Overseas Fieldwork Report 2014:

Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia

Graduate School of International Development
Nagoya University

Overseas Fieldwork Report 2014

Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia

March 2015
Graduate School of International Development
Nagoya University
Nagoya, Japan

Overseas Fieldwork Report 2014
Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia
Copyright © GSID 2014

Graduate School of International Development, Nagoya University
Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan 464-8601
http://www.gsid.nagoya-u.ac.jp/

Introduction

The twenty-second Overseas Fieldwork (OFW 2014) of the Graduate School of International
Development (GSID), Nagoya University, was carried out in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia,
from August 17 to August 31, 2014. The OFW is an important part of GSID’s curriculum, designed
to provide students with exposure to “real world” development issues in rural areas of a developing
country and an opportunity to develop field-based research skills in a group setting. Each year, GSID
carries out the OFW in a developing country in Asia in cooperation with a GSID local partner
university. This year, the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) kindly accepted to host the OFW,
adding to the past successful collaborations in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013. Building on many
years of cherished relationships between the two universities, the OFW 2014 was managed smoothly
and it contributed to further strengthening GSID’s ties for academic exchange and collaboration withthis prestigious university in Cambodia.
Considering the relevance of topics to Kampong Speu’s local developmental context, we
divided 25 graduate students into four thematic working groups: Microfinance (WG1), Local
Governance (WG2), English Education (WG3), and Community Development (WG4), to study andobserve various dimensions of rural development in that area in a holistic manner. Students conducted
their research in sangkats and villages of Chbar Mon City, Kampong Speu Province. On August 28,
the teams of OFW 2014 visited Chbar Mon City government office and shared their preliminary
research findings with local governors and officials. On August 29, before the departure from Phnom
Penh, they presented their preliminary research findings at RUPP, to share them with, and receive
feedback from, faculty and students of RUPP.
Reflecting comments and advice received at the presentation and in the course of theirfieldwork, participants tried to elaborate their analysis in the final report. This volume is a collectionof the working groups’ reports.

iAcknowledgements
The committee of OFW 2014 is indebted to many people and institutions both in Cambodia
and Japan for the successful completion of this year’s program.
Our appreciation must be directed first to the people of the sangkats and villages of Chbar
Mon City in Kampong Speu Province. We are especially grateful to local authorities including the
deputy provincial governor, H.E. Soeur Soknal, Mayor of Chbar Mon City, Mrs. Pork Setha, village
chiefs, staff members of government offices and other relevant organizations for their generous
assistance and cordial hospitality. We also would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who
kindly provided us with precious information during interviews. We could not have accomplished the
OFW successfully without their kind support.
Next, our appreciation goes to faculty and students of the Royal University of Phnom Penh
(RUPP). We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the RUPP faculty, Dr. Heng Naret, Mr.
Chap Nimol, Dr. No Fata, Dr. Heng Kreng, and Dr. Sok Serey. Participants of the OFW 2014 received
tremendous support from them and their students during the field research. This year’s OFW received
continuous support from the program on “Training a New Generation of Leaders in International
Cooperation for the Development of the ASEAN Region,” which GSID has been implementing
under ”the Re-Inventing Japan Project (Support for the Formation of Collaborative Programs with
ASEAN Universities: “Campus ASEAN Program”) of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT). As part of this “Campus ASEAN” program, we had a courtesy
visit to the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) to discuss further institutional
collaboration between RULE and GSID on August 29, 2014. Moreover, we also invited students of
RULE to participate in research presentations in a joint seminar by RUPP and GSID at RUPP on
August 29, 2014. Prof. Jinhwan Oh, from Ewha Womans University, with his students, also took partin this seminar. This joint seminar was very successful, presenting and discussing current socioeconomic challenges that Cambodia faces to promote its sustainable development. Our special thanks
goes to the Royal University of Law and Economics, especially Prof. Phalthy Hap, for his superb
arrangement and for issuing certificates of completion to the participants of OFW 2014 as part ofCampus ASEAN Program.
Last but not least, we are very grateful to those who provided valuable lectures to ourparticipants in the preparatory seminars for the OFW 2014: Dr. Heng Naret, Department ofCommunity Development, Faculty of Development Study, Royal University of Phnom Penh; Koung
ii

Teilee, Associate Professor, the Graduate School of Law, Nagoya University; Dr. Satoru Kobayashi,
Associate Professor, Kyoto University; and Ms. Sayaka Akiho, University of Tsukuba. We also
would like to thank Ms. Erin Sakakibara for the English editing of this volume.

Committee on OFW 2014
Wataru Kusaka, Associate Professor and Chair
Naoko Shinkai, Associate Professor
Shinji Ido, Associate Professor

Campus ASEAN Program
Sumire Kanda, Assistant Professor

Office of OFW
Jing Liu, Assistant Professoriii

Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ iv
List of Participants ......................................................................................................................................... vi
Program of OFW 2014 ................................................................................................................................. viii
Preparatory Seminar .................................................................................................................................. viii
Interim Presentations of Research Findings .............................................................................................. viii
Presentation of Research Findings in GSID ................................................................................................ ix
Overall Schedule of Fieldwork in Cambodia .............................................................................................. ix
Detailed Schedule of Fieldwork by Each Working Group ........................................................................... x

Background Information of Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia ............................................................. 1

Working Group 1
The Relationship between Microfinance Borrowing and the Income and Expenditure of Rural
Households in Roka Thom, Cambodia .......................................................................................................... 7
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Literature Review .................................................................................................................................... 12
3. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................ 16
4. Results and Findings ................................................................................................................................ 20
5. Conclusion and Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 34
6. Appendices .............................................................................................................................................. 37
7. References ............................................................................................................................................... 52

Working Group 2
Decentralization as a Bridge between the State and the People ................................................................ 55
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 57
2. Methodology............................................................................................................................................ 60
3. Research findings and analysis [Section 1]: Effectiveness of the CSC's role ......................................... 64
4. Research findings and analysis [Section 2]: Limitations of CSC's role .................................................. 67
5. Research findings and analysis [Section 3]: NGOs' contribution to increasing CSCs' effectiveness...... 71iv

6. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 73
7. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 75
8. References ............................................................................................................................................... 76

Working Group 3
Motivation towards English Language Learning of Students in Lower Secondary Schools .................. 79
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 79
2. Research methodology ............................................................................................................................ 82
3. Results and discussion ............................................................................................................................. 86
4. Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................. 90
5. Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................... 92
6. References ................................................................................................................................................ 93
7. Appendices .............................................................................................................................................. 95

Working Group 4
Participatory Irrigation Management in Cambodia .................................................................................. 98
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 100
2. Problem Statement................................................................................................................................. 101
3. Significance of the Study....................................................................................................................... 102
4. Research Objective ................................................................................................................................ 102
5. Research Questions ............................................................................................................................... 102
6. Methodology.......................................................................................................................................... 102
7. Results and Discussion .......................................................................................................................... 106
8. Conclusions and Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 121
9. Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................. 123
10. References ........................................................................................................................................... 124
11. Appendices .......................................................................................................................................... 125

List of Individual and Company Donors to the Overseas Fieldwork Fund ........................................... 129
海外実地研修基金に拠出いただいた個人・企業一覧（受け入れ順） ............................................... 130v

List of Participants
Faculty Members (9)Advisors from

Advisors from

GSID, Nagoya University

Cambodia

WG1

Associate Prof. Naoko Shinkai

Mr. Chap Nimol

WG2

Associate Prof.Wataru Kusaka

Dr. Sok Serey

WG3

Accociate Prof. Shinji Ido

Dr. Heng Kreng

WG4

Assistant Prof. Sumire Kanda

Dr. Heng NaretWorking Groups

Logistics/Coordination

Assistant Prof. Jing Liu

Student Interpreters from Royal University of Phnom Penh (8)
WG

Name

Sex

Leap Chhengla

WG

M

WG1

Name

Sex

Chea SothM

Hak Sokleang

F

Prak Solida

F

Seak Chhy Monyrath

M

WG3
Thaung Ret

F

Cheb Hoeurn

M

WG2

WG4
Chin Sam Ath

M

GSID Students (25)

No.

Name

Sex

Nationality

Dept

1

Glo Ann N.Balcita**F

Filipino

DID

2

Imade Richard Eke

M

Nigerian

DICOS

WG1

3

Mccallum Derrace GarfieldM

JamaicanDICOS

Microfinance4

Okuda Morie

F

Japanese

DID

5

Sun RanF

ChineseDID

6

Bangkit Aditya Wirawan*

M

Indonesian

DID

vi

Group
AdvisorProf. Naoko
ShinkaiWG2
Local
Governance

WG3
Language
Education

WG4
Community
Development

7

Shirzai MohibullahM

AfghanDICOS

8Chhay Vannpoly*M

Cambodian

DICOS

9

Kurismaa Mart**

M

Estonian

DICOS

10

Mohammad Reza Qasemi

M

Afghan

DICOS

11

Yuniar Aristia Paramita Sari

F

Indonesian

DICOS

12

Nahmias Nauarro Natalia Karina

F

Chilean

DICOS

13

Takahiro Kiyohara

MJapanese

DICOS

14

Kita Moe

F

Japanese

DICOS

15

Saiko Takeshita

F

Japanese

DICOS

16

Rika Inagaki

F

Japanese

DICOM

17

Li Ting*

F

ChineseDICOM

18

Sun Yichen

F

ChineseDICOM

19Wang Yu**

M

ChineseDICOM

20

Yui Doseki

F

Japanese

DICOM

21

Thiraphon Chinda

M

Thai

DICOS

22

Jinta Ueno

M

Japanese

DICOS

23

Damumos Rory Jay Sta Catalina**

M

Filipino

DID

24

Furuzono Kyoko*

F

Japanese

DID

25

Satoh Alice

F

Japanese

DID** Group leader, * Sub-leader,
DID: Department of International Development;
DICOS: Department of International Cooperation;
DICOM: Department of International Communication.

vii

Prof. Wataru
KusakaProf. Shinji
Ido

Prof. Sumire
Kanda

Program of OFW 2014
Preparatory Seminar
Date

Title of the Lecture and the Lecturer

May 14 (Wed.) “Introduction to 2014 OFW and Campus ASEAN”
1
14:45-16:15

By Prof. Kusaka, Prof. Penghuy, Nishimura of GSID.

May 21 (Wed.) “Introduction to Cambodian Economy”
2
14:45-16:15
May 28 (Wed.)
3

By Prof. Ngov Penghuy, GSID.
“Introduction of Research Sites in Kompong Speu”

14:45-16:15

By Prof. Heng Naret, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Visiting Researcher to
GSID.

June 4 (Wed.)“Introduction to Education in Cambodia”

14:45-16:15

By Prof. Takayo Ogisu, GSID

3
June 11 (Wed.) “Introduction to Rural Livelihoods in Cambodia”
4
14:45-16:15

By Prof. Satoru Kobayashi, Kyoto University.

June 18 (Wed.) “Introduction to Village Culture in Cambodia”
5
14:45-16:15

By Prof. Satoru Kobayashi, Kyoto University.

June 25 (Wed.) “Introduction to Contemporary History and Administration System of Cambodia”
6
14:45-16:15

By Prof. Koung Teilee, Graduate School of Law, Nagoya University

July 2 (Wed.)“Community Development in Cambodia: The Case of Farmer Water Users
Community "7
14:45-16:15

July 9 (Wed.)8
14:45-16:15

By Prof. Heng Naret, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Visiting Researcher to
GSID.
“The Process of Participatory Development in Rural Cambodia: Focusing on the
Relationship Between NGO and Khmer Farmers”
By Ms. Sayaka Akiho, University of Tsukuba

July 16 (Wed.)
9

Presentation of Research Plans by WGs (15 min presentation by each WG)
14:45-16:15

10

July 23 (Fri.)
16:30-18:00“Research Ethics”
By Prof. Wataru Kusaka, GSID

Interim Presentations of Research Findings
The interim presentation of research findings was held at Chbar Mon City Office on Aug. 28th, 2014. Basedon the comments received in Chbar Mon City, participants made another interim presentation in the Royal
viii

University of Phnom Penh on Aug. 29th, 2014. Each WG presented for 20 minutes and followed by Q&A
session by the participants.

