PARTICIPATION IN HILL WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT ON THE DROUGHT CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE IN MAE LO WATERSHED, MAE RIM DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed methods research aimed to: 1) study the participation level in managing the hill water supply system; 2) analyze the factors associating to public participation in managing the hill water supply system; and 3) synthesize the policy recommendations on hill water supply system management during drought conditions based on community participation. The research sample consisted of 180 locals in Mae Lo Watershed, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, and 21 stakeholders. Data were collected through a questionnaire, an informal interview, and a focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and content analysis. The results showed that the public participation in managing hill water supply systems during drought conditions was at a moderate level. The attitude towards the hill water supply system problems in drought conditions had positive correlations with the public participation in water supply management during drought conditions with statistical significance level at .05 (r = 0.383, p–value = 0.026). In conclusion, the stakeholders have suggested policy recommendations for promoting public participation in managing the hill water supply system during drought conditions as follows: 1) giving all households the right to equally access hill water supply; 2) preparing a systematic water management plan for consumption; and 3) getting support from local administrative organizations in management.