Upland Rice and Food Security of Highland Ethnic Groups in Chiang Mai

Abstract

This research aimed to study food security of ethnic groups and to propose guidelines for the creation of ethnicity food security for the people in Chiang Mai. The sample was 41 villages who were responsible for their families’ food. Data were collected by the completion of interview questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results showed that the sample population needs yield of rice about 103 tons paddy/year to be sufficient for consumption. The problem could be solved by: 1) increasing yield of upland rice 2) changing to rice of terrace paddy cultivation and 3) moving rice from flat to highland areas. Consideration should be given to the mix of options, depending on which option was appropriated to the area and status of the ethnic groups in the area. It should also consider the impact on the highland environment on the concept of rehabilitation and conservation of forest resources