Presentation of Research Findings in GSID
The presentation of research findings was held at GSID by each working group to disseminate and to collectfeedback from colleagues on Oct. 29th, 2014.

Overall Schedule of Fieldwork in Cambodia
Date
Aug.12 (Tue.)

Activities
13:00-15:00 Pre-survey Orientation on OFW2014 at GSID
8:30 Meeting at Chubu International Airport
11:00 Departure from Nagoya (TG645)

Aug. 17 (Sun.)

15:00 Arrival at Bangkok (transit)
18:15 Departure from Bangkok (TG2584)
19:25 Arrival at Phnom Penh (Accommodation: Mondulkiri Boutique Hotel )Aug.18 (Mon.)

9:00 Departure from Phnom Penh
11:30 Arrival at Chbar Mon City, Kampong Speu
14:30 Courtesy Visit to Kampong Speu Governor (All WGs)
18:00 Get-to-know-each-other Gathering (All WGs)

Aug.19 (Tue.)Aug.22 (Fri.)

Field survey by each WG

Aug.23 (Sat.)Aug.24 (Sun.)

Free time

Aug.25 (Mon.) Aug.27 (Wed.)

Field survey by each WG

Aug.28 (Thu.)

Preparation for presentation on site.
Presentations of Research Findings in Chbar Mon City Office
Move to Phnom Penh

Aug.29 (Fri.)

9:00-10:00 Courtesy Visit to RULE
Preparation for Presentations on Research Findingsix

Presentations of Research Findings by each WG in RUPP
18:30 Farewell Party hosted by GSID, Nagoya University
Aug.30 (Sat.)Free Activities
20:25 Departure from Phnom Penh (TG2585)
21:30 Arrival at Bangkok
00:05 Departure from Bangkok (TG644)

Aug.31 (Sun.)
8:00 Arrival at Nagoya

Detailed Schedule of Fieldwork by Each Working Group
WG1
Date

Place

Who

What

HouseholdHouseholdHouseholdHouseholdHouseholdHousehold
Six MFIs and two Self-Help
Savings Groups

Pilot Survey
SurveySurveySurveySurveySurveyWho

What

Officials, Household

Interview

Officials, Household

Interview

NGOs

Interview

Officials, Household

Interview

HouseholdInterview

Household
WG2

Interview
Discussion

Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Mon
Tue

Aug.19Aug.20Aug.21
Aug.22
Aug.25Aug.26Tuol Thnoung
Ang Serei
Krang Pol Tep
Trapang Loek
Tuol Thnoung
Khaub

Wed

Aug.27

Roka Thom

Interviews

WG2
Date

Tue

Aug.19Wed

Aug.20Thu

Aug.21

Fri

Aug.22

Mon

Aug.25

Tue
Wed

Aug.26Aug.27

Place
Department of Economy and
Finance of Kampong Speu,
Department of Rural
Development of Kampong
Speu, Sangkat Roka Thom
OfficeChbar Mon City Hall, Sangkat
Roka Thom village
Cambodian Center for Studyand Development inAgriculture (NGO), Sao Sary
Foundation (NGO)
Department of Social Affairs,
Veterans & YouthRehabilitation of Kampong
Speu, Sangkat Svay Kravan
OfficeSangkat Chbar Mon Office,
Vision Fund Cambodia (NGO)Sangkat Chbar Mon village
Group Work

x

WG3
Date

Place
Department of Education, Youthand Sports
Peanicheakkam Village, Chamkar
Doung Village, Newtown
International school(Peanicheakkam Village)
Peanicheakkam Village, Chamkar
Doung Village, Newtown
International school(Peanicheakkam Village), Private
School B

Tue

Aug.19Wed

Aug.20Thu

Aug.21

Fri

Aug.22

Borei Kammeakkar Village,
NGO: HOPE, Private School B

Mon
Tue
Wed

Aug.25Aug.26Aug.27

Borei Kammeakkar Village
Peanicheakkam Village
Peanicheakkam Village

Who

What

Heads of the department

Interviews

Village vice chief,
students, parents, principal,
teacherInterviews

Students, parents,
principal, teachers

Interviews

Village vice chief,
students, parents, principal,
teacher
Students
Students
Students

Interviews
Interviews
Interviews

Who

What

Officials

Interview

FWUC Board Members
FWUC leaders
FWUC leaders
Farmer-members of FWUC
Farmer-members of FWUC
Farmer-members of FWUC

Interview
Interview
Interview
Interview
Interview
Interview

Interviews

WG4
Date

Tue

Aug.19

Wed
Thu
Fri
Mon
Tue
Wed

Aug.20Aug.21
Aug.22
Aug.25Aug.26Aug.27

Place
Ministry of Water Resources andMeteorology, Department of Rural
Development, Department ofAgriculture, Department of Land
Management
Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Communexi

Background Information of Kampong Speu Province,
Cambodia

Naret Heng 1

Introduction
Kampong Speu Province is one of 25 provinces of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Chbar Mon city is the capitalof Kampong Speu Province. Speu is the Khmer word for starfruit, but Kampong Speu is actually famous for
its palm sugar and wine.

Kampong Speu province is located 48 kilometers to the west of Phnom Penh. It borders Kampong
Chhnang and Pursat provinces to the North, Phnom Penh to the East, Kampot and Takeo to the South and KohKong to the West. The area of the province is 7017 square kilometers (MAFF www.maff.gov.kh) (Figure 1).

1

Dr. Naret Heng is Head of Department of Community Development, Royal University of Phnom Penh. He joined
OFW2014 Program as a visiting scholar to the Graduate School of International Development, Nagoya University from
April 1- July 31, 2014.

1

Figure 1 Map of Kampong Speu province

Source: Cambodia Parliament Seat Distribution, 2013https://cambodianelections2013.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/cambodia-parliament-seat-distribution/&
http://www.angkorfocus.com/kampong-speu-tourist-attractions/kampong-speu-geography.html

Geography and Climate
The topography is variable, from a large area of lowland paddy fields in the east to lowland/upland mosaics
and upland forested areas in the West. Cambodia's highest mountain, the Phnom Aural, with an altitude of1813m is located in the very North of this province. Kampong Speu is classified as a rural province.
Climate of Kampong Speu, as well as other provinces in Cambodia is sunny almost all year round.
The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December
and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April. General information about the provincial
climate: Rainy season is May - October (26-34c, with humidity up to 90%.); Cool season is November- March(16-26c); and Hot season is March- May (25c -35c).

Administrative structure
Kampong Speu province is divided into seven districts (Aoral, Phnom Sruoch, Samraong Tong, Basth, Odongk,
and Basedth) and one municipality (Chbar Mon). It is composed of 82 communes and 5 Sangkart. There are a2

total of 1358 villages in Kampong Speu Province. Only the commune council is selected through a generalelection.

Population
In 2013, the total population in Kampong Speu was 812,290 out of a total population of 14,676,591 for all ofCambodia (Cambodia Inter-Censal Population Survey, 2013). The population of women was 415,438 female.
There were 488,277 people more than 18 years old, with 254,974 being female. The total number of families
was 161,162, with an average of six people per family. The population density of the province in 2013 wasapproximately 116 persons/km2 and average birth rate annually is 2%.

TourismThis province has a natural and cultural resort, which is located at Tang Tonle Village and Ampe Phnom
Village, So Por Tep Commune and Svay Kra Van Commune, Chbar Mon District. The resort has natural rivers,
notably the large Preaek Thnot River, which has many big trees growing along it. At the mountain foot, there
is a rocking bridge linking Tang Tonle Village to Ampe Phnom Village.

Source: Chambok Community-Based Ecotourism Site

Education
Until 2014, total schools in Kampong Speu province are 512 schools (3,782 class room) included 25 model
schools. Total students are 166,106 with female students being 79,146 students. There are 4,140 teachers withfemale teachers numbering 1,588. They teach at all schools in Kampong Speu province (Ministry of Education
Youth and Sport 2013).
Until 2013, the total number of schools was 512 schools; includind kindergartens (110), primaryschools (312), secondary school (68), and high schools (22) (Table 1).

3

Table 1: Number of schools, students, and teachers in Kampong Speu Province
Education Level

Number of

Number of

Number of

Number of

Schools

Rooms

Students

Teachers

Kindergarten

110

164

6,087

199

Primary School

312

2098

117,628

2,707

Secondary School

68

363

19,272

1,098

High School

22

375

23,119

1046

Total

512

3000

166,106

5050

Agriculture
Total land of the province is 696,563 ha with agricultural land covering 113,600 ha. Total farming land is48,288 ha (Industrial Agricultural land is 8,086 ha), residential land is 11,996 ha, and mountain areas andirrigation land is 522,679 ha. Rice is the major agricultural product in Kampong Speu Province, followed bycassava, sugar (palm tree and sugar cane), green mango (Say Keo Romeat –local name) especially.

Source: OFW, 2014

Industry
Recently, Kampong Speu Province engaged in garment and footwear production, wood products, a cement
factory, quarries, and handicrafts. In addition, this province has other small industrial activities such as cassava
processing, cashew and eucalyptus enterprises (Table 2).

4Source:http://revolutionaryfrontlines.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/cambodia-garment-workers-protest-at-nike-factory-attacked-bypolice/

Table 2 Industry Activities in Kampong Speu Province
Activity
Cassava, Cashew andNumber of Enterprises

Number of Employees

16

12,000Garment and Footwear15

13,000Wood Products

10

Na

Cement Factory

1

100

Quarries

19

Na

Handicrafts

3000

Na

Eucalyptus Enterprises

Source: USAID, 2008

Mircofinance and Banks
In 2014 there were 37 microfinance institutions, which include small grants from the banks and 5 NGOs thatare providing micro finance and small loans in Kampong Speu Province. They are ACLEDA , Prasac
Microfinance Institution, Amret Microfinance Institution, SATAPANA Microfinance Institution, Hattha
Kaksekar Limited, Samic Microfinance Institution, AMK Microfinance Institution, Kredit MicrofinanceInstitution, VisionFund Cambodia Microfinance Institution, TPC Microfinance Institution, SEILANITHIH
Microfinance Institution, GCMF, CHAMROEUN Microfinance Institution, Malis Microfinance Institution,
EAP Microfinance Institution, AEON Microfinance Institution, FUDF Microfinance Institution, BAYONCREDIT Microfinance Institution, KEY Microfinance Institution, and Ly Hour Microfinance Institution.
5

Economy
Kampong Speu's economy consists basically of agriculture and industry. Rice, sugar cane, palm tree,cassava, and mango fruit are the main agricultural products in the province. On the other hand, garment andfootwear factories, wood products, a cement factory, quarries, and handicrafts are the key industrial
production in the Kampong Speu Province.

