The community water management for agriculture by the Lanna's wisdom

Abstract

           The research on "Community Water Management for Agriculture Using Lanna Wisdom" aims to study the methods of water management for agriculture by utilizing Lanna wisdom and to examine community participation in the application of Lanna wisdom. Additionally, it seeks to develop a model for community water management for agriculture based on Lanna wisdom principles, which can be adapted to other communities with similar socio-geographical contexts.

The research methodology involves qualitative data collection methods, employing various participatory research techniques. These include in-depth interviews, participatory action research (PAR), focus group discussions, participant observation, and matrix ranking for prioritizing issues. The study engages both government officials and local residents in the target area.
           1. Community water management using Lanna wisdom can solve water scarcity issues affecting agricultural activities by preserving cultural wisdom, beliefs, and strict adherence to community rules. Leadership plays a crucial role in driving water management, acting as a liaison, planning activities, resolving conflicts among water users, and enforcing community regulations. These factors enable systematic and efficient water management, fostering self-sufficient communities.
          2. We will use Lanna wisdom to promote participation in agricultural water management through networks of government agencies, private sectors, and communities in Waranakon Subdistrict and Pa Laew Luang Subdistrict, Nan Province. These networks integrate traditional Lanna wisdom and modern irrigation knowledge to enhance cooperation, planning, and knowledge sharing, leading to effective water management in agricultural areas.
         3. The model for community water management for agriculture using Lanna wisdom principles results from community participation, supported by government and private sectors. This model can be adapted to communities with similar socio-geographical contexts. In Waranakon Subdistrict, Pua District, and Pa Laew Luang Subdistrict, Santisuk District, the use of technology in agricultural water management includes projects converting soil dams to concrete dams for effective water storage. Nan Province collaborates with civil society to secure funding for regional development, create socio-geographical plans, and appoint task forces at provincial, district, and subdistrict levels. Aerial photography surveys water resources, combining modern water management ideas with traditional Lanna wisdom. Using precise technology for water accounting, rainfall measurement, and water use planning helps manage agricultural water inputs. Knowledge transfer involves mapping water plans, calculating water balance, and GPS-based water resource mapping, allowing communities to have their own data. The model integrates modern agricultural theories with traditional Lanna wisdom, focusing on participatory irrigation management (PIM) for efficient water management development accordingly.