Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainable Food

Abstract

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are the goals to be achieved by 2030 according to Sustainable Development Agenda. It aims to achieve the goals through increasing the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers which include indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers. The purpose of this article is to study causes of global hunger and SDGs Goal 2 for the guidelines of ending hunger and to suggest an aligning principle of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for solutions to hunger. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. It is found that Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), consistent with the SDG2 goal, has produced many best practices for the past two decades. It suggests the model of small farm management under “New Theory” based on Sufficiency Thinking. It provides guidelines for farmers to divide their plots into four sections under the 30:30:30:10 formula for integrated farming. This basic model can be modified to suit different geographical conditions and farm sizes, but it requires farmers to live their life with moderation, respect for, recognition of local knowledge and local management of natural resources. It can be a means to improve the quality of life in rural areas, ensure enough food for present and future generations, and generate sufficient income for farmers. Apart from gaining year-round food security from integrated farming, farmers eventually become debt-free and end hunger.