References
Chambok Community-Based Ecotourism. http://chambok.org/things-to-do/ (October 3, 2014)
Ministry of Education Youth and Sport. 2013. Education Statistics and Indicators 2013-2014. EMIS office,Department of Planning, Phnom Penh
MICROFINANCE, NETWORK INFORMATION EXCHANGE. Data Calcutated 35 MFIs, Including
ACLEDA Bank (Small Loan), and 5 NGOs (CCSF, VDA, CMK, ASARD and NCD). http://cmanetwork.org/drupal/InformationExchange (October 1, 2014)
The National Committee for Sub-national Democratic Development.
http://www.kampongspeu.cambodia.gov.kh/ (October 5, 2014))
Tourism of Cambodia. http://www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/kampong-speu.htm(October 2, 2014)
USAID. 2008. Kampong Speu: Build your business in Cambodia’s growth corridor
World Food Programme. http://www.foodsecurityatlas.org/khm/country/provincial-Profile/Kampong-Speu(October 1, 2014)

6

Working Group 1
Microfinance
The Relationship between Microfinance Borrowing and theIncome and Expenditure of Rural Households in Roka Thom,
Cambodia
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results and Findings
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
6. References
7. AppendicesGroup Advisers
Associate Prof. Shinkai Naoko
Mr.Nimol Chap

Group Members
Balcita Glo Ann**
Bangkit Aditya Wirawan*
Imade Richard Eke
McCallum Derrace GarfieldOkuda Morie
Sun RanNardi Diego Nepomuceno
Thaung Ret
Leap Chenggla**Group Leader*Sub-Leader

71. Introduction
1-1 Background of the Study
Microfinance has been a growing trend in Cambodia for the past two decades. The rise of microfinanceservices started when the central government implemented reforms in the 1990s as part of the political efforts
to move towards a free market economy (Vada, 2010). Nowadays, one can find microfinance services in mostof the 24 provinces of the country, which are provided by more than 56 microfinance institutions (MFIs) under
the supervision of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) (Asia Development Bank, 2012) and an estimated
60 NGOs mainly involved with rural development projects (Idem).
Microfinance is commonly associated with financial inclusion of poor individuals and households,
providing access to financial services such as loans, insurance and savings. By acknowledging the role that
this kind of tool can have on social development and poverty reduction, the government of Cambodia “hasbeen internationally recognized due to an enabling regulatory and supervisory framework that governs
microfinance providers” (Idem, p. 15) contributing to an expressive growth of the sector in the previous years.
From 1995, the sector expanded from “US$ 3 million outstanding loans and 50,000 borrowers to a remarkable
US$ 732 million outstanding loans and 1,197,722 borrowers in 2012” (Liv, 2013, p. 11).
According to the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), 80% of those utilizing microfinanceservices live in rural areas. This trend may reflect the national demography (which is mainly composed of rural
dwellers - 80.5%) (National Institute of Statistics, 2010) and the dependence of the Cambodian economy on
the agricultural sector, which comprised 36% of the country’s total GDP in 2013, and has employed more than
55% of the population in the same year (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014). Therefore, the relationshipbetween microfinance services and rural development in Cambodia – including rural poverty alleviation –represents a vast field of research that can contribute to current academic debates regarding the role ofmicrofinance strategies to cope with poverty and attain development at the local, regional and national level.
Nonetheless, there is a lack of studies exploring the impact of microfinance services on the Cambodian
development experience. It is not without reason that the CMA stated that one of the negative issues concerning
microfinance in the country is the existing ambiguity in relation to the actual impact of the services due to lackof assessment (Camodia Microfinance Association, 2012).
In this regard, this research sought to contribute to the body of research and thereby reduce the existingvacuum of knowledge regarding microfinance and development in Cambodia. The research objectives andquestions were formulated based on the current challenges discussed earlier. Despite the expansion of thesector in the last few years, structural barriers and other emerging problems limit sectoral growth and better
delivery of services. According to the Asian Development Bank (2012), among the problems regarding these
services include the following: a) inability to access remote rural areas where the biggest chunk of the
population living below the poverty line can be found; b) failure to reach the unbanked and the underbanked
with broader options of services that may better fit their necessities, instead of solely relying on deposit and8credit; and c) the apparent overburden of borrowers who engage themselves in multiple lending schemes topay past loans (Idem) 2.
Although it is not within the scope of this research to give answers to the above mentioned problems,
they were essential when deciding the research framework. Considering the importance of the agricultural
sector to the Cambodian economy and the amount of rural dwellers accessing microfinance services, the focusof this analysis is on how rural households involved in rice farming deal with microfinance loans. The
assessment on the effect of these loans on income and expenditure is focused on how these households utilize
the obtained resources and how loan conditions impact their economic situation.

1-2 Statement of the Problem
Generally, microfinance was conceived as a pro-poor financial inclusion strategy to enable poor people
to access finance and take responsibility for their movement out of poverty and deprivations by increasing
their engagement in productive activities (Pickens, 2004, Sachs, 2005, Armendáriz de Aghion and Morduch
2005, Fukui and Llanto, 2006). In the case of Cambodia, despite embracing microfinance for the last two
decades, only about 25 percent of rural farmers have been reached by microfinance services (Fukui and Llanto,
2006, p. 15) and poverty remains a disturbing phenomenon, affecting 20.5 percent of the population (World
Bank-Available at: http://data.worldbank.org/country/cambodia).
Cambodia has a population of 14.86 million (World Bank-Available at: http://data.worldbank.org/country/Cambodia) and over 10 million of its citizens are living in rural areas. The country has had
an undeveloped financial sector during its transition period. Nearly 40 percent of the population has been
excluded from formal financial services while 6 percent of the total banking sector provides loans for
agriculture and allied industries. In the absence of specialized state owned banks to link farmers and otherprimary producers to the formal financial market, it is expected that microfinance will address the challengeof providing for rural financial services in Cambodia (Fukui and Llanto, 2006). About 90 percent of the poor
reside in rural areas and most of them are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Two-thirds of rural
households in the country experience food shortages each year and about 12 percent are landless. This induces
internal migration in a bid to escape from pressure on land and persistent floods and droughts, especially in2
According to ADB (2012), “Microfinance services are used by the poor, including low-income earners, people withdisabilities, and people living in remote areas. The international standard for measuring The ability to offer microfinanceservices is 20% of the average credit ratio to GDP. For Cambodia, this ratio is 54%, as the average loan is $430 and GDP
per capita is $795. These data may suggest that either the poor make little use of microfinance services or that borrowers
are overburdened by their debts. Because MFIs are not able to reach all rural and remote areas, borrowers must rely
mainly on informal sources of finance at substantially higher interest rates, estimated to be as high as 10.0% per monthcompared with the 1.8%–3.0% per month rates charged by formal MFIs (depending upon the maturity and the risk in
lending). There are a number of reasons cited for the low level of rural penetration by MFIs: (i) remote locations are
difficult to reach, (ii) hard-to-reach areas pose greater security problems for MFIs, (iii) roads are poor in some areas, (iv)
economic activity is limited, (v) income-generating activities and vocational training are lacking, (vi) financial literacy
and knowledge of how to start or manage a business are lacking, (vii) formal loans are unavailable, and (viii) credit risks
are high. These constraints all contribute to a low level of financial inclusion in hard-to-reach rural areas”.

9lowland areas. Subsistence rice farming using unsophisticated methods is prevalent and productivity is low.
Hence, rural households augment their farm income with non-permanent and often low paying non-agricultural
sources (http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/ tags/cambodia). This is not to underestimate theprogress that has been recorded so far as studies indicate that within the last decade, Cambodians numberingover one million have borrowed over US$500 and invested in their farms and micro businesses. Similarly,
between 2005 and 2008, microfinance borrowers in Cambodia rose from 492,000 to 1,015,000 while the grossmicrofinance portfolio grew from US$149 million to US$438 million within the same period (IFC, 2009, p.
26 and p.21). Despite this achievement, a sizeable percentage of the poor, especially those in remote areas inCambodia, continues to be excluded from access to formal financial services to raise their production levels(Pickens, 2004). This reality has been further exacerbated by the transition of microfinance from donor
dependence to commercialization which has shifted services from the extremely poor to those who areperceived to be more favourably disposed to paying interest rates at prevailing market prices (Pickens, 2004,
Heng, 2008, p.81-86).
Similarly, a recent study by the IFC observed that the microfinance sector in Cambodia encounteredvarious challenges: absence of a reliable credit bureau to facilitate the domestication and sharing of credit
information to forestall over borrowing; restricted financial services offerings (credit); poor financial literacyof consumers; poor infrastructure and financial integration which hinder the smooth mobilization of deposits;
over dependence on foreign capital at the expense of local financial intermediation strengthening; excessivecompetition within small markets; rising rates of risky portfolios to non-performing loans and loan defaults
which might be due to financial downturns; and others such as health challenges or natural disasters (IFC,
2009, p. 8 and 26). Many Cambodians also prefer to borrow money from informal rather than formal financial
sources because informal sources are thought to be interest-free. Even with high interest rates, the simplicity
and flexibility of accessing loans and repayment, as well as restricted access to formal loans, make informalloans more attractive than formal sources. Furthermore, although microfinance institutions in Cambodia grantloans to individuals with group membership status, otherwise called group lending, many prospective
customers cannot present the required assets that qualifies them for membership of groups. Even those whohave them do not have land title documents that enable them to use such property as collateral (Heng, 2008, p.
35 and 66).
In light of the foregoing realities confronting the microfinance service providers and their respective
clients in Cambodia, this research aims to investigate how effective and efficient microfinance has been inpursuit of its primary goal of poverty alleviation, and specifically in bringing positive changes to the incomesand expenditures of rural households in Roka Thom, Cambodia.

101-3 Objectives of the Study
The study seeks to achieve the following objectives:
1. Ascertain the effect of microfinance on the incomes and expenditures of rural households in Roka
Thom, Cambodia.
2. Determine how rural households in Roka Thom, Cambodia utilize the loans obtained fromMicrofinance Institutions (MFIs).
3. Investigate the relationship between gender and the access and utilization of microfinance loans.

1-4 Research Questions
Main Research Question•

How does microfinance affect the income and expenditure of rural households in Roka Thom,
Cambodia?

Sub-Research Questions
1. How do rural households in Roka Thom, Cambodia utilize microfinance loans?
2. How does gender affect the access and utilization of microfinance loans among rural households inRoka Thom, Cambodia?
3. How do microfinance conditions affect household incomes and expenditures of rural households inRoka Thom, Cambodia?

1-5 Hypotheses
1. H0: Microfinance borrower’s income increased after the latest loan.
H1: Microfinance borrower’s income does not increase after the latest loan.
2. H0: Higher amount of borrowing has a strong correlation with increase in income.
H1: Higher amount of borrowing does not have a strong correlation with increase in income.
3. H0: Female borrowers are more likely to default.
H1: Female borrowers are not more likely to default.
4. H0: Lower interest rates correlate with increasing income.
H1: Lower interest rates do not correlate with increasing income.
11

1-6 Significance of the Study
The study is expected to deepen the dialogue regarding microfinance as a poverty reduction strategy
and investigate under what conditions this can be achieved. It seeks to continue the academic debate on whether
microfinance serves the interests of the poor and ascertain the conditions under which positive changes could
be expected.

1-7 Limitations of the Study
The limited time and resources required for a large scale study compelled the research team to reduce
the scope of the study, both in terms of the study area and the issues to be investigated. This obviously has
implications on the generalization of the study. Also, the language barrier, respondents’ objections, and false
information or errors in the reporting of income by respondents are some of the limitations experienced in thisstudy. Although, the research team consists of interviewers who are fluent in the local language, this only
minimized, rather than eliminated, the challenges posed by the loss of contextual nuances.
The researchers also acknowledge the limitation of adopting a cross sectional rather than a longitudinalor cohort study geared towards capturing income trends and patterns over specific periods.

2. Literature Review
This section focuses on what the existing literature says about the rationale behind the microfinancemovement. It conceptualizes microfinance and describes how microfinance is thought to ameliorate the plightof the poor, leading them to gaining a foothold on the ladder of development, as well as review some raging
debates about the effectiveness of microfinance as a pro-poor development strategy. Accordingly, this section
addresses the popular thinking around the aforementioned issues.

