PARTICIPATIVE IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF MAE TACHANG RESERVOIR PROJECT, CHIAN GRAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this mixed-methods research were to 1) examine the factors or variables affecting the irrigation administration and management in the Mae Tachang Reservoir Project, Chiangrai Province, 2) investigate the level and relationship of geographic factors with irrigation administration and management, 3) assess public opinion on whether the Mae Tachang Reservoir Project in Chiangrai Province has affected the happiness of residents, and 4) examine the problems and obstacles faced in irrigation administration and management. The population in this research, obtained through multi-stage random sampling, comprised the residents in water-receiving areas of the Mae Ta Chang Reservoir and stakeholders.  A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed.

The findings revealed that most of the samples were male, married, aged between 51 and 60 years old, completed their lower secondary education, worked as general laborers earning between 1,001 and 1,500 baht per month, and had resided in the area for more than 21 years. The sample group’s opinions regarding irrigation administration and management were overall rated at the highest level, with their overall happiness similarly reported at a high level. The geographical factors in terms of monthly income and duration of residency in the district, exhibited varying effects on irrigation administration and management differently, whereas other demographic factors showed no differences. Factors based on the organizational development model comprised of leaders, team members, motivation, engagement and acceptance, and participation were significant and related to the success of the construction performance of the Mae Ta Chang reservoir construction project.