In the water, there are fish. In the fields, there is water Cracking ‘Living with floods’ concept behind Bang Rakam Model Flood Retention Management

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate that the flood retention management on upper Chao Phraya lowland known as the Bang Rakam Model was developed based on the concept of "Living with Floods." This kind of water management is implemented in areas that experience recurrent flooding, where local communities have adapted their livelihoods to coexist with flood conditions. However, in this context, "living with floods" does not refer to natural flooding but rather to flood retention on rice fields. The regulation of water inflow into rice fields is managed through a coordinated planting and water distribution calendar. This affects the adjustment of the rice production rhythm and rice production methods in the area, as well as the way of life of the people in the area who have a variety of occupations.

This article presents empirical findings from field data collection in 2017, the inaugural year of the Bang Rakam Model project. Despite the passage of time, several key challenges persist. First, there has been no compensation provided to farmers whose rice fields are used for water retention. Second, the water management approach has significantly impacted agricultural production cycles, imposing constraints on farmers. These challenges include the necessity of cultivating only rice varieties with a short growing season, reduced market value due to high moisture content in harvested rice, and the practice of burning rice stubble to expedite the transition to the next planting cycle in accordance with the irrigation schedule.