2-1 Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: The hopes and the fears
The microfinance approach to poverty reduction became popular because it resonated with neo-liberaldevelopment policy theory pioneered by the Bretton Woods Institutions. It became especially dominant sincethe 1970s due to widespread dissatisfaction with the top-down development strategy and the ascendance of thegrassroots development approach (Bateman and Chang, 2012). Consequently, discussions focusing on the poorand how to extricate them from poverty soared during the 1990s, culminating in the crafting of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) (Morduch and Haley, 2002, p. 1). The increased global recognition accorded toMohammed Yunus, the founder of the first microfinance bank, called the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, andthe increased policy attention given to it by the World Bank galvanized many developing countries to adopt
12

microfinance as a route to escape from poverty and a strategy to stimulate the empowerment of marginalizedgroups (Hermes and Lensink, 2007). Although microfinance was initially dependent on donor support andfunding amidst scarce resources with limited reach, many microfinance institutions have since transformed
into regulated financial services institutions, attracting private capital to achieve the double goals of financial
sustainability and the avoidance of mission drift (Krauss and Walter, 2009).
Against this background, microfinance gained prominence as a strategy which promised to increase
access to finance and gainful self-employment for the poor; enhance their credit worthiness and empower themto take responsibility for their movement out of poverty, as well as checking intergenerational poverty throughinvestment in their own and their children’s health, nutrition and education (Sachs, 2005, Shastri, 2009, p. 5,
Santha, 2009, p. 3). However, a study by Murray in India revealed that although microfinance has helped in
improving the cash-flow management potential of the poor; stimulated significant improvements in the
nutrition, health and schooling statistics; and has galvanized community spirit through social mobilization andgiving voice to the voiceless, as well as inculcating a culture of prudence among marginalized groups andindividuals, the evidence from Bangladesh isn’t as positive. Bangladesh, with 36.4 percent of its population
still living on less than USD1.25 per day and worrisome social development indicators (only 31.7 percent ofbirths are attended by skilled personnel and under 5 mortality rate of 53 per 1000 live births), despite its longer
experience with microfinance and acclaimed widespread access of marginalized groups to microfinanceservices, indicate that the extremely poor continue to be excluded from accessing services and that it has
provided an escape route for government to abandon its responsibility for welfare provisions to vulnerable
groups and individuals. In addition, the expectation that microfinance beneficiaries will gravitate to formal
micro enterprises have been largely elusive, while a shift of focus to microfinance by Civil Society Groups in
Kenya, for instance, resulted in the neglect of social sector interventions, culminating in deplorable health andHIV/AIDS related statistics (Murray, 2009, p. 2 and 4).

2-2 Lessons from a case study of Microfinance in Bangladesh
Lessons from a case study of Microfinance in Bangladesh as observed by Zaman (2004):•

The importance of an enabling environment for microfinance cannot be underestimated. A critical part ismaintaining a stable macro-economic environment with both interest rates and inflation kept at reasonablelevels. The lack of macro-stability has seriously constrained the growth of microfinance in several
countries, e.g., Malawi. Government regulations and policies are also crucial in creating the appropriate
environment for the growth of the sector. These policies need to strike a balance between protecting theinterests of depositors, in microfinance institutions that collect savings, and not regulating the sector
excessively (i.e., strangling it with unnecessary bureaucracy).

•

Microcredit may be a more effective remedy against poverty and vulnerability if it is complemented withother interventions. These interventions may be particularly appropriate for the poorest households, which13

face the greatest risk of income fluctuations and have the greatest need for a range of financial and nonfinancial services. Moreover, while the provision of microcredit can enhance a woman’s status in the eyesof other household members, social mobilization and legal education interventions in conjunction withcredit are likely to have a more significant effect than credit alone. However, this does not imply thatmicrofinance institutions ought to provide these services. In many cases, organizations may prefer tospecialize in providing microfinance and facilitate linkages to providers of other non-credit interventions.
•

There is a role for donor financial assistance in expanding the capital base in emerging microfinanceinstitutions, as well as in developing technical capacity that leads to organizational sustainability. Hence,subsidies can be justified to support “infant” microfinance institutions, as long as there is a viable route to
institutional sustainability. The duration of these subsidies would vary according to local conditions andlevel of poverty of the clients.

•

The systems and formal rules that govern the successful microfinance industry in Bangladesh can, to an
extent, be replicated. These vary according to the size of the organization, but by and large, theseorganizations delegate significant decision-making authority away from head offices, are able to monitor
individual staff performance, and have linked staff incentives with program targets. Client feedback andprogram monitoring are also crucial. As organizations grow, the willingness to change products based on
this feedback and to tailor or create products for niche markets is critical for success.

•

The creation of a microfinance wholesaler, like PKSF in Bangladesh, has the potential to play an importantrole in expanding access and developing professional standards. However, apex bodies are not a panacea,
and a rigorous analysis of the underlying retail capacity and demand for funds needs to be carried out
before they are established.

2-3 Lessons from a case study of Microfinance in Pakistan
Another case study showing the impact of microfinance, based on the experience of Pakistan (Fareed,2014). This case study was conducted to check the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in the Okara
district. This study also demonsrated how MFIs are taking part to reduce poverty. For this purpose, aquantitative approach was used and a questionnaire was utilized as the instrument. Active borrowers of the
microfinance banks in Okara were asked to fill out the questionnaires. The sample size was 85 and convenient
sampling was used. To analyze the data, both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in thisstudy. Correlation and multiple regressions analysis were tested on the data and used to interpret the results.
All the hypotheses were tested with the help of correlation and multiple regression analysis all research
hypotheses were accepted: “There is a positive relationship between availability of microfinance services(AMFS) and poverty reduction”; “there is a positive relationship between use of microfinance services (UMF)
and poverty reduction”; “There is a positive relationship between awareness of microfinance (AMF) andpoverty reduction”; and “There is positive a relationship between facilitating terms & conditions (FT&C) and14

poverty reduction”. This study indicated that microfinance is having a great impact on poverty reduction in the
Okara district.

2-4 Lessons from a case study of Microfinance in Ghana
The main objective of this case study was to assess the effect of SAT’s (Sinapi Aba Trust, the number
one MFI in Ghana) microfinance program on participants in terms of asset accumulation (Kimos, 2009). By
using a distinct survey design that controlled for program placement bias, as well as an empirical model which
controls for the bias of self-selection into programs, the paper observed that, through participation in the
program, established clients of SAT diversified and accumulated various assets in the form of financial, humanand physical capital. Thus, participation in the program significantly improved clients’ living standards
through asset accumulation.
Stakeholders in the microfinance sector have important roles to play in the dissemination of
microfinance as a strategy for poverty reduction. We have outlined below some lessons learnt from the study
and suggested policy directions for future actions in the microfinance sector:•

Insurance products for the poor
Practitioners in the microfinance industry must understand that cash flow requirements are not the
only burden that clients bear. Funerals for family members, as well as maintaining health status ofhousehold members and providing education for children, also place a heavy burden on clients and threaten
their ability to fulfill loan repayment obligations. To address this burden, microfinance providers could
collaborate with insurance companies to put in place affordable insurance products that will cover funeralcosts for clients.

•

Graduation of clients to join formal institutions
To realize the full effect of their operations on clients, microfinance providers must support andrecommend their ‘matured’ clients to join formal institutions, in order to benefit from larger loan amounts.
Data on such clients and those who voluntarily exit the program must be kept and used by the institution
and researchers for impact studies. Similarly, extremely poor clients – who are being trained under various
programs, including beneficiaries of cash transfers, to equip them with skills in entrepreneurship andbusiness management, but who lack access to credit – could be absorbed by MFIs as clients.

•

Financial sustainability and impacts
It has been observed that programs that have achieved higher levels of financial sustainability
make a larger impact on changes in the borrowers’ standards of living. This goes to buttress the argumentthat pursuing full financial sustainability is the surest way to deliver the most benefits to participants. This
strengthens the argument that MFIs must be allowed to charge market interest rates to remain profitable
15

and sustainable without any governmental interference. Disbursement of micro-loans set up by
governments and donors must also be the sole responsibility of the private sector in order to ensure theirsustainability and, therefore, outreach.

3. Methodology
This research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data collection method
varies for each approach. For the quantitative side, field survey using a questionnaire was used to collectprimary data. For the qualitative side, a semi-structured interview was conducted to gather primary data. Bothapproaches were analyzed separately, and the results were compared to determine the relationship among thevariables used in this research. Additionally, secondary data used in this research was gathered from official
publications by the government, official statistics from microfinance institutions and published academic
articles.

3-1 Population
The research population of this study includes all rural households in Sangkat Roka Thom whoborrowed money from Microfinance Institutions before 2014. The total population is 15,522 people (2,827
families). Statistics showed that rice farmers comprise 46.8% of the total population, which is about 1,300
families. In this survey, five villages were chosen as subject areas, including Ang Serei, Krang Pol Tep,
Trapang Loek, Tuol Thnoung and Khaub. Statistics showed that the total population of these five villages is
896 families.

3-2 Unit and sampling
The research unit is the “household”, primarily because the borrowed money is used for household
purposes rather than individual expenses. The research sample was decided through a non-purposive method.
The team used snowball sampling of 60 respondents. The total number of respondents was decided based onsome limitations which included effective research days, the language barrier and the limited number ofsurveyors.
With a sample size of 60 respondents there was a 12.23% margin of error (see Table 1), which meansthat the answers given by respondents have a plus or minus gap of 12.23%. For example, when the total
respondent answers were 30%, the actual range for that answer was between 17.77% and 42.23%. This
research applied a 95% confidence level.

16

Table 1: Sample Size and Margin of Error
Confidence level

95%

95%

95%

Sample Size

50

60

70

Population

896

896

896

Margin of Error

13.47%

12.23%

11.25%

Source: http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm, Accessed on
24 June, 2014

3-3 Informants
Interviews were conducted with a few informants from microfinance stakeholder groups in Sangkat
Roka Thom. These informants were representatives of microfinance institutions, village leaders, local
microfinance proponents, and the borrowers themselves. The criteria used in selecting respondents was basedon their understanding of the latest situation of microfinance in Sangkat Roka Thom, the ability to provide
good and necessary data, and experience in managing microfinance money.

3-4 Analysis
To measure the relationship between MFI borrowing and the changes in income, paired sample t test
analysis was used. This is a method to measure correlation coefficient of variables with numerical values(Levine, Krehbiel, and Berenson, 2012). Once the correlation coefficient was established, the next step was tomeasure the strength of the sub-variables. Beside statistical measurement, the correlation between all variables
were also triangulated with qualitative data.

X1= Mean of first set of values

X2= Mean of second set of values

S1= Standard deviation of first set of values

S2= Standard deviation of second set of values

n1= Total number of values in first set

n2= Total number of values in second set

17

The team assumed that there was a strong correlation between borrowing and income, so thatcoefficient of determination analysis was used. In addition, because this research was based on a sample survey,
the method first used the Pearson Correlation Coefficient:This was followed by measuring the coefficient of determination, which is basically the squared valueof the correlation above.

To measure whether there was a significant difference between variables, the chi square method wasused to analyze the data. The chi squared test was also applied in establishing the coefficient of contingency(C) between variables, namely between male and female heads of household on the tendency to default
microfinance borrowing. For both measurements, the analysis followed this formula:(Observed Frequency – Expected Frequency)2
X =∑2

Expected Frequency

In order to avoid unnecessary mistakes in the measurement, and to fasten the analysis, the team used
two available statistical tools: Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) 22.
The group wanted to prove that there was a positive relationship between the following correlation(See Table 2): 1) microfinance loan and household income; 2) microfinance loan and production output; 3)female borrower and default rate, 4) interest rate and income; 5) repayment plans and income; and 5) loan
duration and income.

