Ecohydrology of the Muang Fai Irrigation System for Agriculture in Headwaters and River Sources

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the Muang Fai irrigation system of

agricultural areas in headwaters and river sources of ecohydrological type, and 2) propose the guidelines for sustainable community-based water resources management for headwaters and river sources for agricultural areas. This participatory research focuses in the area of headwaters and river sources of the agricultural community of the Pgazkoenyau ethic group in Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Province. The findings indicate that the villagers attach importance to rice, forest and water. This holisticness brings together the elements of the holism of the villages or watershed both directly and indirectly to drive the Muang Fai irrigation system in an interdependent manner. This holistic system includes human resources, soil, water, forest, fire, agriculture, economy and culture. This system is interwoven by the hydrographical process and the ecosystem as an interconnecting network and driving force in the components of the Muang Fai irrigation system. Concerning the proposed guidelines for water management in the agricultural areas in headwaters and river sources, it is suggested that the cultivators should be given to understand the value of agriculture in terms of sufficiency. Still, they have to be incorporated the notion of creating economic value added and developing agricultural areas in accordance with the conservation of natural lands in a parallel manner holistically and interdependently. Moreover, in order to increase the effectiveness of water resources management, it is necessary to promote the perception and creation of shared value towards the concept and approach of water management and related spatial contexts based on the same norm. Water management also needs the integration of interdisciplinary areas of knowledge to be applied and adapted in the operation of water management by giving fair share of benefits