Traditional ecological knowledge in irrigation water management in Tanah Datar District West Sumatera

Abstract

Traditionally, the management of water resources in West Sumatera is based on Minangkabau custom, such as the Paraku irrigation system. During these past thirty years, the government has been introduced Water User Association (“P3A” in Bahasa Indonesia) as a formal institution to manage irrigation water. Yet, the farmers still manage the irrigation water under Paraku system. Thus, this study’s main objectives are to evaluate the traditional ecological knowledge and it’s embedded in the irrigation system, evaluate the elements of cultural changes that impact the Paraku irrigation management, and assess the sustainability of the Paraku irrigation system. This study used a qualitative method to collect the data from January 2021 to August 2021. The results showed that the Paraku management is traditional ecological knowledge based on traditional custom. The practices are based on conservation minds in traditional ecological practices. Due to the global economy and high market value, the social framework, knowledge system, environmental condition has changed. Thus, the collective action to conserve the value and tradition of the Paraku is needed to sustain the system.