Participatory Local Water Management by Water User Organizations around Bung Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan Province, Based on the Principles of Aparihaniya Dhamma

Abstract

This research article aimed to propose guidelines for participatory local water management by water user organizations around Bueng Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan Province, based on the principle of Aparihaniya Dhamma. A mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of quantitative research with a sample of 362 individuals selected through random sampling from a total of 3,723 registered water users. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.981 was administered. The statistical methods applied for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 20 key informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The research findings revealed that: (1) in organizational meetings, members of the water user organizations should have increased their participation in expressing opinions so that government agencies could become genuinely aware of the organizations’ needs; (2) during meetings, members should have enhanced their participation by listening to the suggestions or guidelines provided by government agencies until the conclusion of the meetings; (3) members of the water user organizations had common rules and regulations to follow, and no member was expected to violate them; (4) members respected and listened to the advice of experts and relevant agencies, as well as the decisions of the chairperson of the water user organization; (5) members accepted and listened to one another’s opinions; (6) for effective water management, members of the water user organizations and related agencies were required to monitor the annual water volume in order to foster mutual understanding, prevent water shortages, and adapt their lifestyles or apply new innovations; and (7) cooperation between members of the water user organizations and government agencies was evident, in that when floods or droughts occurred- natural disasters that happened annually-members were expected to be aware of and adopt preventive measures.