The Role of Irrigation in the Commercialisation of Rice Farming in Southern Cambodia

This chapter explores constraints to rice-based farming systems in the rainfed lowlands of Cambodia and the role of different sources of irrigation in alleviating some of those constraints. The research was carried out in lowland districts in Takeo and Kampong Speu Provinces, representing a major lowland rice-growing region with high population density, small farm sizes, and severe production constraints. Three villages were selected with similar biophysical and socioeconomic environments but different degrees of access to irrigation. The comparison shows that on-farm and (where feasible) canal irrigation can greatly increase the intensity, diversity, and profitability of land use, without being seriously constrained by available family labour. However, the potential for irrigated cropping has not been fully realised due to scattering of plots, restricted investment in tube wells, and underinvestment in maintaining canals. Nevertheless, even these partially irrigated systems not only increased land and labour utilisation but improved soil properties, reduced the risk of a household rice-deficit, increased the production of a marketable surplus of rice, and increased the level and diversity of crop income. The resultant cash flow provided the necessary working capital to keep the cropping system turning over with minimal need for credit, while providing income for household needs. While outmigration from southern Cambodia will undoubtedly continue, the case studies show that the development of more intensive, diverse, and market-oriented farming systems based on on-farm irrigation can provide a promising alternative pathway for many rural households.