Adjustment of coconut planters and middlemen in the Ai - Robotics era: a case study of farmers and coconut washes in Song Buri-Sri Mahasamut area

Abstract

This research illustrates the relationship between coconut farmers and middlemen in the 3 dimensions; economic, social and cultural of Samut Songkhram Province and Samut Sakhon. The research data was collected under qualitative research methods. The analysis and data classification were using a qualitative research method such as narrative analysis.

The study found that the adaptation of coconut farmers and middlemen involved a process of adjusting to various changing circumstances over time. They recognized the issues arising from the resulting impacts and adapted to the specific situations. They learned to address these problems by drawing upon their experiences, local wisdom, accumulated knowledge, management skills, and by modifying their approaches and methods in response to the changing times. This was done to survive and align with the evolving way of life. The relationship between coconut farmers and middlemen is characterized by a fusion of interests, and they actively support each other in the continuity of the coconut cultivation profession. This partnership has endured for many generations, spanning a long period in history. It has transformed into a way of life, a tradition, and a cultural aspect in the eyes of the coconut farmers.

In the age of AI-Robotics, both coconut farmers and middlemen have adapted to survive, but the middlemen have shown a greater capacity to align themselves with this technological era while coconut farmers have made fewer changes and continue to rely on traditional methods in coconut farming. Therefore, The government and private sectors or related parties should develop the potential of coconut farmers to be able to compete and have stable career advancement as well as promote projects and activities to create awareness of global changes.