Challenging Institutional Frameworks of Governance: Learning from Participatory Irrigation Management in Thailand

Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) was adopted in Thailand in 2004 to encourage the efficient use of water in the agricultural sector that is striving to be more sustainable. The research presented in this paper exemplifies the success of PIM in Thailand that engages individual farmers or their representatives in the irrigation areas to fully involve in the decision making of water administration, from the lowest level of an irrigation system, i.e. ditch, to the highest level, i.e. reservoir, through established water user organizations and the joint management committee for irrigation. Data was collected through document reviews, observation, informal meetings, and a total of 55 semi-structured face-to-face interviews of local people from two case studies at the Krasiew Reservoir, Suphanburi Province, Thailand. Results showed that participating in PIM activities facilitated learning among PIM participants. Findings also revealed that social action is fostered by the recognition of human dignity and compassionate communication that develops a sense of ownership and a sense of solidarity. The notion of sustainable water practices among local farmers became more acute in reaction to the 2005 water crisis in the irrigation areas. It can be said that people learn from a real and meaningful project by engaging in an interactive action. The lessons learned demonstrate the inherent potential of marginalized Thai farmers, who are capable of directing their own water service delivery. The lessons also illustrate the proper role of public irrigation staff as organizers who arrange the ideal conditions for promoting a meaningful dialogue in PIM discussions, thus facilitating mutual learning among stakeholders. Opportunities from PIM help reinforce the recognition of valuable peeople in the local communities of marginalized Thai farmers and, moreover, strengthen the foundation of Thai society that is able to endure the growing challenges.