Community Participation in Water Management for Agriculture in Phra Phloeng, Khao Chakan, Srakaew, Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study (1) the context of Phra Phloeng Sub-district, Khao Chakan District, Srakaew Province, which facilitate the community participation in water management for agriculture and (2) the community participation in water management for agriculture. The research methodology is the interviewing 6 key informants and using questionnaire with 400 water users in Phra Phloeng Sub-district. The results show that (1) An agricultural area of Phra Phloeng Sub-district is 164,675 rai. The area is plateau and there are two lines of small natural canals and one swamp which become water resources for agriculture and consumption plentifully. Moreover, an agricultural land use of Phra Phloeng Sub-district is farming, field of fruit trees and vegetables respectively. The important agricultural water resources in Phra Phloeng Subdistrict are Phra Sathong canal and Phra Phloeng canal and various natural water sources. The important economic crops in Phra Phloeng Sub-district are rice, corn, sugarcane, etc. (2) The most effective way to manage water resources for agriculture in Phra Phloeng Sub-district is to develop social capital and to encourage community participation and also to create networks and cooperation from all sectors. The emphasis on the participation process is an important supporting factor. The short-term management is to develop the existing water resources. The Medium-term management is to procure new water storage. The Long-term management is to induce the "Forest Mountain" Sustainable Forest Management and new theory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to be water management guideline.