1.2 Coordonnées des personnes-ressources et des institutions impliquées dans l'évaluation et la documentation de l'Approche

Nom du projet qui a facilité la documentation/ l'évaluation de l'Approche (si pertinent)

Decision Support for Mainstreaming and Scaling out Sustainable Land Management (GEF-FAO / DS-SLM)

Nom du ou des institutions qui ont facilité la documentation/ l'évaluation de l'Approche (si pertinent)

Land Development Department (Land Development Department) - Thaïlande

1.3 Conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées

Le compilateur et la(les) personne(s) ressource(s) acceptent les conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées:

Oui

2.1 Courte description de l'Approche

A “soil doctor” network in Khon Kaen province has transformed saline areas previously dedicated to rice cultivation into sustainable, integrated farming systems.

2.2 Description détaillée de l'Approche

Description détaillée de l'Approche:

Most agricultural areas in Northeast Thailand rely on rainfall, and some face the added challenge of saline soils. Rice is the dominant crop, cultivated primarily under rain-fed conditions. However, climate variability has intensified, leading to changes in rainfall distribution and creating further uncertainty for farmers. Additionally, labour shortages have emerged due to an ageing population and rising labour costs. In response to these challenges, adjusting the agricultural system from monoculture rice cultivation to integrated farming offers a viable alternative for enhancing sustainability. Integrated farming promotes product diversity and food security, helping farmers reduce risks associated with climate variability and market fluctuations.
The Soil Doctor Network, a community-based initiative supported by the Land Development Department, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable land management. The program trains and empowers local farmers to become volunteer “soil doctors” who serve as local experts and advisors. These soil doctors undergo extensive training in soil management, integrated farming techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. They assist fellow farmers in improving soil health and adopting more resilient farming methods. Soil doctors are organized into local networks at the village or sub-district level. Experienced soil doctors lead these networks, acting as coordinators to ensure effective communication and collaboration among members. They also liaise with government agencies to secure technical support, financial assistance, and up-to-date information on sustainable farming practices.
A Soil Doctor Network’s impact can be witnessed in Ban Doo Noy, Non Daeng sub-district, Non Sila district, Khon Kaen province. This area, previously dedicated to monoculture rice cultivation conducted once a year, has undergone significant transformation through the adoption of integrated farming. Farmers have leveled fields, widened levees, dug ponds, drilled artesian wells, and diversified their crop production. Today, the farms in Ban Doo Noy feature a variety of crops, including rice, papaya trees, bananas, and grass for livestock grown on the levees, alongside vegetable cultivation. Post-harvest crops such as sunn hemp, sweet corn, sugar cane, and cattle raising have been incorporated, further enhancing productivity and resilience. The integrated farming system has also effectively addressed the issue of saline soils by improving soil structure, preserving moisture, and reducing salinity accumulation. The use of cover crops, crop rotation, and organic matter enrichment has played a crucial role in mitigating soil salinity and preserving the natural ecosystem. These sustainable practices have improved soil fertility and water retention, enabling farmers to maintain long-term agricultural productivity.
Through the sustained efforts of the Soil Doctor Network, local land users in Northeast Thailand are now better equipped to manage their land sustainably. By fostering knowledge-sharing and community-driven initiatives, the network has empowered farmers to reduce their reliance on external support while ensuring long-term productivity and resilience in the face of climate and economic challenges.

2.3 Photos de l'approche

2.5 Pays/ région/ lieux où l'Approche a été appliquée

2.6 Dates de début et de fin de l'Approche

2.7 Type d'Approche

• fondé sur un projet/ programme

2.8 Principaux objectifs de l'Approche

1.To establish a network of soil doctors who apply integrated farming techniques for the sustainable use of saline soil areas.
2.To disseminate knowledge on creating food diversity for households located in saline soil regions.
3.To facilitate access to support from both government and private sectors.

2.9 Conditions favorisant ou entravant la mise en œuvre de la(des) Technologie(s) appliquée(s) sous l'Approche

3.1 Parties prenantes impliquées dans l'Approche et rôles

3.2 Participation des exploitants locaux des terres/ communautés locales aux différentes phases de l'Approche

	Participation des exploitants locaux des terres/ communautés locales	Spécifiez qui était impliqué et décrivez les activités
initiation/ motivation	interactive	Focusing on creating awareness and building interest among local land users, SLM specialists, together with representatives from the Soil Doctor Network, engage local leaders, farmers, and landowners through meetings, workshops, and demonstrations to introduce the concept of integrated farming and its benefits. They emphasize raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable land management, such as improved soil health and increased productivity. Land users are motivated by the potential for higher yields, cost reduction, and long-term sustainability.
planification	interactive	Local land users are actively involved in the development of customized plans tailored to their specific needs and environmental conditions.
mise en œuvre	interactive	The implementation phase involves hands-on application of the planned activities, with local communities taking the lead.
suivi/ évaluation	interactive	Local land users are actively involved in the development of customized plans tailored to their specific needs and environmental conditions. Participatory monitoring, data collection, and community feedback are conducted periodically to review progress, share experiences, and discuss challenges. Adjustments and Scaling Up based on the evaluation, necessary adjustments are made to improve practices. Successful methods are scaled up, and new farmers are encouraged to join the network.

