Education
PROJECT FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATION TRAINING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR TRANSITIONING FARMERS INTO SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
PROJECT FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATION TRAINING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR TRANSITIONING FARMERS INTO SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
BURIRAM RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY
Isan (North-Eastern region) is a region with the largest rice-growing area and the highest rice production in Thailand. However, farmers still face many problems including debt, low prices for produce, and a lack of entrepreneurial skills, which result in a lower quality of life. Buriram Rajabhat University is a higher education institution closely connected to the issues faced by the surrounding communities with a mission to produce graduates and provide equitable access to quality education.
As a regional higher education institution, Buriram Rajabhat University is deeply committed to addressing local challenges. Its mission focuses on producing high-quality graduates, expanding educational opportunities, and prioritizing research that fosters sustainable local development. Consequently, the university aims to elevate the livelihoods of local farmers while cultivating graduates whose expertise directly addresses regional needs.
In line with this shared vision, the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Development Program, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Buriram Rajabhat University. This collaboration seeks to develop curricula that adapt to evolving agricultural systems and contemporary social conditions. Students will gain rigorous theoretical knowledge in agriculture paired with practical fieldwork through two specialized courses: "Development of Farmers into Social Entrepreneurs" and "Commercial Farming for Developers." This hands-on approach ensures students learn from real-world challenges, effectively preparing them for the future job market. Furthermore, a dedicated short-term program has been designed to transition local farmers into social entrepreneurs. This initiative emphasizes continuous guidance, support, and monitoring. The ultimate goal is for participating farmers to master organic farming techniques, generate high-quality produce, and successfully evolve into self-reliant entrepreneurs.
PROJECT FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATION TRAINING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR TRANSITIONING FARMERS INTO SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
BURIRAM RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY
“I find being a farmer truly enjoyable. It is a dynamic profession that keeps us constantly learning and active.” Although he grew up in a multi-generational farming family and earned a vocational diploma from Buriram College of Agriculture and Technology, it wasn’t until the age of 56 that Uncle Waew - Waewjak Pakkhothanung-fully embraced the title of ‘farmer.’
Uncle Waew shared that after graduating, he spent nearly a decade in the livestock sector before transitioning to a different field in another province. Eventually, he returned to his hometown to work at a local bag factory. During this time, he dedicated his single day off each week to picking up a hoe, refreshing his agricultural knowledge, and teaching himself new techniques on his 5-rai 3-ngan farm.
On his ‘weekend farm,’ Uncle Waew grew seedless limes, sweet bamboo, sugarcane, and a variety of vegetables and fruits—enough to sustain his household with a surplus to sell. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to the factory's closure, he turned to farming full-time. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, this veteran-aged but spirited ‘new’ farmer volunteered for the “Elevating Farmers to Social Entrepreneurs” program. Organized by the Social Development Major at Buriram Rajabhat University and supported by the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation, the program offered him a path toward sustainable self-reliance.
Previous generations often discouraged their children from farming due to the physical hardship. Why did you still choose this path?
I was nurtured with farming values from the time of my grandparents. My family has always been rooted in agriculture. Back then, farming was joyful; the fields were abundant with crabs and fish during the flood season. We never went hungry because we always had food without needing the market. I’ve always loved the farmer’s life. My parents never told me to stay away from it; in fact, they always encouraged me to pursue it (laughs).
“Uncle Waew’s Farm” was already designated as a learning center for the ‘OTOP Innovative Tourism Village’ and had attracted significant interest. Why did you decide to join the training program with Buriram Rajabhat University?
Several professors who brought students to the farm mentioned the program and asked if I’d be interested. I decided to apply immediately. Initially, I wasn't sure how far the project would go, as previous programs I’d joined were often inconsistent and budget-dependent. However, this project is exceptional. It is structured as a three-year journey: the first year focuses on knowledge, where professors bring in experts to fill specific gaps and conduct site visits. The second year provides funding for farm development, and the third year focuses on transitioning into an entrepreneur and becoming an official learning center in collaboration with the university and the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation.
What has been the outcome of this educational journey?
The transformation has been profound. I’ve gained extensive knowledge in organic farming, to the point where my farm is now 100% organic.
What is your next step?
I’ve come a long way, but I haven't reached my ultimate goal yet. I want to further develop this farm as a premier learning center. While it serves that purpose now, most visitors are from government agencies or the university. My next plan is to expand and welcome the general public. I am constantly striving to grow because of my daughter, who is part of the younger generation working in Bangkok. I want to show her the progress we’ve made and inspire her to return to agriculture, help with marketing, and live here at home together.
