Strategic choices of harvesting operators as a cause of open-field burning of rice straw in Thailand

Details

Supervisors

Adant, Ignace ; Gaspart, Frédéric

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences agronomiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This thesis is a comprehensive study on rice production and socio-economic challenges associated with rice straw management in Thailand. The overall objective of this project is to attempt to understand why farmers are burning rice straw in the fields. To try and answer this complex question, we critically examine the existing literature. This has resulted in the identification of specific conditions related to rice production and straw management where open field burning becomes the only viable choice for farmers. Building on these foundations, we've identified key characteristics of rice production to uncover the cause of open field burning. Mechanization is a central aspect, where farmers depend on service operators with combine harvesters. The importance lies in the need for quick land preparation, optimal harvest timing, and addressing labor shortages and equipment costs. Thus, the effectiveness of the harvesting service is crucial for the farmers. In this context, we have elaborated a situation referred to as the "Combine Tragedy". The service operators are in competition with each other, because of this competition, there is no motivation to invest in ways to enhance their machines or the capacity to handle a more important number of paddies. As a consequence of this situation, farmers are left waiting in queues and after harvest, the time left to manage the straw scattered across the field is so short that open field burning becomes the only viable choice for farmers. To illustrate that the identified causes generate the observed effect, we created a model. The result of this model showed indeed the negative impact of competition between the operators on possible improvement. This model serves not only as an analytical tool to understand current practices but also as a foundation for developing strategies that could steer farmers toward sustainable alternatives. The model highlights economic causality, and we suggest an unconventional solution: spatial monopolies. This would involve geographical segmentation, characterized by multiple small spatial monopolies granted by authorities like the Ministry of Agriculture. The insights acquired from this study could guide policymakers and stakeholders in fostering a future where rice straw would been seen as a resource and not waste, to develop sustainable and economically viable strategies for rice straw valorization.