WINDS OF CHANGE: GUIDELINES FOR ADAPTING THE OCCUPATIONS OF WHITE SHRIMP FARMING FROM THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING BY A CASE STUDY OF THE BAN BANG RAET COMMUNITY, BAN PHOENG SUB-DISTRICT, PAK PHANANG DISTRICT, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article aimed to study 1) The conditions of occupational problems in white shrimp farming and 2) Guidelines for adapting the occupations of white shrimp farming from the impacts of flooding by a case study of the Ban Bang Raet Community. The research used qualitative research methods. Key informants consisted of two groups, including the primary key informants, with a total of seven persons, and the secondary key informants, with a total of six persons. The research instruments consisted of a camera, observation records, a questionnaire, and an audio recorder. The data was collected through field observations in the community, connection-building, and coordination. The results of the research found that. 1) Conditions of occupational problems in white shrimp farming indicated flooding decreased water quality and affected the white shrimp both in terms of production quality and shrimps might develop disease or die. Water from flooding would be a carrier of germs. If the shrimp were still small, there is a high risk that the shrimp would die and be at risk of disease. Additionally, if there were constant rains, it would increase the water level, which would overflow the banks and suddenly decrease the quality of water by lowering the water temperature, affecting the shrimps’ adaptation to temperature. 2) Guidelines for adapting the occupations of white shrimp farming indicated the adjustment in the method of shrimp farming, adjustments in distribution channels, and protections on the livelihood of the villagers with involvement from the Fisheries District Office. In order for farmers who worked in white shrimp farming to receive compensation, they must have registered with the Department of Fisheries. The private sector adjusted its operations by expanding the distribution channels, adding online channels for sales, and sending its products to factories, companies, and organizations that bought shrimps with mutual and constant support.