Sustainability Indicators for Assessing and Monitoring the Sustainable Land Management in the Commercial Rice Zone of the Lower Pak Phanang River Basin, Thailand

Abstract

The main land use in the lower Pak Phanang river basin is intensive paddy production. It is also promoted as a commercial rice farming zone by the Royal Project. The objective of this study, hence, was to identify the appropriate sustainability indicators for assessing and monitoring this area under the ASEAN community. This evaluation comprised of the diagnosis of problems, the analysis of stakeholders and the description of Land Utilization Types (LUTs). This lead to the diagnostic criteria weighting, indicators of development and sustainability by the participatory approaches. The data were collected through literature reviews, structure-questionnaire, focus group discussion with local stakeholders and individual interviews using the techniques of Participatory Rapid Appraisal and conceptual content analysis. This resulted in the diagnostic criteria following the framework for evaluating sustainable land management, which are productivity, security, protection, viability, and acceptability. There are a number of indicators with 22 items. The sustainability indicators in this study can be applied and evaluated in intensive paddy production areas which may lead to a strategy plan and greater sustainability in the future.