18

Table 2: Variables that will be Tested
Variable 1

Variable 2

Higher Microfinance Loan

Household Income

Higher Microfinance Loan

Increasing Output

Female Borrower

Lower Default Rate

Lower Interest Rate

Higher Income and Expenditure

Better Repayment Plans

Higher Income and Expenditure

Longer Loan Duration

Higher Income and Expenditure

3-5 Schedule
The field survey took six working days. One day was used to conduct meetings and interviews withmicrofinance institutions and other informants. In order to collect sufficient quantitative data, the team wasdivided into three groups. Each sub-group was responsible to administer the survey to 20 respondents. On thefirst day, the team conducted a pilot survey in Tuol Thnoung, and modified the questionnaire for the actual
survey. After that, the actual survey was conducted in five villages. On the last day, the team was divided into
two groups and interviewed six MFIs (AMK, CHAMROEUN, HKL, Vision Fund, AMRET, and CMK) andtwo Self-Help Savings Groups (PWD, Development Association).
Table 3: Schedule of Activities: Field Survey in Roka Thom, Cambodia
Date

Village

Who

What

Tue

Aug.19Tuol Thnoung

Household

Pilot Survey

Wed

Aug.20Ang SereiHousehold

SurveyThu

Aug.21

Krang Pol Tep

Household

SurveyFri

Aug.22

Trapang Loek

Household

SurveyMon

Aug.25Tuol Thnoung

Household

SurveyTue

Aug.26

Khaub

Household

SurveyWed

Aug.27

Roka Thom

Six MFIs and two Self-Help
Savings Groups

19Interviews4. Results and Findings
4-1 Quantitative Analysis
Rural households in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu revealead that the most recognized microfinanceinstitutions in their area included ACLEDA, AMRET, SATHAPANA, PRASAC, and AMK. At present,
ACLEDA is already a commercial bank, however, rural households still recognized it as a microfinanceinstitution. Also, it could be observed that the coverage of each MFI varied for each village (see Fig. 1).
ACLEDA was the most recognized MFI in Krang Pol Tep while AMRET and SATHAPANA were the mostrecognized MFIs in Khaub, and Ang Serie and Trapang Loek, respectively.

Figure 1: Five most recognized Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu

Source: Authors

The majority of rural households in Roka Thom borrowed from AMRET, PRASAC, SATHAPANA,
HKL, and Vision Fund (See Figure 2). It could be noted that HKL and Vision Fund were not among the top
five most recognized MFIs in the area. By village, the top most MFIs from which respondents borrowed varies
noticeably. Households in Krang Pol Tep and Trapang Loek preferred to obtain loans from HKL and
SATHAPANA, respectively. In Ang Serie, most borrowers obtained loans from AMRET and PRASAC, whilein Thuol Thnuong and Khaub, most rural households borrowed from AMRET.
Borrowers chose to borrow from the abovementioned MFIs because of the following reasons: (1) low
interest rates, (2) loans could be obtained easily, (3) MFIs could be reached easily, (4) they offered highamounts to borrow, and (5) friend’s recommendation (see Fig. 3). On the other hand, the primary reasons why
most respondents did not borrow or stopped borrowing from MFIs were as follows: (1) high interest rates, (2)desired amount of loan was not approved by MFI; (3) inaccessibility to MFI’s office, (4) inflexible repayment
scheme; and (5) insufficient income to pay back (see Figure 3). Desired amounts of loan were usually not20

approved by lending institution either because the borrower had insufficient income or did not have therequired collateral.

Figure 2: Top Five Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) from which respondents borrowed in Roka
Thom, Kampong Speu

Source: Authors

Figure 3: Five main reasons why borrowers choose to take loans
from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu

Source: Authors

21

Figure 4: Purpose of Borrowing

Source: Authors

In terms of purpose for borrowing, more than 40% of the respondents used the loans they borrowed
for construction, renovation and expansion of houses, as well as buying assets like land and vehicles (seeFigure 4). Around 28% of the respondents mentioned that they used the money for health expenses. The
researchers found that 20% of the respondents used the money for basic needs and business expenses. At most
17% of the respondents utilized the loans for education expenses while at least 11% used the money for farming
and cultural expenses such as weddings. This clearly shows that the bulk of the loans borrowed were notnecessary intended for productive purposes like farming and business expenses, but rather used for basic
household expenses. Although, some respondents conveyed that they used the money to buy land forinvestment purposes. Also, it is interesting to note that a number of respondents explained that they used loans
for ceremonies like weddings, birthdays and funerals.
Based on the result of the survey, it can be observed that there is a positive relationship between theamount of borrowing and level of income in Roka Thom. As shown in Figure 5, as income increases, theamount of borrowing also increases. This is an indication that as income increases, the potential to obtainhigher amount of loan will also increase. Those who borrowed higher amounts usually used the money forweddings and other cultural activities, while those who borrowed less usually used the loans for emergency
purposes.
Taking into account the effect of microfinance borrowing to the income of borrowers, it was foundthat the average monthly income of households significantly increased by 10.27%, from $499.00 before
borrowing to $551.00 after borrowing. However, it should be noted that the increment was not necessarily
because of microfinance borrowing, but rather due to other sources of income like receiving remittances fromfamily members who work abroad or in the larger cities. Other sources of income included working in22

government factories and receiving support from parents or other family members who work in other provinces.
Among the respondents, 52% of them had multiple and various sources of income, 20% received income fromtheir parents, 10% obtained their income from contribution of other family members, and 3% received income
from remittances (see Figure 6).

Figure 5: Amount of Borrowing by Income Level in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu (in US$)

Source: Authors

Figure 6: Main Sources of Income of Households in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu

Source: Authors

23

In terms of the effect of microfinance borrowing on the expenditure patterns of households in Roka
Thom, most respondents revealed that the majority of their monthly expenditures stayed the same (see Figure7). Specifically, these included expenditures on productive purposes like purchasing farm inputs, rice farming,
trading activities, renting agricultural equipment and hiring labor. Expenditures on dwelling and assets, as well
as social expenditures were also observed to have stayed the same. On the other hand, at most 40% of the
respondents expressed that they increased their savings to ensure that they have sufficient money to payback
their loans. Also, at least 40% of the respondents boosted their social expenditures which included expenses
on food, health, transportation, household bills and among others.

Figure 7: Expenditure Patterns of Households in Roka Thom, Kampong Speu

Source: Authors

4-1-1 Borrowing and change in income
In measuring the impact of MFI borrowing to the changes in income of rural households in Roka Thumarea, the following hypotheses were tested.
H0: Microfinance borrower income did not increase after the latest loan
H1: Microfinance borrower income increased after the latest loan

Using the paired t test method with 95% of confidence level, the alpha level for our observation is 2.021.
Statistical test conducted using SPSS shows that t value is 3.013 (see Table 4). When alpha level is smaller
than the t value then hypothesis null is rejected, which means that H1 is accepted. This indicates that the incomeof microfinance borrower increased after the latest loan. The low p-value or 2 tailed significance (0.005) with24

high t value (3.013) means that there is only very small probability that respondent`s income is increased
because of chance, or in other word the result is statistically significant.
Furthermore, the test shows that there is a strong positive correlation between the incomes before thelatest loan with the income after the latest loan. The correlation is 0.747 (see Table 5). In a few cases,
respondents may not have had a latest loan from MFIs, because it is their first time to borrow. These cases arestill counted in the test. In addition, it is important to note that change in income data was obtained for only 37
respondents, therefore the n sample for the paired t test was 37 and not 60.

Table 4: Paired samples T-test

Paired Differences
95% ConfidenceInterval of the
Std.

Mean
Pair

After_borrowin

1g-92.7432

Before_borrowi

4

Std.

Error

Deviation

Mean

187.25687

30.78484

Difference
Lower

Upper

30.30870 155.17779

Sig.
t

3.01
3

ng
Source: Authors

Table 5: Paired Samples Correlations

N
Pair 1

Before latest MFI loan &Correlation

37

After latest MFI loan
Source: Authors

25

.747

Sig.

.000

df

(2-tailed)

36

.005

4-1-2 Higher amount borrowing to higher income
For the second hypothesis, it was assumed that higher amount of borrowing had a strong correlation
with higher income. The hypothesis is as follows:
H0: Borrowing larger amounts did not have a strong correlation with income
H1: Borrowing larger amounts did have a strong correlation with higher income

Regression statistics showed that there was no strong correlation between borrowing larger amounts
and income. The results showed a weak positive correlation between loan size and income, since adjusted R2
is only 0.0446 (See Table 6). It is a positive correlation, but the value is negligible. In Table 7, we can see thatthe slope of the correlation is very low (0.0116), and with P-value higher than 0.05, then there is low
presumption that H0 statement is false. Therefore in this case H1 is rejected. A scatter plot diagram can better
describe the correlation (see Figure 8).

Table 6: Result of Regression Statistics
Multiple R

0.246527

R2

0.060775

Adjusted R2

0.044582

Std Error

4839.82

Observations

60

Source: Authors
Table 7: Slope and P-valueStandard
CoefficientsError

t StatP-value

Intercept

400.407578

36.879411

10.8572119

1.3488E-15

Borrowing

0.01162428

0.0060003

1.93728458

0.05758561

Source: Authors

In Figure 8, it can be observed that the trendline is close to flat. This is caused by data scattered too
wide rather focusing near the trendline. One household with a medium income level borrowed higher amounts
26than all other households. It can also be noted that the highest income household did not borrow higher amounts
than those with lower incomes. These findings explain why the correlation between the two variables, amountof borrowing and level of income, was weak.

Figure 8: Scatter Diagram of Microfinance Income and Borrowing
35,00030,00025,00020,00015,00010,000
5,000
-

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

Source: Authors

4-1-3 Female borrower and Loan default
This research also tried to establish the correlation between female borrowers and default rate. The
hypothesis assumed that female borrowers are more likely to default on their loans than men. However, it was
hard to determine if the borrower was male or female during the actual survey. The researchers found that all
loan contracts must be signed by both the husband and wife, and sometimes includes children. To overcome
this problem, the respondents were grouped based on whether the household was led by a female or male. The
hypotheses are then as follows:
H0: Female-headed households are not more likely to default
H1: Female-headed households are more likely to default

27

Table 8: Default Rate of Female-Headed Household

Default
Yes
FemaleYes Count

No

Total

1

7

8

12.5%

87.5%

100.0%% within Default

7.1%

15.2%

13.3%

% of Total

1.7%

11.7%

13.3%

13

39

52

25.0%

75.0%

100.0%% within Default

92.9%

84.8%

86.7%

% of Total

21.7%

65.0%

86.7%

14

46

60

23.3%

76.7%

100.0%% within Default

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%% of Total

23.3%

76.7%

100.0%Headed% within Female

Household

Headed Household

No

Count
% within Female
Headed Household

Total

Count
% within Female
Headed Household

Source: Authors

Chi-square test using SPSS tools shows that neither female-headed households nor non-female-headedhouseholds tend to default (see Table 8). Obviously, this indicates that H1 is rejected and H0 is accepted. Thereis no statistical difference between male and female headed households in the likelihood of default.
Table 9 shows the Pearson Chi-Square correlation between female-headed households and default rate.
The Asymp. Significance value of 0.436 means that there was no statistically significant relationship between
female or male headed households in relation to default rate. The association was, however, positive.

28

Table 9: Chi-Square Tests Result

Value

df

1.

Asymp. Sig.
(2-sided)Pearson Chi-Square

.606a

1

.436

Continuity Correctionb

.108

1

.742

Likelihood Ratio

.682

1

.409

Exact Sig.

Exact Sig.

