German-Thai cooperation project to strengthen the sustainability of agricultural systems through innovation networks
Promoting innovative solutions to strengthen the sustainability of agricultural production and management systems
The Project
The project supports the Thai government's efforts to transform the Thai agri-food sector. It builds networks of Thai and foreign technology and service partners, farmers and other stakeholders in key value chains in the country to implement and demonstrate innovative solutions based on the concept of agroecology to improve the sustainability of agricultural value chains in Thailand. The results of the demonstrations will be made available to all network partners and beyond to increase the adoption of these innovations and thus the sustainability of Thailand's agricultural production.
Project duration | January 2024 to December 2026 |
Project goals
- Building networks between technology and service partners, farmers and other stakeholders in key value chains in Thailand
- Networking of providers and potential users of sustainable innovations
- Joint development, implementation and presentation of selected sustainable innovations
- Dissemination of information on sustainable solutions and promotion of their implementation by other network members
Results and successes
The Project will increase the efficiency of the use of farm inputs and the farm productivity through increasing the mechanisation and digitalization of the agricultural production. It will reduce the particulate matter pollution from burning of crop residues through increasing alternative use of the residues and it will increase soil fertility through promotion of agroecological practices.
The project began its work on 1 January 2024. It builds on the findings of the first German-Thai bilateral cooperation project, which was successfully completed on 31 December 2023.
Project partners and cooperations
- Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC):
- Bureau of Foreign Agricultural Affairs (BOFAA)
- Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) - Network of technology, knowledge and service providers in Thailand and abroad
- Innovative Thai farmers and farmer groups
- Other actors in the agricultural value chains in Thailand
Agriculture in Thailand
Thai farms are still predominantly small and medium-sized. Structural change is imminent in the coming years as farm managers age and the profitability of smallholder farms is not sufficient to maintain them. Soil fertility is declining due to unsuitable farming methods and the excessive use of agrochemicals. Farmers lack the knowledge to minimise the environmental impact of agriculture or to mitigate the risks of climate change.