Assessments of Lowland Rice-Based Farming Systems and Prospects for Future Research and Development Priorities

Abstract

Projections of global demand for rice is expected to increase at the rate of 1.5% per year (or 48.5% by 2050). The crop production increase must be done sustainably from existing farming land due to the reduction in availability and quantity of resources. Having more local studies enhances our understanding of different farmer characteristics and behaviour, socio-economic conditions and other essential constraints faced by individual farmers. This is needed for fine-tuning farming systems research which will lead to a profitable and sustainable increase in farming production. This study aims to understand and assess the lowland rice-based farming systems in Northwest Cambodia, and examine options to enhance rice production, profitability and sustainability. Farmer surveys were conducted using the CommCare Mobile Acquired Data (MAD) system and 524 farmers were interviewed. The survey identified farmers’ key constraints on crop production, their knowledge gaps and limitations and the rice yield gaps which exist in Northwest Cambodia. Agricultural research and development priorities should be focused on crop establishment method, sowing window, weed and nutrient management strategies, overall soil health improvement, crop rotations and cover crops that can improve cropping systems, profitability and sustainability. An increase in understanding of farmer behaviour, adoption constraints and barriers, together with other essential interaction at the local level is also crucial when aiming to promote improved farming innovations.