(2-sided)(1-sided)

.667

.395

Fisher's Exact Test
Linear-by-Linear.595

Association
N of Valid Cases

1

.440

60

Source: Authors
a. 1 cells (25.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 1.87.
b. Computed only for a 2x2 table

4-1-4 Interest rate and income
It is a common understanding that interest rate, as part of borrowing conditionality, has a correlation
with borrower’s income. The lower the interest rate, the higher the borrower’s income would be. The
researchers surveyed whether respondents income decreased, stayed the same, or increased. To examine therelationship between these two variables, the group proposed the following hypotheses:

H0: Lower interest rate does not correlate with increasing income
H1: Lower interest rate correlates with increasing income

The statistical test showed that interest rate did not correlate with change in income. The adjusted R2
was -0.016 (see Table10) which is very close to 0, a value which means that there was almost no correlation
between the variables tested. The findings confirmed this result. However, the negative value indicates that
there was a negative relationship between interest rate and income. The slope between the two variables was
also negative (see Table 11). And because the P-value was higher than 0.05, then there was no presumption
29

against the null hypothsesis, which means that statistically there was no correlation between interest rate andincome. By this result then the H1 was rejected.

Table 10. Correlation between Interest and Income
Regression Statistics
Multiple R

0.040261

R20.001621

Adjusted R2-0.01559

Std Error

0.789202

Observations

60

Source: Authors

Table 11. Slope and P-valueStandard
CoefficientsError

t StatP-value

Intercept

500.41

56.81

8.81

0.00

Interest rate

-2296.88

1942.30

-1.18

0.24

Source: Authors

4-2 Qualititative Analysis
4-2-1 Perceptions versus Reality
In the process of this research, some interesting findings were revealed which could not be quantified
and were better told as a narrative. Before the field research started, there were some general perceptions but
after going to the field, it was found that those perceptions were not actual realities.
In terms of the perception of gender relations in the household, it was thought that males would be
more dominant and that most household decision-makers would be men rather than women. However, in thefield, it was found that many loans were taken as a family unit and that decisions were not made along genderlines. Rather, they were based on which family member, whether male or female, was working and who earned30

the main income for the household. For example, sometimes it was the children working in the city or ingarment factories. It was also found that most women managed the loans.
In terms of the perception of the relationship between gender and microfinance, it was thought thatfemale headed households would be more likely to default or pay late. However, in the field, it was found thatfemale headed households depended a lot on social connections or family relationships to manage repayment.
It was also found that many females borrowed from friends or neighbors to repay loans. In those cases, nointerest payments were required. Furthermore, some of those females chose repayment dates which coincidewith the pay day of their children or the time they generally received remittances from family members in thecity.
In addition, it was thought that landless women would have less accessibility to loans because of lackof collateral. However, it was found that even though possession of land and other assets are importantconditions for accessing loans, the number of household members who were working played a more importantrole in the approval of the loan and the amount of money available. Also, many females who didn’t havecollateral borrowed in groups, in which case, collateral was not required.
Another assumption was that female headed households would be more likely to default or pay late.
In reality, it was found that many respondents who defaulted did so because they were busy or had forgotten
the due date. They indicated that it was not because they did not have the money to pay.
In terms of the perception of “poor people”, it was supposed that people who access microfinance are
generally desperate or extremely poor. However, the research findings indicated that some people accessed
microfinancing to start a money lending business at higher interest rates than the MFIs. Also, the respondents
specified that they had multiple sources of income and the money lending business was not their primarysource of income.
During the research, gaps in the responses from the respondents and MFIs were also found. It was
revealed that even though some respondents had collateral, they still chose to borrow in groups. This wasperhaps because of the shared responsibility, community solidarity or because group payment plans were more
flexible even though group interest rates were higher. It could also be a combination of these factors. In addition,individual borrowing was still more popular among the respondents than group borrowing. However, MFIs
indicated that more than 80% of their portfolios were group loans.

4-2-2 Cultural Aspects
Marriage in Roka Thom, like in many other societies, seems to hold enormous value. This could be
gleaned from the high expenses on wedding and the degree of risk that parents were willing to take; and wereactually taking to ensure a befitting wedding ceremony for their children, especially females. Many
respondents revealed that they could afford to take risks for their female children because they know that, apart31

from their willingness and ability to pay back the loans, it yields higher returns from the female children in thelong run in terms of remittances since most of them work in the garment factory with a steady source of income.
The study also revealed that unlike the situation in most fast urbanizing societies, the bond between
family members and, indeed the entire community in Roka Thom, is still very strong. Information about
microfinance institutions was widely diffused and members could easily pinpoint households which utilize theservices of microfinance. Notably, there is also a strong tendency for family members to share the risk
associated with taking loans from microfinance institutions. Some respondents took loans, using their land
property as collateral, not necessarily for themselves but to either help their brothers or sisters set-up
entrepreneurial ventures such as pharmacy, beauty (hair dressing saloon) or tailoring shops or other productive
outlets, while some borrowed jointly with their children with the understanding that both the capital and interest
would be repaid, either solely or by the loan beneficiaries or jointly with the direct borrower.
Finally, as part of the requirements for granting loans, the consent of the village head is usually soughtby microfinance institutions on the loan history/profile of the potential borrower and in the event of a default
in repayment, they also play a significant role in compelling the defaulter to repay his/her loan. While suchpractice is commendable in the sense that, apart from ensuring that potential risks to borrowers andmicrofinance institutions are prevented, it reinforces traditional authority structures which serve as social
control by checking the conduct of community members. However, such practice could also be subject toabuse by village heads. For instance, in-depth interviews with some microfinance institutions revealed thatsome village heads gave misleading information about the loan profile of potential clients and in a situation
where credit bureaus are less efficient, as in Cambodia, or where some MFIs deliberately ignore information
about potential clients’ loan profiles, we could expect the risk of default in repayment to be heightened.
Similarly, the village heads could discriminate against rival individuals or those not favoured by him.

4-2-3 From the perspective of the microfinance institutions and their borrowers
The microfinance institutions (MFIs) interviewed offer financial services such as loans and savings
products but only one revealed that they also offer education scholarships and provide insurance coverage for
their clients. It was discovered that MFIs in Kampong Speu practice group and individual lending. Grouplending mainly targets those with very low incomes and low asset wielding households, while individual
lending targets relatively better off households in terms of possession of collateral, having access to children’s
remittances and being earners. Those households who borrowed as individuals had relatively higher incomescompared to those who participated in group lending. However, a few households participated in both lending
techniques, especially when they could not obtain multiple loans because they had pledged their collateral toother loans. This usually occurred when there were emergency needs to meet.
Regarding the purpose for which loans were usually sought, it was reported that most loans were used
for buying motorbikes, cars and building houses, while only a small amount of loans were actually utilized for32main productive activities like community-rice farming and livestock rearing. However, interviews with theborrowers revealed that a significant number of them also took loans to pay for wedding ceremonies for theirchildren, while a fewer number also took loans to buy property, such as land for speculative purposes. The
implication of this undertaking is that the immediate effect of microfinance lending might be difficult to assessbut given the prevailing inflationary trends in the prices of land in Kampong Speu, one could expect returns
on investment from this practice.
With respect to the precautions taken to ward off defaults, most of the MFIs revealed that they usually
did not require potential borrowers to present any form of business plans prior to approving their loans andthey also did not have an effective mechanism for verifying or monitoring how loans were used by clients solong as there was no default in the payment of interest rates. In view of this, interviews with the borrowers
revealed that most of them were able to meet their interest payments, not necessarily from the proceeds of theirinvestments as envisaged by the philosophy of microfinance, but from children’s remittances. A few of them
paid from income earned from their jobs. Most of the MFIs merely relied on neighbours to find out how theirclients used the loans but of course, they assumed that community solidarity might skew responses in favourof the client in question more often than not.
In the area of services rendered to clients, most MFIs disclosed that clients were generally satisfied
with their service delivery which also resonated with the assessment shared by the borrowers, except thatborrowers wanted lower interest rates, increased proximity and home collection of monthly payments, rather
than having to travel long distances to MFI offices and having to endure long queues during peak periods,
usually at the end of every month.
On challenges confronting the MFIs, it was noted that there were too many unlicensed operators;
unhealthy competition for clients among MFIs, leading to the prevalence of loan recycling amid an ineffective
credit bureau system; poor governmental regulation of the microfinance sector; and the activities of informal
money lenders. However, interviews with borrowers suggested that money lenders were usually not a preferredchoice, except for smoothing out household consumption or to urgently meet income shortfalls, especiallywhen they are threatened by the inability to repay microfinance loans. In principle, all MFIs are required toverify and ascertain the creditworthiness of prospective borrowers prior to lending money to them from theCredit Bureau of Cambodia (CBC), but in practice, they ignore this institutional directive and engage in
multiple and simultaneous lending to clients, thus exposing them to higher risks of default.
Most of the MFIs opined that the paucity of funds limits their ability to engage in entrepreneurial andcapacity building training for clients and prospective clients, except for pre-loan counselling on financial
management practices. Therefore, they solicited government and donor partnerships with MFIs in this area sothat clients could get maximum benefits from microfinance services. This is particularly noteworthy because
in both interviews with borrowers and MFIs it was revealed that most of the beneficiaries of loans either
worked in the dominant garment factory or had children or spouses who worked there. The group view
therefore, was that providing such training would help borrowers diversify their income sources beyond rice33

farming, livestock rearing and the garment industry. This will help both the MFIs and borrowers to better copein the event of a shock in the garment industry or during natural disasters such as droughts and floods as
happened in the now famous Lehman shock of 2008, which drastically reduced the demand for goods andservices, including clothing. With regards to the high interest rates that borrowers complained about, most
MFIs disclosed that interest rates charged to clients are determined by the interest rates at which they accessloans and that if they could access lower interests, it would automatically trickle down to borrowers. Again,
this is another area where donors and the government could collaborate with microfinance banks so that theycan expand their reach to underserved and marginalized groups and individuals who find it difficult to copewith the current cut-throat interest rates. One way for the government to address this concern is to access low
interest private sector stimulating funds from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and designate
selected MFIs with lower interest rates to be distributed to potential entrepreneurs from poor households.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations
5-1 Conclusion
The examination of microfinance borrowing in five villages in Roka Thom, Cambodia revealed
different results than what was expected from the theoretical perspective. These include the following:•

There was a positive indication that the income of microfinance borrower had increased after the latest
loan. However, this may have been a coincidence as it was revealed that changes in income and expenditureof households were mostly affected by family dynamics. The incremental change in income could be
attributed to having various sources of income like remittances from family members who work abroad orin urban cities, contribution of other family members or other reasons.

•

There was no strong correlation between the monetary amount of loans and the income of borrowers. Also,
higher microfinance borrowing has no correlation with the change in income.

•In terms of gender and the tendency of the borrower to default, this study showed that there was no
statistically significant association between female headed households and male headed households, andtheir tendency to default on loans. However, qualitative exploration found that female headed households
depended a lot on social connections or family relationships to manage repayment, thus making them able
to avoid default.

•

In terms of microfinance conditions, one of the most important things according to respondents was interest
rates. However, this does not necessarily mean that there was a correlation between interest rates andchange in income, as the study showed.

34

•There was a significant difference in the change of income among respondents, which means that there
was no close association that caused the change of income of borrowes.

•

From a qualitative exploration, this study found out that most MFI loans are taken for consumption
purposes rather than for productive purposes. The loans were predominantly used for buying assets suchas motorbikes, for building or expanding dwellings, and for wedding expenses. However, the findings ofthis study also showed that when loans were used for productive purposes, it was more likely that there
was a positive impact on household income.

