Water Management for Agriculture during Drought of Farmers Using Water under Mae Faek-Mae Ngat Operation and Maintenance Project, Sansai District, Chiang Mai

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate: 1) water management strategies employed by during drought; 2) factors affecting which aspect of water management for agriculture during drought; and 3) guidelines for the management of water during drought. A set of questionnaires was used for data collection administered with a sample group of 305 farmers using water of Mae Faek-Mae Ngat operation and maintenance project. Obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Result of the study revealed that, as a whole, the responds had moderate level of water management for agriculture ( =3.17). Based on its details, the reduction of an amount of water used for agriculture was found to have the highest average mean score. This was followed by management of water resource conservation; change of culverted plant varieties; cultivation area management; and finding new water sources. The following had an effect on water management for agriculture during drought with a statistical significance level (Sig.<0.05): farming area; information perception about water management; and irrigational personnel contact. The following were guidelines for water management for agriculture during drought: 1) expansion of water supply area; 2) repairing irrigation canals before the growing season; 3) making a survey for the construction of new water storage sources; 4) support on reforestation in water shade areas; 5) setting a policy on measure to prevent forest encroachment or deforestation; 6) support on knowledge transfer about appropriate use of water for agricultural during drought; and 7) providing an opportunity for farmers and concerned private agencies to participate in the determination of water management direction and readiness preparation together with concerned public agencies.