Local Governance of Groundwater Resources through the Lens of Stakeholders in the Context of State-Led Management in the Lower Mekong Region

Abstract

Local groundwater governance in the Lower Mekong Region (LMR) is often inadequate and ineffective because of policy incoherence and lack of public participation; thus, groundwater exploitation and pollution have been accelerated in many LMR countries. Through a case study in Khon Kaen, Thailand, this study aims to assess the state of local groundwater governance (GWG) through the stakeholders’ perception by using Water Governance Framework developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Although it is useful for the assessment at the national scale, it is still inadequate and has some limitations on the local scale. Hence, the principles were reconsidered and translated to fit the local context. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explain the state of GWG, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the relations between GWG indicators and GWG dimensions. The findings show that clear roles and responsibilities are have the highest performance. However, integrity and transparency are the challenges of GWG. We found that the indicators explained the effectiveness, efficiency, and trust and engagement in the GWG model. Consequently, this study contributes stakeholder involvement in GWG assessment. The findings show to policymakers and policy practitioners the current state of GWG and propose key indicators in groundwater governance assessment at the local context.