Irrigation management at the rural-urban interface in Thailand: Understanding the role of local institutions

Abstract

Diversification and input-led transformation in agriculture due to economic development and market pressure have created new dimensions in water resource management in Thailand. This article analyzes how local organizations are mediating the competing water uses among agricultural and nonagricultural sectors across rural-urban gradients. Empirical evidence from sampled irrigation systems show a rapid increase in peri-urban vegetable productions in the dry season, resulting in increased competition for agricultural water use. The situation is further compounded by increased water demand from nonagricultural sectors. Increased competition for water has caused various forms of conflict. The prevalence of conflict over water use is higher in peri-urban areas compared with rural areas. The presence of local networks and organizations-in particular, water users’ associations (WUAs)-in rural areas appeared to be associated with more successful management of conflicts and emergence of coping strategies to deal with seasonal water scarcity. Likewise, schemes in peri-urban areas with relatively more autonomous WUAs appeared to have better capacity to negotiate for limiting resource in changed context. Conversely, lack of local organizations, or relatively weak WUAs, led to lower system performance management and poorer outcomes.