Assessing environmentally sustainable practices of smallholder highland farmers: a case study of maize production in Northern Thailand

摘要: Promotion of sustainable maize production in Northern Thailand, the country’s largest maize-producing region, is crucial to securing supply nation’s feed manufacturing, as well protecting environmental resources, enhancing social welfare, and improving livelihoods farmers communities. This study aimed investigate various practices smallholder highland determine their perceptions practices. Face-to-face interviews with local two northern villages Thailand showed that performed more cultivation i.e., avoiding use prohibited chemicals, but less post-management practices, managing residues disposing agrochemical waste. In addition, Chi-square test was employed correlation between socio-demographic factors farming The surveyed perceived positive impacts organic fertilizer application alternative management methods slash-and-burn, they did not perceive same for proper waste on environment. results constraints identified by suggested additional tangible support from government, such disposal facilities engagement policymakers development practitioners, would result local-specific interventions promote a agriculture system.