Collaborative triangle for effective community water resource management in Thailand

Abstract

Water resource management through community collaboration is a crucial way to bring sustainability to water utilization. This study highlighted the key factors affecting community water resource management. The study was based on the Royal Initiated Project in Thailand's southern region. In this research, qualitative analysis was used and a case study was applied as the research strategy. The data were collected from relevant documents, observations, and in-depth interviews with 30 key informants consisting of 5 water resource management experts, 4 academics, 5 community leaders, 10 members of community water resource management committees, and 6 government organization officials. The data were analyzed using content analysis and accuracy checks were made with relevant people until a common conclusion was achieved. Then, synthesis was used to describe the context relationship linkages. The findings showed the importance of geography, lifestyle, sense of ownership, and modes of practices of people in the area as well as the involvement of a network of government agencies (Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute and local government agencies), Thammasat University, and the Ban Kuan community. The government agencies and Thammasat University played a partnership role in supporting the community in terms of transferring knowledge, helping with analysis of existing situations and problems, and giving guidance in problem-solving, supporting management-related issues, and coordinating with water resource management agencies and other government agencies. These interactions can transform the concept of community water resource management into actual practice and create sustainable development for the community. Moreover, the findings illustrated the key factors in community water resource management according to His Majesty the King's initiatives which include management-oriented, community-oriented, social network-oriented, and technology-oriented factors.