5-2 Recommendations
Based on the results and findings of this research, this study provides some recommendations to thegovernment, microfinance institutions, and borrowers. These include the following:

5-2-1 Government
1. Regulate the informal MFIs operating in Kampong Speu to support formal MFIs. The activity of
informal MFIs in the area is increasing, and although there may not yet be problems, the government
or local government needs to mitigate potential problems that could be caused by their activity, which
may include giving too much credit for non-productive purposes.
2. Limit the number of loans individual clients can take simultaneously, as multiple loans can contributeto default. It should be noted that this research did not find many multiple loan situations and thosethat were found did not reveal any problems that led to default.
3. Closer monitoring of the operations of informal moneylenders. It is known that informal moneylenders
offer quick money but with a very high interest rate. Most people borrow from informal moneylenders
during an emergency. It is therefore necessary to closely monitor the acitivies of informal money
lenders to avoid any abuses.
4. Increase household capacity through trainings or workshops. The low correlation between
microfinance utilization and increase in income was caused by the low capacity of households toengage in productive activity. Therefore, the government should play a more active role in promoting
the use of microfinance loans for productive purposes by promoting training or workshops.

35

5-2-2 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)
1. The MFIs can increase financial inclusion of the Roka Thom community by offering lower interest
rates. This research showed that interest rates given by MFIs are too high according to respondents,
and they are seeking for lower interest rates.
2. Make special arrangements for landless households, especially female headed households. These are
the most vulnerable communities when financial hardship occurs in a country or region. Although thisresearch showed that these vulnerable communities already had coping strategies in place when thesecircumstances occur, they were still excluded from access to financial services. Without adequate
access to financial help, they will not be able to improve their living conditions.
3. Microfinance institutions should offer services other than loans and savings. This is important toimprove borrowers’ capacity to manage their money. Through this strategy, borrowers can get morefinancial benefits rather than just using the loans for consumption purposes. This is in line with theabovementioned recommendation for the government, however, the MFIs should offer more practicalservices and profit-oriented trainings.
4. Adopt strategies to ensure that loans are used for the purpose they were intended. Currently, there arevery limited strategies in controlling the use of microfinance loans. The frequent use of microfinancemoney for non-productive purposes might be caused by the absence of monitoring in terms of how theloans were used. MFIs should at least monitor and encourage the borrowers to use the loans obtainedfor productive purposes.

5-2-3 Borrowers/Clients
1. Utilize the loans more for productive purposes in order to generate greater incomes for the household.
This study suggests that borrowers/clients should at least use the loans for productive purposes toobtain higher level of income.
2. Refrain from taking multiple loans simultaneously. To avoid loan defaults in the future, borrowers
should refrain from taking multiple loans simultaneously.

36

6. Appendices
The Relationship between Microfinance and the Income and Expenditure of
Rural Households in Roka Thom, Cambodia

1. QUESTIONNAIRESECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Sex

Code

Villages of Raka Thom

Male

1

Ang Serei

1

Female2

Krang Pol Tep

2

Trapang Loek

3

Tuol Thnuong

4

Khaub

5

Age

Code

Marital Status
Married1

Livestock Farming Activity

Single2

Yes

Widowed3

Subsistence

Divorced

4

Commercial

Separated

5

No

1

2

Main Source of HH Income
Family Members

Education
No schooling1

Formal Education

2

Please specify highest grade complete
Non-formal education

Same as occupation

1

From other family member/s2

Remittance3

Others (please state)

4

Main product (yearly)
3

Only rice37

1

Occupation

Mainly rice with few other2

Agriculture (non-rice)

3
4

Farming1

Other

Government employee

2

Specify above ………………….

Small Business Owner

3

Factory Workers

4

Others5

SECTION B: AWARENESS AND PATRONAGE OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS

Q1. Which Microfinance Institutions are you aware of? Multiple codes possible
Q2. Which of them have you borrowed money/take loan from? Multiple codes possible
Q3. Which one would you consider borrowing/taking loans from if your regular Microfinance Institution is
not available? Single code
Q4. Which MFI (s) have you stopped borrowing/taking loans from? Multiple codes possible
Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Awareness

Borrowed

Alternative

StoppedfromMFIborrowing

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

from(ACLEDA)

01

01

01

01

AEON Microfinance Ltd (AEON)

02

02

02

02

Angkor Mikroheranhvatho (Kampuchea)

03

03

03

03

04

04

04

04

05

05

05

05

Co. Ltd (AMK)
AMRET Microfinance Institution(AMRET)
Angkor ACE Star Credits Limited (Angkor
ACE)

38

06

06

06

06

07

07

07

07

Entean Akpevath Pracheachun (EAP)

08

08

08

08

Farmer Finance LTD (FarmerFinance)

09

09

09

09

Farmer Union Development Fund (FUDF)

10

10

10

10

Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL)

11

11

11

11

Malis Microfinance Institution (Malis)

12

12

12

12

PRASAC MFI Ltd. (PRASAC)

13

13

13

13

SAMIC Microfinance (SAMIC)

14

13

13

13

SATHAPANA Limited (SATHAPANA)

15

15

15

15

Village Development Association (VDA)

16

16

16

16

VisionFund Cambodia (VisionFund)

17

17

17

17

Entrepreneurship

18

18

18

18

Credit Mutuel Kampuchea (CMK)

19

19

19

19

ABA

20

20

20

20

Other (Specify)

21

21

21

21

Cambodia Community Savings Federation(CCSF)CHAMROEUN Microfinance Limited(CHAMROEUN)

Q5. Why did you choose to borrow money/take loans from above mentioned institution?
They’re more trusted…………….........

1

They can be reached easily……………

2

Their loan is easy to get……………….

3

It was the only institution available…...

4

Friend’s advice (referrals)………….....

539

I see that they have been helping our people…

6

Others (please specify below)………..

7

Q6.

Why did you stop borrowing money/taking loans from (Stopped MFI mentioned at Q5)?

Q7.

Who usually take the decision taking loans from MF in this household?

A. Head of household
Husband………………………

1

Wife…………………………..

2

Husband & wife........................

3

B. Other family members (please specify)

Q8.

Male………………….............

1

Female……………................

2

Who signs for the loan agreement?

A. Head of household
Husband………………………

1

Wife……………………….…

2

Husband & wife.......................

3

B. Other family members (please specify)
Male………………….............

140

Female……………................

Q9.

2

Who manages the money borrowed?

A. Head of household
Husband………………………

1

Wife……………………..........

2

Husband & wife......................... 3
B. Other family members (please specify)

Q10.

Male………………….............

1

Female……………................

2

Apart from Microfinance Institutions, which other sources have you ever borrowed money from?

Multiple choices
Family/Friends..........................

1

Informal Money Lenders..........

2

Others (Please specify)............

3

None………………………….

4

Q11.

How frequently do you borrow money from Microfinance Institutions (at least in the last 2

years)?
Only once………………….

1

2 or 3 times………………..

2

4 times or more……………

3

Q12.

How much are you borrowing currently, compared to the last time before (if any)?

Previous Loan …………………………………..
…………………………………..

41

Current Loan …………………………………….
Q13.

For what purpose do you borrowed from above mentioned institution?
a) For basic needs

Yes

No

(1) Food consumption

12(2) Clothing12(3) Payment of alcohol (beer/wine)12(1) Farming e.g. buying fertilizer, chemical

12(2) Buying animal/other livestock1

2(3) Payment of harrowing/harvesting/hired labor12(4) Payment of land purchase/rent

12(1) Housing (construction/renovation/expansion)12(2) Buying asset i.e. battery/radio/mobile/TV/Motorbike/Car12(1) Payment of medicine and medical expenses

12(2) Payment of critical treatment of members

12(1) Payment of study materials

12(2) Payment of school fee/study part time12(1) Start-up business

12(2) Expansion business

12(3) Working capital

1

2

1

2

b) For farmingc) For building works and other assetsd) For health care expensese) For education expensesf) For business expensesg) For cultural expenses(1) Payment of travelling42

(2) Ceremony e.g. weddings, birthdays, funerals, Bon Nek Ta etc.

12(3) Donation to pagoda/monks

12(4) Special occasions. i.e. Bon Pchum Ben, Khmer New Year1

2(1) Payment of electricity

12(2) Repayment of Tong Tin

12(3) Repayment of daily needs debt

12(4) Repayment of loans i.e. to pay commuting loan/family debt (or

1

2

1

2

(2) Payment for public service i.e. ID, land title

12j) Other expenses (Specify)_______________

12h) For other expenses

debt repayment)i) For social expenses(1) Donation to community for flood, draught and other charity
collection

Q14.

What kinds of collaterals were you required to provide before borrowing money/taking loans?

Q15.

Apart from collaterals, which other things are you required to do before borrowing

money/taking loans from Microfinance Institutions? Probe for pre-loaning or post loaning training,counseling on financial or business management, etc.

43

Q16.

How do you access loans from Microfinance Institutions? (Multiple choices are possible)

Individually……………………………

1

Group-based…………………………..

2

Village/Community based…………….

3

Others (Please specify) …………….….

4

Q17.

Apart from lending money/giving loans, which other services do Microfinance Institutions

provide for you?
1. No.
2. Yes, …………………………….

SECTION C: MICROFINANCE LOAN CONDITIONALITY
Q18.

At what monthly interest rate do you normally access Microfinance loans?

…………………………….

Q19.

Q20.

What is your opinion about the interest rate charged by Microfinance Institutions?
Very highHigh

Moderate

Low

Very low

1

2

3

4

5

How long does it take to get loans/money from Microfinance Institutions?

Less than one week ……

1 Please specify in days …………………….

A Week…………………

2

2 Weeks…………………

3

1 Month…………………

4

Over 1 Month…………...

5
44

Q21.

How do you pay back the loan/money borrowed from Microfinance Institutions/what is theloan repayment schedule of microfinance Institutions like?
Weekly Contribution………………….

1

Bi-Weekly Contribution……………..

2

Monthly Contribution…………………

3

Bi-monthly Contribution……………...

4

After harvesting time……………..

5

Others (Please specify)………………

6

Q22.

Did you ever pay late?

Yes…………………………………. 1
No………………………………….. 2
If yes, please explain why ………………………………………………………………

Q23.

Has there been any time when you took a loan/borrowed money to pay off another loan?

Yes………………………………….

1-Ask Q24

No………………………………….

2-Skip Q24

Q24.

Could you please describe what led to that (Q23 Above)?

Q25.

How satisfied are you with the loan/debt repayment plan/schedule of MicrofinanceInstitutions?
Very unsatisfied

Unsatisfied

No idea

Satisfied

Very Satisfied

1

2

3

4

5

45

Q26.

How long does it take you to repay a particular loan?

6 months…………………………………….

1

1 Year………………………………………

2

18 months…………………………………..

3

2 Years…………………………………….

4

Depends on when I harvest my rice……….

5

Others (please specify)……………………

6

SECTION D: INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
Q27.

Q28.

What is your monthly Household income currently? …………………
Increasing

1

Decreasing

2

The same

3

Could you please tell us your current expenditure patterns?

Post –MF loan income

Increasing

Decreasing

The same

1

2

3

Average weekly spending on food

1

2

3

Average weekly spending on health (drugs, hospital bills

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on transport

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on household bills (Electricity,

1

2

3

1

2

3

A-Cash flows analysis
Average monthly savings after all expenditures
B-Social expendituresetc)

water bills, etc)
Average monthly spending on clothes and shoes

46

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on purchasing Seedlings

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on purchasing fertilizers

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on purchasing farm

1

2

3

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on livestock raising/rearing

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on rice farming

1

2

3

Average monthly investment in trading activities

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on renting agricultural

1

2

3

1

2

3

Average monthly spending on children’s school (school
fees, books, etc)
Average spending on recreation activities (sports, party,socializing etc)
C-Expenditures on dwelling
Average monthly spending on maintenance of dwelling place
D-Expenditures on Assets
Average monthly spending on electrical appliances (DVD,TV, Refrigerator etc)
Average monthly spending on beauty goods (jewelleries,
etc)
E-Expenditures on Productive Resources

implement/equipments
Average monthly spending on purchasing pest control
chemicals

equipments (Tractors, seeders etc)
Average monthly spending on hiring farm labor

47

SECTION E: BENEFICIARIES RELATIONSHIP WITH MICROFINANCE STAFF
Q29.

