Organic Rice Farming Systems in Cambodia: Potential and Constraints of Smallholder Systems in Takeo

Abstract

The development of organic farming is limited in Cambodia because of low literacy rates for farmers in rural areas. In this study, organic rice farming systems were demonstrated to the farmers in Takeo province, Cambodia. As the result of the application, the farmers improved their income through increasing yields, premium prices and reduced expenditure on chemical fertilizers after implementing organic farming techniques. Moreover, all of the farmers adopting organic farming system improved their conditions of health, food quality and the ties of family and community. Nevertheless, these benefits were not completely distributed to all individuals and communities. Very poor and isolated farmers were generally unable to access the benefits. In conclusion, the three main factors for empowering Cambodian farmers to initiate the organic farming system are considered as follows: the individual’s endowment of resources, the strength of the farmer groups and the policies and facilitation of the supporting organizations.