Participation in Water Management according to Saraniyadhama Principles of Rice Farmers in Thapman Subdistrict Taphan Hin District Phichit Province

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) examine the general conditions of water management participation based on the principles of Saraniyadhamma among rice farmers; 2) compare levels of participation in water management among rice farmers, categorized by personal factors; and 3) investigate the influence of Saraniyadhamma principles on the participation of rice farmers in water management in Thapman Subdistrict, Taphanhin District, Phichit Province. This study employed a quantitative approach by surveying 214 rice farmers selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire on water management according to the Saraniyadhamma principles, with a reliability coefficient of 0.94. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, F-tests, and multiple regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed that 1) Overall, the level of participation in water management based on Saraniyadhamma principles among rice farmers was high. Each dimension of participation was also rated at a high level. 2) Comparison of participation levels based on personal factors showed that differences in farm size and age were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. In contrast, gender, education level, and farming frequency did not differ significantly. 3) All six dimensions of Saraniyadhamma were found to have a strong relationship with farmers’ participation in water management, with a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.787 and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.619. Four dimensions—mutual agreement, goodwill, equitable sharing, and harmonious conduct—significantly predicted participation at the 0.01 level, while the dimension of consistent practice significantly predicted participation at the 0.05 level.