Statistical Life Value Assessment of Agricultural Chemical Use by Durian Farmers in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

Durian is the fourth major economic crop according to the proactive agricultural map database, with a total cultivated area of 40,967 rai in 2020 (Office of Agricultural Economics, 2022).  Considering data from the 2020 household chemical use survey in Surat Thani Province, 12,795 households were involved in agricultural chemical use (Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Office, 2020).  Therefore, durian cultivation impacts farmers' human capital and promotes sustainable and efficient production.  This research conducted a statistical life value assessment of agricultural chemical use among durian farmers in Surat Thani Province.  The objective is to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals, contamination, and various pollutants (SDG 3.8), and significantly reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals, contamination, and air, water, and soil pollution by 2030.  Data used in this study were a questionnaire survey of 400 durian farmers in Surat Thani Province. Statistics used for analysis included mean, standard deviation, percentage, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and logistic regression.

The willingness-to-pay was 87.07 baht per person and factors influencing willingness-to-pay among the sample included external impact variables.  Those who did not perceive themselves to be externally impacted by chemical use were willing to pay less than those who perceived themselves to be impacted, with statistical significance at the 0.01 level.  For chemical knowledge variables, those with an average knowledge score below 5.0 were willing to pay less than those with an average knowledge score of 5.0 or higher, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. For the direct impact variable, those who did not perceive themselves to be directly impacted by chemical use were willing to pay less than those who perceived themselves to be impacted, with statistical significance at the 0.10 level.  The statistical life value of chemical use among durian farmers in Surat Thani Province was 2,808,710 baht.  Based on the findings, policy measures should be developed, such as establishing programs or support funds to reduce health risks associated with chemical use.  These measures would help improve farmers’ quality of life and promote sustainable agricultural development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals on good health and well-being.