Integrated Geographic Information Systems for Increase Rubber Farmer Income in Songkhla Province

Abstract

Among the economic crops, net income from rubber production is highest, formerly in the south Thailand.  However, at present, there is a problem of falling prices. The aim of this study was to determine suitable lands for economic crops in Chana district of Songkhla province for increase rubber farmer income. Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which are divided into 3 main factors consisting of physical factors, economic factors and environmental factors. Each side consists of 7 sub-factors, including topography, climate, soil, water sources, price, road and forest for 3 field economic crops, namely banana, pepper and teak. Result shows that there are estimate that 16.897% of the study area is highly suitable (S1) for economic crops. While 44.217% of the study area is moderately suitable (S2) for economic crops. In addition, there were found that the proportion of land that is currently unsuitable (S3) for economic crops is 25.066% of the study area. While the amount of land that is permanently unsuitable (N) is 13.819 of the study area. Hence, result of the study can be used to recommend suitable for economic crops planting for extra income for farmer.