Farmer Management of Check Dam in Khun Changkien Village in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research had three main objectives : to study check dam management,  to identify appropriate measures of check dam management and to examine problems and obstacles associated with check dam management for agricultural practice of farmers in Khun Changkien village. Population studied were 246 farmers in Khun Changkien village. It was found that farmers managed their check dam in the similar way as other groups. Management process included four steps: surveying potential area for building the check dam, convening village residents in order to divide them into groups that  were in charge of building the check dam, building the check dam, and inspecting the check dam in order to evaluate whether it meet the standards. Nonetheless, the check dam was not maintained. Appropriated measures of check dam management suggested by Changkien residents included check dams or a large reservoir should be located in close proximity to agricultural areas and should be strong. Finally, problems and obstacles of check dam construction included tough topography of the area that a check dam would be located, delayed tool relocation to check dam construction site. In addition, some check dams were not utilized efficiently.