Custom Hire Systems for Agricultural Machines in Southeast Asia — In a Rural Community in Thailand —

A distinctive feature analysis of custom hire systems is made in an attempt to clarify the process of technology acceptance in relation to demographic changes in mobility at the frontier in the western part of Thailand. Field surveys reveal that the mental component to agricultural mechanization varies from one community to another. There was a comprehensive settlement scheme at the study site around 40 years ago. Farmers suggested that a custom hire service would constitute a reliable tool for implementing specific farming practices and obtaining a reasonable income. To cope with the difficulties involved in securing a cheaper workforce and the necessary operating capital convinced the farmers that a professional custom hire business would be useful for achieving sustainable agriculture.