The Vulnerability Model of Water Resources Management in Forest Edge Communities in Sumedang Regency

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explain the vulnerability of institutional management practices of water resources, agent practices, and system reproduction that can potentially cause social vulnerability in society.   Theoretical reference: Structuration theory was chosen because this theory can explain structural or institutional vulnerability seen from practices in water resources management.   Method: A qualitative approach using the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method was employed to map the social vulnerability of management structures. NVivo mind map analysis and geographic information system analysis were used to strengthen the relationship between social practices and vulnerability information through drought maps.   Results and Conclusion: The results of the study show that resource management is vulnerable to maintaining old patterns or habits because agents are unable to break through institutional systems and structures do not have authority, and have no bargaining position. Reproduction of social systems takes place in accordance with ongoing social structures that traverse space and time. The forestry organization KPH Sumedang has the authority to manage water resources around the forestry area. Vulnerability becomes a phenomenon of water user communities on the forest's edge. Discursive and recursive practices of actors/agents perpetuate the social structure of water users, such as the potential vulnerability of the social structure of water user communities and practices that encourage social vulnerability.   Implications of research: This study has shed light on the community vulnerability related to the management of water resources by the forest edge communities. In addition, this study has given insight into the vulnerability of the social structure that can be seen from the practices of water users in village communities on the edge of the forest.   Originality/value: The originality lies in how this research scrutinizes the social vulnerability model in managing water resources in communities in villages on the edge of the forest. So far, vulnerability has been studied more often after a disaster occurs.