Investigation of rubber-based intercropping system in Southern Thailand

The objectives were: to investigate the differences in the socio-economic characteristics of rubber farmers who operate either a rubber mono-cropping system (RMCS) or a rubber-based intercropping system (RBIS), to identify RMCS farmer's attitudes toward RBIS, to determine the decision-making factors influencing the adoption of RBIS, and to examine the different types of intercrop available. The study areas were in Kaopra sub-district, Songkhla province and Tamod sub-district, Phattalung province, Thailand, since in these areas there is already some practice of RBIS. The findings revealed that the size of the rubber tapping area is a significant factor in the adoption of either RMCS or RBIS. The significant factors positively influencing RMCS farmers toward adopting RBIS were: members in the household, level of RBIS knowledge, attendance at an RBIS workshop, and rubber growing experience. The study's findings suggest that rubber intercropping tutorials are a driving force behind the adoption of RBIS. Whilst, it would seem to be a good idea to promote the expansion of the RBIS area in the future, this will be quite difficult to achieve in practice if left to happen naturally and there should be positive measures adopted to promote this expansion.