Quality of life of cattle and buffalo farmers in Sawatthi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research aims to study (1) basic information on cattle and buffalo raising of farmers, (2) the impacts on the quality of life of cattle and buffalo raising farmers, and (3) guidelines for developing the quality of life of cattle and buffalo farmers in Sawatthi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. This research is qualitative research. The target group is specifically selected as 6 cattle and buffalo farmers living in Sawatthi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. The instrument used in this research was an open-ended interview. This study analyzed content data and presented it descriptively. The research results found that Sawathi Subdistrict has an area suitable for raising cows and buffaloes. The general area is rice fields and plateaus. In 2016, the “Nong Ping Community Cow Group” was established and a group committee was appointed. There are rules and regulations to operate in the group format, including proper animal husbandry and pen management, and feeding according to animal nutrition principles. The impacts on the quality of life of cow and buffalo farmers found that economic instability, poor health, and concerns among farmers, which affected the quality of farmers due to lack of income from economic instability. Guidelines for improving the quality of life of cattle and buffalo farmers found that (1) farmers wanted the government to support the health care of cows and buffaloes and develop and improve the breed of cows and buffaloes. (2) Increase the area sufficient for raising cows and buffaloes. (3) Find a market to support and adjust the price of cows and buffaloes for farmers so that farmers will have income to expand in the future. In addition, some farmers want to create a cow and buffalo enterprise group to provide additional income to farmers whose income is not enough to make a living.