The Development of Water User Organizations Participation in Water Management in the Western Southern River Basin

Abstract

This research article aims; 1) to study water management in the western southern river basin; 2) to analyze the components of water user organizations' participation in water management; and 3) to propose ways to enhance the participation of water user organizations in water management in the western southern river basin. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data from a sample of 360 water user organization members in the western southern river basin and conducting focus group discussions with 15 representatives from water user organizations, watershed committees, and government agencies involved in water resource management. Quantitative data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

The study revealed the following key findings 1) Water management in the western southern river basin is at a moderate level (= 3.50, S.D. = 0.75). Water management still faces challenges in terms of the lack of continuity in coordination between water user organizations and relevant agencies. The water user organizations in the area are not yet strong enough and lack understanding of their roles and responsibilities. 2) The components of water user organizations' participation in water management in the western southern river basin consist of four factors, which explain 66.268% of the total variance: 1) Support for Water Management (44.41%), 2) Collaboration and Unity (8.74%), 3) Understanding of Water Management and Laws (7.00%), and 4) Leadership (6.11%). 3) The focus group discussions confirmed the proposed ways to enhance water user organizations' participation in water management in the western southern river basin. The four components are interconnected and essential. Support from government agencies, promotion of collaboration, knowledge of water laws, and effective leadership are key factors in strengthening the participation of water user organizations in water management, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of water resource management processes.