Participation of Farmers in Agricultural Water Management in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the participation and factors influencing the participation in water management for agriculture by using quantitative and qualitative research. In the quantitative part of this research study, data were collected using questionnaires with a sample of 400 households who were farmers with the status of being heads of households or representatives of heads of households. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean comparison and One-way ANOVA. The qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews with 8 key informants from the Provincial Agriculture Office; District Agriculture Office Irrigation Office 7, Department of Water Resources Region 11 Office, Department of Groundwater Resources District 11, Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administrative Organization, a representative of the President of the Pipeline Irrigation Farmers Group, and a representatives of large farmer groups.

The results showed that the sample group participated in water management for agriculture at a low level. Factors influencing participation in water management were statistically significant at the .05 level, including the number of household member nature of land ownership water user group membership knowledge of water management. Problems and obstacles in water management were found including problems with participation in planning, expressing opinions, inadequate information on water management, and lack of proper knowledge and understanding about water management. Recommendations from the research was that government agencies should give farmers the opportunity to participate in every step to share their opinions as well as attending meetings and trainings. Information and knowledge about agricultural water management should be disseminated focusing on the benefits and problems arising from the water resource development project along with organizing activities to promote effective water management.