One of the Department of Agricultural Extension's responsibilities is farm youth development. Various efforts have been made to help young people in agricultural sector as the project "Enhancement of Farm Youth Network for Agricultural Career" which was supported by FAO and conducted in 2001 is one of them. The objectives of the project are 1) To increase productivity and work opportunity in the agricultural sector by instigating training, exchange programs and workshop. 2) To introduce farm youth to a wide range of agriculture related activities, network and essential knowledge to prepare them for self-development.
A series of activities have been conducted accordingly : Workshop seminar took 3 days from 23-25 June 2001. Its objectives were (1) To provide knowledge on family planning, HIV/ AIDS and drug abuse to participants. (2) To inform the participants of the project "Enhancement of Farm Youth Network for Agriculture Career". (3) To let participants exchange views and experiences of farm youth activities. It was observed that participants had taken active participation in the course; exchanged ideas and experiences on agriculture careers; satisfied with the contents of the course such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, family planning, sustainable agriculture, and information technology; and requested for more often workshop. Agricultural activity Improvement occurred during July to December 2001. The purpose of the activity is to prepare four 4-H clubs in Udonthani, Surin, Buriram, and Ratchaburi province for hosting training course for farm youth from Laos. Lao-Thai Farm Youth Training course provided opportunity for Lao farm youth to experience farming practices in Thailand while creating awareness of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, family planning and environment preservation. Two identical courses were conducted for 6 Lao who were accompanied by 3 Thai farm youth in October and December 2001. It was found that the Lao participants were anxious to try new agricultural technology they had experienced in Thailand in their own country. Korean-Thai International Farm Youth Exchange Program (IFYE) was an intention to provide Thai and Korean farm youth an opportunity to participate in social, cultural and physical activities in agricultural and related fields. The first exchange of 4-H club members led by organization personnel were conducted in September and November 2001. The program was found highly appreciated and very useful to participants. The continuation of the program was requested by both Korean and Thai participants.