Empowering Communities for Sustainable Water Solutions (ECSW) in Huai Bong, Saraburi

Project Team

Leader: Si Thu Lin (AIRI Fellow)

Members: Parichat Pinsri, Khaing Su Lwin, Yadanar Kyaw, Abhishek Joshi

Background and Introduction

The farming community faces significant challenges due to changing rainfall patterns and global warming, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups. Unequal water distribution, particularly between upland and lowland areas, leads to water shortages, increased farming costs, and ineffective water management by local groups. Compounding these issues are generational shifts in farming practices, such as the rising use of chemical fertilizers, deteriorating soil quality, fluctuating fertilizer and rice prices, all intensifying the water-related difficulties.

The project aims to address unequal water access by identifying its causes, increasing the involvement of women and marginalized groups in water management, and promoting sustainable practices and community engagement. Immediate objectives include enhancing access to financial resources for water-efficient technologies and reinforcing community commitment to effective management. The project's ultimate goals are to reduce water access disparities, increase inclusivity in water management, and establish a sustainable water supply system, thereby ensuring efficient water usage, inclusive decision-making, and long-term sustainability of water resources to improve community well-being and livelihoods.

Project Site

The project site is situated in Village No. 2, Huai Bong Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Saraburi Province, located in the central region of Thailand.

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

Project Actions:

• Survey and assessment: Conduct comprehensive surveys in Huai Bong Village, including interviews, site visits, and data analysis to identify causes of unequal water access.
• Sustainable water plan development: Create strategies addressing water access challenges, including infrastructure improvements, efficient irrigation, and integration of traditional and modern methods.
• Strengthening water user groups: Enhance water user groups with training in irrigation, agriculture, accounting, and legal support.
• Financial resources and training: Establish the Water Cooperative Bank for funding water initiatives and provide training on water management and sustainable agriculture.

Project Deliverables:

• Reports and strategy plans: Produce a detailed survey report on water access issues and a sustainable irrigation water management strategy plan.
• Training materials and WCB Plan: Develop training materials on water management and sustainable practices, and a plan for establishing the Water Cooperative Bank.
• Partnership agreements and guidelines: Formalize partnerships with financial institutions and create guidelines for accessing financial resources and support services.