Factors Influencing the Participation of Group on Water Resources at Nam Kian Watershed Maejo University Phrae , M.Sc. Forest Management

Abstract

The objectives were to study water using types and to study factors related to group
participation in water resources management in Nam Kian Watershed in Nan province. As to study the suitable model of water resource management. The data were collected
by administering questionnaires divided into 3 groups: 45 upstream, 20midstream,
230downstream, and in total was 295 samples. Data were analyzed with Multiple Linear
Regression. The dependent variable was the group participation in water resources
management (PAR). The 8 independent variables consisted of JOB, QTYAGRI, QTYDRINK,
PROBLEM, COM, SOURCEAGRI, EDU, and INC. The results showed most of informants were
farmers. They used natural water resources for agricultural usage and adopted the soil and
water conservation measures in their agriculture as well. However, most of water consumed
by household was from village water supply as well as bottled drinking water. People
participation in water resources management was at a moderate level. The study found that
four factors positively related to the group participation consisted of problems and obstacles
in management (PROBLEM), duties and positions in organizations (COM), incomes (INC), and
education (EDU). Whereas main occupation ( JOB) , and sufficient amount of water for
agriculture (QTYAGRI) were identified as negative factors. Therefore, whenever the problems
of water scarcity occurred, people would collaboratively participate in managing and
developing water resources in the area. The essential guideline for people participation
included water resources conservation, flood protection, drought prevention, and groups of
water consumer also realized the importance of water resources and disaster.