Contribution of Organic Agriculture towards Achieving Sustainable Development in Samrong, Kampong Cham, Cambodia

Abstract

Sustainable development is one of the most important achievements in developing countries. Organic agriculture is one of the factors contribute to achieve sustainable development. However, implementation rates of organic agriculture are low in South East Asia. Several international organizations have been intervening in the agricultural sector in Cambodia. Interventions conducted by non-profit organization play a key role in the implementation of organic agriculture by farmers. However, previous studies have not thoroughly described the economic contribution of these interventions regarding organic agriculture in Cambodia. In Samrong Commune, Kampong Cham Province, a five-year longitudinal project was conducted to reduce financial losses in agriculture through interventions including implementation of organic agriculture and improving the agricultural skills of farmers. This study is aimed to determine the economic contribution of the interventions. Sample data from 64 farmers were collected through a questionnaire survey during the harvest season. Moreover, the amount of E. coli, which is an environmental indicator, was measured in compost boxes and vegetables in a farmland. The results showed a significant correlation (P<0.05) between the interventions and household income. This study provides evidence that the implementing of organic agriculture resulted in increased rural household income. However, E. coli from immature compost was found in 90% over their compost boxes and farmland. It implies that knowledge and proper techniques for increasing quality of organic fertilizer are needed to be emphasized.