3.3 Diagramme/ organigramme (si disponible)

3.4 Prises de décision pour la sélection de la Technologie/ des Technologies

Indiquez qui a décidé de la sélection de la Technologie/ des Technologies à mettre en œuvre:

• principalement les spécialistes de la GDT, après consultation des exploitants des terres

Expliquez:

SLM specialists begin by conducting field assessments and consultations with local land users to understand the specific challenges, then identify appropriate technologies, considering factors such as local soil type, climate, land use, and farming practices.

Spécifiez sur quelle base ont été prises les décisions:

• l'évaluation de connaissances bien documentées en matière de GDT (prises de décision fondées sur des preuves tangibles)?

4.1 Renforcement des capacités/ formation

Une formation a-t-elle été dispensée aux exploitants des terres/ autres parties prenantes?

Oui

Spécifiez qui a été formé:

• exploitants des terres
• personnels/ conseillers de terrain

Si pertinent, spécifiez le genre, l'âge, le statut, l'ethnie, etc.

Individuals of all genders, aged 20 to 60, are trained.

Formats de la formation:

• entre agriculteurs (d'exploitants à exploitants)
• zones de démonstration
• réunions publiques

4.2 Service de conseils

Les exploitants des terres ont-ils accès à un service de conseils?

Oui

Spécifiez si le service de conseils est fourni:

• dans les champs des exploitants?
• dans des centres permanents

4.3 Renforcement des institutions (développement organisationnel)

Des institutions ont elles été mises en place ou renforcées par le biais de l'Approche?

• oui, beaucoup

Spécifiez à quel(s) niveau(x), ces institutions ont été renforcées ou mises en place:

• régional
• national

Décrivez l'institution, ses rôles et responsabilités, ses membres, etc.

Institution roles and responsibilities: 1.Policy Formulation: Develops national policies, guidelines, and standards for sustainable land management.
2.Technical Support: Provides training, tools, and materials to local soil doctors and communities. 3.Capacity Building: Organizes training programs to enhance the skills of local soil doctors. 4.Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversees the implementation of the Soil Doctor Network and ensures that land users follow SLM practices effectively. 5.Research and Innovation: Conducts research on innovative farming technologies and sustainable practices and disseminates findings to local communities.

Précisez le type de soutien:

• renforcement des capacités/ formation
• équipement

Donnez plus de détails:

The approach fosters collaboration between institutions at different levels—government, local communities, research bodies, and the private sector, to ensure sustainability and scalability. Strengthening these institutions enhances local capacity, promotes shared responsibility, and ensures the continued success of the Soil Doctor Network for Integrated Farming.

4.4 Suivi et évaluation

Le suivi et l'évaluation font ils partie de l'Approche? :

Oui

Si oui, ce document est-il destiné à être utilisé pour le suivi et l'évaluation?

Non

4.5 Recherche

La recherche a-t-elle fait partie intégrante de l’Approche?

Non

5.1 Budget annuel de la composante GDT de l'Approche

Si le budget annuel précis n'est pas connu, indiquez une fourchette:

• < 2 000

Commentez (par ex. principales sources de financement/ principaux bailleurs de fonds):

Farmers and landowners spent their own money.

5.2 Soutiens financiers/ matériels fournis aux exploitants des terres

Les exploitants des terres ont-ils reçu un soutien financier/ matériel pour la mise en œuvre de la Technologie/ des Technologies?

Non

5.3 Subventions pour des intrants spécifiques (incluant la main d'œuvre)

• aucun

5.4 Crédits

Des crédits ont-ils été alloués à travers l'Approche pour les activités de GDT?

Non

5.5 Autres incitations ou instruments

D'autres incitations ou instruments ont-ils été utilisés pour promouvoir la mise en œuvre des Technologies de GDT?

Non

6.1 Impacts de l'Approche

6.2 Principale motivation des exploitants des terres pour mettre en œuvre la GDT

6.3 Durabilité des activités de l'Approche

Les exploitants des terres peuvent-ils poursuivre ce qui a été mis en œuvre par le biais de l'Approche (sans soutien extérieur)?

• oui

Si oui, décrivez de quelle manière:

Land users can form local groups or cooperatives to share resources, exchange knowledge, and collectively address challenges. This reduces the need for external intervention by fostering peer-to-peer support. They can use locally available resources such as produce organic fertilizers (e.g., compost, manure) and soil amendments, reducing reliance on external inputs. Using simple soil-testing tools and techniques learned through the network, land users can periodically monitor soil health and adjust practices accordingly.

6.4 Points forts/ avantages de l'Approche

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue de l'exploitant des terres
Having an opportunity to see managing the integrated farming area which has been achieved and being able to adjust it in their own areas.
Having points of exchanging learning in the community, being able to access them easily.
Having an opportunity to receive advice and exchange knowledge both from officers and the soil doctor network.
Having an opportunity to receive support from government agencies and local agencies.

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé
Transferring the technology of the soil doctor network about self-reliance, family labor and factors in the farm. This helps reduce production costs.
Prototype soil doctors always provide knowledge data regarding production and give advice regarding suitable practices. This helps bring about security in occupation of the network group using integrated farming technology.

6.5 Faiblesses/ inconvénients de l'Approche et moyens de les surmonter

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue de l’exploitant des terres	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
Requiring a period of time for at least 3 years until changes can be seen in areas of saline soil.

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
Agricultural areas are still affected from water qualities for agriculture from artesian wells in terms of receiving brackish water during the dry season.	Some farmers solve the problem by digging a pond in the field to pull water from the artesian well to be stored before using it in the agricultural plot.

7.1 Méthodes/ sources d'information