The Co-Production and Sustainability Policies: Multi- Case Study in Water Management Policies in Thailand

Abstract

Co-production and sustainability are intertwined concepts, especially in water management. Co-production is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability by fostering collaboration between government representatives and community members to organize public services professionally. This study aimed to 1) comprehensively examine co-production in water management in Nan and Phayao Provinces and 2) investigate co-production models in policy formulation and implementation. It focuses on two case studies: Ban Tun Sub-district in Phayao Province and Rong Ngae Village in Nan Province, Thailand. This study adopted a qualitative research design, utilizing the methods of document analysis, in-depth interviews, and non-participatory observation. Data triangulation was employed to ensure data validity, and a semi-structured interview was utilized as the data collection tool. Content analysis and qualitative data analysis software were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed full co-production, influenced by norms and cultures, existing policies, and knowledge that collectively informed the relationships among the communities, stakeholders, and agencies working in the water management sector. The co-production model combined top-down and bottom-up policymaking, guided by Van Meter & Van Horn’s implementation model, promoting stakeholder collaboration for sustainable water management. Recommendations included 1) expanding knowledge and capacity-building for stakeholders in water management, encompassing existing knowledge bases and new technologies, and 2) developing explicit guidelines and improving communication channels to promote co-production.