| The objectives of this qualitative study are to find out what factors contribute to the viability of the FAs and, meanwhile, to explain how and why these factors assist to their viability. The study specifically explores the absence of the factors in the non-viable FAs that present in the viable FAs.; This multiple case study is an in-depth investigation of two viable FAs and two non-viable FAs from two districts of Chiangmai. The cases were systematically selected by multiple random sampling techniques. Unstructured interviews, participated observation, and documentary analysis were the main techniques of data collecting in the fieldwork, which lasted five months.; The findings reveal that economic benefit is the primary motive that draws members together during the years of the viable FAs. All four FAs are state dependent organizations and serve only a single-purpose function of providing agricultural. It also finds that there are several economic and social changes surrounding the FAs such as the increased use of chemical fertilizer and the increase of land value.; Several influential and dominant factors contribute to the viability of the FAs. Leadership is identified as a dominant factor. The leaders of the viable FAs gained power on the basis of their honest, devoted actions and communicative abilities. Leaders of the viable FAs were seen as economically, politically and socially patronizing the FAs' members. Leaders' influences result from the leaders' own ascribed status, i.e. wealth, relatives and education. Leaders of the viable FAs gain acceptance and have networks with other individuals, groups and organizations outside the FAs, including government officials.; Membership is founded as an influential factor. Members of both the viable and non-viable FAs lack potential participation. They are highly dependent on leaders. Relationships between leaders and members are patron-client relationship, whereas relationships between the members are based on a dyadic relationship among relatives and neighbors.; The study finally provides theoretical implications for the development of viable FAs, as well as recommendations for future research on viability of small farmer organizations. |
