The Effectiveness of Farmer Organization Management in Kamchaymear and Baphnom Districts, Prey Veng Province

Abstract

‘Farmer organization’ is a new concept for Cambodian people, and capacities to effectively manage farmer organizations are limited. Thus, a study was conducted with two objectives, (1) to explore aspects of man-agement and leadership capacities of management committees, and (2) to look in-to the management processes for farmer organizations. After finishing an inter-view with all stakeholders, the results showed that educational level of the man-agement committee is so low, with 64.50% finishing primary school and only 1.4% university. Even though they have low education, among 95.1% of the management committees had the ability to write their small project proposals to be submitted to supporting non-government organizations or other donors for both financial and technical support. After their assessment, each farmer organi-zation received 1-3 grants for implementing their own economic initiatives, 62% of the management committees and the members interviewed were provided with technical trainings. All farmer organizations have all the necessary characteristics such as logo, organizational chart, by-laws, recording tools and they conducted meetings regularly. Furthermore, they maintain good relationships with all stake-holders and also received official recognitions from the local authorities. Overall, we can say that the management capacity of the committees have improved even though they still need further support from outsiders in terms of capacity building, working capital, etc. so as to make sure they continue to function well to serve the interest of the members in the long run.