Problem Solving of Irrigation Water Utilization in Sam Chuk Operation and Maintenance Project, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

     The objectives of the research were to study: 1) problems of irrigation water utilization under the Sam Chuk Operation and Maintenance Project, Suphan Buri Province from farmers' and officials' point of view; and 2) problem solving of irrigation water utilization under this project from farmers' and officials' point of view. Samples included 67 farmers deriving from multi-stage sampling and 20 officials under the project from purposive sampling. Instruments were questionnaire, interview and observation. Data analyses comprised of quantitative and qualitative procedures, analyzed by percentage, arithmetic mean and content analysis. Research findings revealed that main problems of the Sam Chuk Operation and Maintenance Project were: lack of an implementation according to the agreement upon water utilization, conflict, and fighting against one another for water during drought season. Suggestions to solve problems included encouraging team work, cooperating with local government, and creating participation awareness of farmers.