Food Security in the Water Dimension of the Agricultural Community Ban Buakasma, Yala Province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative study were to: 1) survey food security in relation to water issues in the Ban Buakasma Agricultural Community, Yala Province, 2) analyze the preliminary quality of water intended for consumption by the villagers in the Ban Buakasma Agricultural Community, Yala, and 3) design and implement activities to promote food security and strengthen the villagers of the Ban Buakasma Agricultural Community, Yala. The participants included 10 households engaged in a project to rehabilitate abandoned paddy fields into organic ones in Yala, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Research instruments included focus group discussions, interviews, observations, and water sample quality evaluations. The findings are organized into three aspects: 1) the historical context of the area and current water-related issues, 2) a survey of food security concerning water issues and an analysis of water quality for villagers' consumption, and 3) the design and implementation of activities to enhance food security and strengthen the community.  The results revealed concerns about the overall water quality used in households. Furthermore, the villagers lacked knowledge about water quality and methods to improve it. Although the community retained local wisdom knowledge of water filtration using natural materials, its continuity was limited. Additionally, food security was related to dimension of religious and culture. Lastly, the lack of food security in the water dimension of the community was partly attributed to weaknesses within the community and local governing organizations responsible for oversight.