Sustainable Knowledge, Understanding, and Public Participation in the Construction of Water-Retaining Structures: A Case Study of Kamphaeng Sao Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57260/csdj.2025.272327Keywords:
Public participation, Sustainability, Construction, Water-retaining structuresAbstract
This study investigates the realms of 1) Level of the knowledge and understanding in the construction of water-retaining structures, and 2) Public participation pertaining to the construction of water-retaining structures. Employing a mixed-method approach, it combines both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. For quantitative research, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 363 Rural Community Members in Agriculture, underwent scrutiny through measures such as frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Concurrently, qualitative data emanated from interviews and observations conducted with 29 key informants, comprising community members engaged in agriculture, government officials, students, and leaders. The findings of the study were as follows: 1) Level of the knowledge and understanding in the construction of water-retaining structures, in all aspects was high spanning various facets of construction, including land surveys, design, materials, site planning, and the construction process itself. 2) Public participation: the participants exhibited a profound understanding of water-retaining structure erection, underlining the significance of public participation. Community-driven construction of water-retaining structures promotes decision-making, unity, and mutual benefits. Utilizing local resources, especially bamboo, aids environmental preservation. The adoption of bamboo weirs enhances cooperation, ensuring year-round water access and strengthening community bonds. Decentralized responsibilities foster collaboration, improving community relationships. These structures yield intellectual, economic, and social gains, benefiting agriculture and reducing drought risks. Ongoing evaluation and stakeholder collaboration ensure project success, enhancing community knowledge, understanding and sustainability. This collaborative culture encourages inclusivity and long-term stability, reducing external support dependency.
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