers who know about YSFP but are not interested in it (Type III, N = 50). In-depth interviews and surveys were utilised, and the data were analysed through descriptive statistics, chi-square, ANOVA, T-test, H-test, multinomial logit regression, multiple regression, and content analysis. Findings illustrated a socio-economic diversity among groups, highlighting that men, older farmers, one-type farming and part-time farmers were more likely to be YSF. Motivations to become a farmer were multifaceted, influenced by profitability, well-being, culture and tradition, taking over a family business, and social influence. Moreover, the study underscores the varied challenges faced by the types of farmers, including agricultural production, marketing, assets, shocks and seasons, inspiration, and criticism. Additionally, socio-economic backgrounds, such as gender, age, marital status, education, job type, farming systems, land holding, and agricultural income, had multifaceted effects on both motivations and challenges. Regarding satisfaction, higher social satisfaction reduced constraints to programme participation, while greater environmental satisfaction with non-farming activities increased the intention to join the YSFP. Interestingly, motivation related to taking over the family business was the most significant factor influencing satisfaction across all dimensions with both activities. Moreover, education and job type were also significant determinants. In response, this study provides two-step solutions: first, to motivate youth by targeting backgrounds, enhancing engagement, collaboration, and educational-level based training; second, to strengthen the YSFP by supporting social engagement, utilising environmental incentives and targeting motivations and challenges. A dissertation submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Planning Management and Innovation Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 Farmers Thailand Chiang Mai Farmers Thailand Chiang Mai Attitudes Asian Institute of Technology. http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B22565 http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B22565 250709 20260817163654.0