An assessment of social sustainability of sugarcane and cassava cultivation in Thailand

Abstract

Sugarcane and cassava are major economic crops in Thailand. They are usually grown in similar geographical conditions, so they effectively compete for the same land. This paper analyzes the social performance of sugarcane and cassava products using Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), together with an analysis of product yields and expected demands for these crops. This study will help with making sustainable agricultural production and consumption decisions. More specifically, it could be used to inform the decision of which crop to choose when the land is suitable for both crops. The key stakeholder groups considered in the study included workers, farm owners, machine owners, and local community. The main social sustainability indicators considered were fair wages, health and safety, working conditions, economic growth, access to technology and loans, market security, and employment generation. The study found that the overall social performance of cassava was slightly better than sugarcane, although both were assessed at the level of very good. Following consideration of the social performance, together with product yields and expected demands for these crops, it is suggested that sugarcane be promoted. However, the challenges of promoting sugarcane also need to be considered.