The Adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia: The Case Study of Leading Farmers

Abstract

     The objectives of this study were to determine the leading farmers' adoption and to define the farmers' problems and their suggestions. The respondents of this study were leading farmers (first adopter of SRI), who were living in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province. Focus group method was used for collecting data and information. Leading farmers had followed the steps of the system of rice intensification (SRI) after attending the training course which was organized by Centre d'Etude et de Développement Agricole Cambodgien (CEDAC). They utilized the trained knowledge especially in fertilizer usage, and the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and organic fertilizers. In addition, the perception of leading farmers on the SRI principles and practices was at very high adoption level, and they also disseminated knowledge, practices, and experiences to family members and other farmers both in and outside district by face-to-face, informal meeting, and group discussion methods. The rice paddy yield increased from the former average 2 tons (t) per hectare (ha) to 2.8 t/ha when farmers changed to SRI implementation. The problems found; low soil fertility, labor shortage, lack of irrigation system, drainage and water sources, lack of organic fertilizer, natural disaster, lack of diseases and pests control knowledge. Farmers were looking forward for help to ease their problems from either government or NGOs.