Participatory Water Management for Agriculture in Tha Khamin Subdistrict, Pho Thale District, Phichit Province

Abstract

The objective of the research was: to present management guidelines for participatory water management for agriculture in Tha Khamin Sub- district, Pho Thale District, Phichit Province. The research methodology was the qualitative research, In- depth interviews with 18 key informants using structured interview forms and descriptive content analysis techniques.

The findings of this research were as following:

1. Participation in the evaluation found that 1) should allow water users to be able to monitor and keep the canal not to shallow or in damaged, 2) regularly inspect to monitor the need of using water of farmers in the area, and 3) water management results should be informed in the production period so that planning can be made to solve water management problems that may occur in the next production period.


2. Participation in the decision making found that 1) there should be a forum for opinions to acknowledge the problem, 2) the committee and chairman of the water users should be selected, 3) the rules and penalties should be specified in sharing water, 4) Responsibilities should be defined and the cycle date is determined for opening and closing times, and 5) problems or needs of water users should be exchanged together.


3. Participation in the action found that 1) should send the officials or representatives of the community to propose water management for agriculture 2) create a public mind to donate money, materials used for canal maintenance, 3) should have activities for dredging up the canal, 4) campaign for water saving and jointly maintain the clean water source, and 5) should organize a village community in order to find an agreement to resolve conflicts arising from the use of water in the area.


4. Participation in receiving benefits found that 1) should publicize in order to receive the water cycle correctly and quickly, 2) should manage water to be sufficient for agriculture 3) should be allocated sharing water with members to meet their needs, 4) systematic water management, and 5) guidelines for community agreements to be able to negotiate for additional water from the irrigation.