CAPS

Researcher and farmer managed sites were established in Battambang, Cambodia.  In the farmer managed sites 24 farmers are testing various conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS).  Baseline data for each objective were gathered for both countries; networks were and are being established with stakeholders who can implement CAPS adoption when CAPS technology is proven to be successful. Stakeholders are getting involved while CAPS technology is being developed.  Synchronization of the Cambodian and Philippines studies has been done allowing for an excellent cross-cutting partnership that will benefit both countries. A plan was completed to implement a contract between farmer organizations adopting CAPS (production), agro-industry (market) and bank (microcredit).  Training was provided to at least 100 Cambodian farmers and a Cambodian Master of Science student.  A Cambodian, supported by SANREM, who will enter a Ph.D. program at North Carolina A&T State University, has been identified.   Several networking contacts have been established locally, nationally and internationally. 

Cambodia remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Agriculture remains the largest employer, engaging more than 70% of the active population. Its social and economic indicators are among the lowest in Asia with 90% of the poor living in the countryside. Poverty in upland communities increases pressure on natural resources like forest, soil and water. These are the last “capital” for the poor and they are rapidly diminishing due to non-sustainable management. Such practices reduce agricultural productivity, which in turn heightens food insecurity and exacerbates poverty.

Degraded landscapes are expanding annually in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it is estimated that approximately 36 million people live on less than $2 a day. Rural poverty in upland communities increases pressure on natural resources like forest, soil and water. These are the last “capital” for the poor and they are rapidly diminishing due to non-sustainable management. Such practices reduce agricultural productivity, which in turn heightens food insecurity and exacerbates poverty.

Important Dates:

• April 30, 2011: Abstract due date
• July 4 and 5, 2011: Soil Quality and Conservation Agriculture Workshop
• July 6, 2011: Field Trip at Kampong Cham Conservation Agriculture Experiment
• July 7, 2011: Conservation Agriculture Conference