Enhancing the effectiveness of participatory management approach for local communities in the repeatedly flooded areas in the District of Warinchamrab, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The objectives of the current study were: first, to examine problems and impacts of floods in the repeatedly flooded areas Warin Chamrab District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.; second, to analyze how floods in those areas have been previously managed by the communities; and third, propose an alternative approach in enhancing the effectiveness of participatory management in those areas by focusing on the participatory approach. This research applied a mixed methods design by using questionnaires to collect data from 156 respondents and by using participatory action research (PAR) technique with participants from 16 communities in the repeatedly flooded areas in Warin Chamrab District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

            This research found that there were 16 communities located at the lowland of Moon River making them prone to flooding. Consequently, People in these areas had to live in flooding situation approximately 1-3 months annually. This affected their standards of living, career, health. There are three stages of flood management which communities had been previously taken. First, prior to the floods.; second, during the floods; and third, after the floods.

To enhance the communities’ effectiveness in managing floods, communities should realize the importance of the preparation stage and engage in participatory management. Local administrative organizations should improve its potential for community’s risk assessment as well as establish a network of communities and government agencies. Finally, to enhance the effectiveness of central and regional government agencies, flood management system and mechanisms should be developed for supporting community’s knowledge through participatory process which include community, local government, and relevant organizations.