Development and Tribal Agricultural Economy in a Yao Mountain Village in Northern Thailand

This paper examines the impact of development upon a tribal agricultural economy. Through an analysis of the major changes in agricultural orientation, production, and investment in "Greenhill," a Yao mountain village in northern Thailand, it argues that development can both promote and retard a tribal economy, depending on its foci, orientation, methodology, implementation, and local circumstances. Using the Royal Hilltribe Development Program (RHDP) as an example, it demonstrates how development may positively contribute to a tribal people's long-term well-being. The paper further illuminates the fact that ecological, economic, and social sustainability, the three major requirements of sustainable agriculture, often determine the outcomes of a development program. This case study contributes to the understanding of development issues in tribal societies in Thailand as well as in other parts of Southeast Asia.