WATER MANAGEMENT PROCESS BASED ON LOCAL WISDOM OF COMMUNITIES HUEANG BASIN IN LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate local wisdom practices, water management processes, and the development and evaluation of a strategic plan for water management based on local wisdom in communities within the Hueang River Basin, Loei Province. Mixed-methods research aimed to study local wisdom practices, water management processes, and the formulation and evaluation of a strategic plan for water management based on local wisdom in the Heuang River Basin communities, Loei Province. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from 45 monks and residents across upstream, midstream, and downstream areas, including Ban Mueang Phrae (Na Haeo District), Ban Na Kha (Dan Sai District), and Ban Tha Di Mi (Chiang Khan District). Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants, including monks, community leaders, local sages, youth representatives, volunteers, and public and private sector officials. The findings revealed that: 1) Local wisdom practices in water management in the Heuang River Basin are deeply intertwined with nature, the environment, and community beliefs. These include local folklore, spillway weirs, mountain water supply systems, waterwheels, and the ritual of feeding water spirits, reflecting the intergenerational transmission of knowledge adapted to the local context. 2) Regarding the water management process based on local wisdom, the residents' overall opinion was at a high level across all dimensions ( = 4.41, S.D. = 0.50). and 3) The formulation and evaluation of the strategic plan indicated that sustainable water management must center on local wisdom. This approach should be integrated with collaboration among the government, communities, local organizations, and relevant stakeholders to enhance management efficiency, mitigate conflicts, and foster water resource sustainability in the Heuang River Basin.