Of 1,771 families in a valley, mostly of farmers, the target location is situated in Mekhong sub-basin where eight tributaries constitute the ecology and supply water for livelihood. The farming practice of heavily applying chemical plant hormone, fertilizer and pesticides had,as revealed by Tambol Fundamental Public Health office, evidently affected bodily health as well as soil and water quality. The chemical residue runs off into the Kok River, the main tributary in the area, then to the Mekhong River.

As chemical use increases to ensure expected yield, most pests adapt and become immune requiring more and more chemical and incurring cost. The average income per day per head is Baht: 60.

Providing skill training on Integrated Pest Management, production of organic fertilizer and pesticide, putting what have been learnt into practice and promoting market for product would contribute to reversing degrading situation, both in term of environment and livelihood.

Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1.To raise awareness of target population and reduce toxic chemicals in agricultural practice
2.To promote chemical-free or least chemical options in agriculture
3.To empower target population in formulating strategic goal to protect quality of water and water resource

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Building capacity of target group (schools & community members) through training / study tour on Surveying the Effect of Toxic Chemicals , appropriate crops and organic technology
2.Launching pilot plantation of rice, vegetable and other agronomic crops
3.Launching survey on community water resources, compiling, analyzing and strategizing goal for improving water quality

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

Tambol Administrative Organizations in the target area, Chiangrai Provincial Land Development Station, Tambol and District Agricultural Office, District Public Health Office, Thai Education Foundation and Chiangrai Provincial Primary Education Office

Anticipated results of project:

1.Emergence of 84 able leaders , data & information on chemicals ( types, classification, direction for use and their effects on environment) , goal and plan for use reduction of chemical and community action plan for protecting/improving water resources
2.Additional income of Baht: 300.-500./month from food processing and biological solution
3.Availability of Toxic-free vegetable for consumption and sales