Application of Group Theory and Participatory Theory for Water Management in the Forest Communities of Phu Tham and Kaeng Lawa in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This article aims to 1) describe the context of and information about water resource management projects in Khon Kaen Province; 2) study problems of water resource management in 2 areas in Khon Kaen Province, nanely Phu Tham forest community and Kaeng Lawa area; 3) examine solutions of water resource management in the two study areas; and 4) offer suggestions for water resource management in the two study areas using the group and participatory theories. This article relied on secondary data derived from various sources and employed a content analysis. Regarding Phu Tham forest community, severe and recurrent droughts have been the main problem of this area. The successful water management solutions of Phu Tham forest community stemmed from community social capital which refers to the cooperation of all community members in planning mutual solutions, adapting the New Theory Agriculture in the area, focusing on monocropping, and creating a local innovation and wisdom, called “Kha Khae,” to promote the success and sustainability of water resource management in Phu Tham forest community. In terms of Kaeng Lawa area, its main problems were recurring flooding and droughts. Kaeng Lawa area’s water management solutions included establishing community leaders who were responsible for encouraging community members to participate in all water management processes. Moreover, there were community funds which will be used for all aspects of water resource management in Kaeng Lawa area. Finally, community members have reached a mutual agreement on initiating collective farms—pooling farmers land and resources— in order to solve floods and droughts and achieve mutual benefits.