Articles
A Study of Alternative Ways to Improve the Livelihood of Cambodian Farmers in Replacing Migrant Work
2022 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 35-54
Details
2022 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 35-54
This paper examines the results of four surveys on the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers, nutrition and health of rural infants, and the measures to improve them. It examines the background and causes of why some farmers who want to make a living from agriculture are hindered while some subsistence organic farmers succeed in profitable management. It also suggests possible improvement measures.
A few dozen farmers conducted the livelihood recording. It became clear that the net income from agriculture of some of them is in the black figure while they also grew enough agricultural products for self-consumption. This presents the possibility and the options for livelihood improvement measures to replace migrant work. The 2019 survey shows that there are some rural youths in each commune who would like to live in their home village and engage in farming if they could get appropriate support.
The main challenges that rural youths and farmers face can be summarized as follows: 1) Difficulty in accessing market for agricultural products, inability to grow and sell certain quantities on a regular basis, falling agricultural product prices, low quality of products; 2) Insufficient funds to invest in agriculture, soaring prices of fertilizer and petrol, high cost of irrigation facility construction; 3) Difficulty in accessing low monthly interest (1% or less) loans, difficulty in repayment of increased debt; 4) Unpaved rural roads; 5) Difficulty in accessing agricultural technical information and training.
Yet, some possibilities to improve farmers' livelihood exist since vegetables are in demand and imported in all local markets. It is crucial to support the improvement of farmers' capacity and the cooperation of vegetable growing groups so that they can produce vegetables that meet the demands of the local markets. It is necessary for local traders, consumers, and farmers to work together to promote the consumption of local vegetables.