How would you describe the attitude and behavior of staff of Microfinance Institutions
towards borrowers/clients?

Q30.

Very bad

Bad

Good

Very good

Excellent

1

2

3

4

5

Have you ever noticed gender discrimination in the granting of loans by MicrofinanceInstitutions?
Yes…………………………..

1

No……………………………

2

Q31.

Could you describe particular case (s) of gender discrimination (from your own experience orothers)?

Q32.

In your opinion, what are the major challenges encountered in borrowing money/taking loans

from Microfinance Institutions?

48

Q33.

What do you think could be done to address these challenges?

Thank you very much for your time.

2. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS

1. Loan Administration Procedures•

Do you have any standard loan policies which govern your lending activities?
o

If yes, could you explain the procedures?

o

If no, could you explain why you do not have such policies?
Probe for more details about interest rates and repayment rates

What categories of Loans do you offer?

2. Services offered to clients/beneficiaries•

What kinds of support/assistance do you render to your clients? – cash, services or goods?
o•For what purpose do clients indicate that they borrow the loans?
o•Probe for further info. or new information.

Probe to find out if clients use the loan for the purpose which they apply for.

What measures do you adopt to ensure that clients use the loans received for the purpose they weremeant for?

•

Other than the loan, what services do you provide to your clients?

•

Which of these services are clients most satisfied with?
o•Which services do they mostly complain about?
o•

Why do you think they are satisfied with these services?

In your opinion, why do they complain about these services?

Are there any services that clients currently demand that you do not offer?
49

o
•

If yes, how do you manage the situation?

How would you rate your organization on the following indices of Social Performance?
a. Serving a larger number of poor and excluded people.
1. Very Low 2. Low 3. Medium 4. High 5. Very Highb. Delivering high-quality and appropriate financial services.
1. Very Low

2. Low

3. Medium4. High

5. Very High3. Medium4. High

5. Very High

4. High

5. Very Highc. Creating benefits for clients.
1. Very Low

2. Lowd. Improving the social responsibility of MFIs.
1. Very Low

2. Low

3. Medium3. Finance•

What are the sources of finance for your organization?
o(Probe for donor, savings from beneficiaries and sale of bonds etc.)•

Have you been able to meet the demands of your clients based on your current loan portfolio?

•

What procedure do you adopt to prevent clients’ defaults on their loans?
o•(Probe for joint liability, individual liability, collateral etc.)

How do you manage default by clients?

4. Challenges Encountered•

In your opinion, what are the major challenges of microfinance in Cambodia?

•

In your opinion, what are the major challenges preventing the borrowers from accessing
microfinance facilities?

•oProbe for general challenges.

oProbe for more specific challenges.

How would you react to the view that microfinance institutions are sacrificing their primary
mission of poverty alleviation for financial sustainability?

•

In your opinion, what are the barriers to low income/landless borrowers’ (women and/or men)participation in microfinance institutions?

50

5. Policy Recommendations•

What advice would you suggest to the government on how to strengthen microfinance inCambodia?

•

What advice would you suggest to NGOs on how to strengthen microfinance in Cambodia?

•

What advice would you suggest to donor agencies on how to strengthen microfinance inCambodia?

•

What advice would you suggest to investors/shareholders on how to strengthen microfinance inCambodia?

•

What advice would you suggest to prospective borrowers on how to strengthen microfinance inCambodia?

•

What do you think could be done to increase the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction?

•

Do you think women are more likely to delay/default on their loan payment?

•o

If yes, why?

o

If no, why not?

What do you think could be done to increase the access of rural poor to microfinance?

51

7. References
Armendariz de Aghion, Beatriz, and Jonathan Morduch (2005) The Economics of Microfinance. Cambridge,
MA: MIT Press.

Asia Development Bank. (2012). Financial sector development strategy 2011–2020. Mandaluyong: AsianDevelopment Bank.

Bateman, Milford and Chang, Ha-Joon (2012) ‘‘Microfinance and the Illusion of Development: From Hubris
to Nemesis in Thirty Years’’ Accessed on 19th February, 2013 from World Economy Review Database
at: http://werdiscussion.worldeconomicsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/Bateman-Chang-May-24NH.pdf

Cambodia Microfinance Association. (2012). Microfinance Environment. Retrieved July 13, 2014, from
Cambodia Microfinance Association: http://cma-network.org/drupal/MicrofinanceEnvironment

Central Intelligence Agency. (2014, June 23). The World Factbook - Cambodia. Retrieved July 12, 2014, fromThe World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.html

Fareed, Zeeshan (2014),” The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Reduction (A case study of Okara, Southern
Punjab, Pakistan)”, EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, Vol. 1, Issue 10 January

Fukui, Ryu and Llanto, M. G. (2006) ‘‘Rural Finance and Microfinance Development in Transition Countries
in South-East and East Asia’’. Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), Research Paper
Series No. 2006-01. Philippine: PIDS

Heng, Sophea (2008) ‘‘Commercialization of Microfinance: A Case Study of ACLEDA Bank of Cambodia’’
An Unpublished Mater’s Thesis. Graduate School of International Development (GSID), Nagoya
University, Japan.

Hermes, Niels and Lensink, Robert (2007) ‘‘The Empirics of Microfinance: What Do We Know?’’ The
Economic Journal, Vol. 117, No. 517, pp. F1-F10. Accessed on 19th February,2013
from:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4625473

International Finance Corporation (2009) ‘‘ Working in the Context of Today’s Crisis, Managing the Risks
and Challenges: Cambodia Microfinance Amid the Global Financial Crisis’’. IFC Advisory Services,
Access to Finance, Conference Proceedings.

Kimos, Joseph (2009), “The Role of Microfinance in Asset-Building and Poverty Reduction: The Case of
Sinapi Aba Trust of Ghana”, Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper 8752

Krauss, Nicolas and Walter, Ingo (2009) ‘‘Can Microfinance Reduce Portfolio Volatility?’’ Economic
Development and Cultural Change, Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 85-110. Accessed on 19th February, 2013 from:http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/605206

Levine, David M, Timothy C. Krehbiel, and Mark L Berenson, 7th Edition (2012) Business Statistics. NSW:
Pearson.

Liv, D. (2013). Study on the Drivers of Over-Indebtedness of Microfinance Borrowers in Cambodia: An Indepth Investigation of Saturated Areas. Cambodia Institute of Development Studies.

Morduch, Jonathan and Haley, Barbara (2002) ‘‘Analysis of the Effects of Microfinance on Poverty
Reduction’’. NYU Wagner Working Paper No. 1014. Retrieved on 20th November, 2013 from:http://www.nyu.edu/wagner/workingpapers.html

Murray, E. V. (2009) ‘‘Can Microfinance Alleviate Poverty in India?’’. In the Catalyst, Newsletter of the
Cyriac Elias Voluntary Association (CEVA), Kochi. Vol.VII, Issue1

National Institute of Population Research and Training, Measure DHS and Miltra and Associates (2013)‘‘Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011’’. Retrieved on 10th November, 2014 from:http://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR265/FR265.pdf

Pickens, Mark (2004) ‘‘Savings-Led and Self-Help Microfinance in Cambodia: Lessons Learned and Best
Practices’’. A Study Commissioned by PACT Cambodia.

Rural Poverty in Cambodia. Accessed on 3rd July, 2014 from Rural Poverty Portal at:
http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/cambodia

Sachs, Jeffrey D. (2005) ‘‘ The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time’’. New York: Penguin
Press.
Santha, E K (2009) ‘‘Poverty Alleviation: Is Microfinance A Panacea or Palliative?’’ In the Catalyst,
Newsletter of the Cyriac Elias Voluntary Association (CEVA), Kochi. Vol.VII, Issue1

Shastri, Rajesh Kumar (2009) Micro finance and poverty reduction in India (A comparative study with AsianCountries). African Journal of Business Management Vol.3 (4), pp. 136-140. Accessed on 2othNovember, 2013 from: http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM

Vogel, R., & Nguyen, B. (2011). Rural and Microfinance in the Lower Mekong Region: Policies, Institutions,and Market Outcomes. Mandaluyong: Asian Development Bank.

World

Bank
(2011)
Data:
Cambodia.
http://data.worldbank.org/country/cambodia

Accessed

53

on

3rd

July,

2014

from:

WorldBank(2011)
Data:
Cambodia.
http://data.worldbank.org/country/bangladesh

Accessed

on

3rd

July,

2014

Zaman, Hassan (2004), “Microfinance in Bangladesh: Growth, Achievements, and Lessons”, A Global
Learning Process and Conference Shanghai, May 25–27

54

from:

Working Group 2
Local Governance
Decentralization as a Bridge between the State and thePeople-A Case Study of Local Governance by the Commune / Sangkat Council in Chbar
Mon City, Cambodia-

1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Research findings and analysis [Section 1]
4. Research findings and analysis [Section 2]
5. Research findings and analysis [Section 3]
6. Conclusions
7. Acknowledgements
8. References

Group Adviser
Associate Prof. Wataru Kusaka
Dr. Sok Serey

Group Members
Mart Kurismaa**
Vannpoly Chhay*
Mohibullah Shirzai
Mohammad Reza Qasemi
Yuniar Aristia Paramita Sari
Natalia Karina Nauarro Nahmias
Takahiro Kiyohara
Moe Kita**Group leader* Sub-leader

55

List of acronyms used:
CDP Commune Development Process
CEDAC Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (Cambodian NGO)
CS Commune/Sangkat
CSC Commune/Sangkat Council
CSF Commune/Sangkat FundKHR Khmer Riel
NGO Non-governmental organization
SSF Sao Sary Foundation (Cambodian NGO)
WV World Vision (Cambodian NGO)56

1. Introduction
1-1 Literature review
1-1-1 Conceptual background
When looking into local governance issues in Cambodia, one cannot go past the question ofdecentralization. The system and the workings of decentralization provided the backdrop for this field research.
Therefore, in order to introduce or discuss the findings, it is first necessary to have a look at the concept itself
and the wider issues of governance that are related to decentralization.
Over 80% of developing countries are estimated to be pursuing decentralization in one way or another(White, 2011: 1). On the other hand, in democratic developed countries, governance is often understood to be
decentralized by default. Thus, the process is carried out in vastly different cultural, political and economic
settings worldwide, which means there can be no one size fits all policy for success.
The process is widely regarded as essential for achieving good governance and possibly also for
attaining economic and socio-political objectives at the same time through increasing democratization,
efficiency and accountability. The outcome should be more participatory governance and improved public
service delivery, due to local participation and accountability (Green, 2009: 2).
Various scholars and organizations have defined decentralization differently, but the general idea isconveyed by the simple description of the Commonwealth Secretariat as "the transfer of power from central
government to lower levels of government (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2011: 5). According to the World
Bank, it is "the transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from the central government tointermediate and local governments or quasi-independent government organizations and/or the private sector"(World Bank, 2001).
By definition, the World Bank includes non-state actors, accounting for which has been increasingly
understood as vital for the success of decentralization. In this view, non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
are seen as representing civil society (Asad & Kay, 2012), or even as 'ideal partners' in civil society
development (Dagnino 2007: 554). In this sense, NGOs are taken to stand for bottom-up action, which is meant
to compliment the top-down action of government (Streeten, 1998). Ultimately, it is NGO support that could
provide outreach to remote areas that are inaccessible to, or not part of, government priorities (Tendler, 1982;
Caroll, 1992).
Including the NGO sector as part of the decentralization process complicates an already complex
picture. The difficulties are not so much theoretical or conceptual in nature, but rather lie in the practicalimplementation of decentralization, which is often not able to deliver the expected results. Indeed, as has been
claimed by experts (White, 2011: 3-5), and as this fieldwork has corroborated, even judging success fromfailure can be hard, as the process itself is necessarily long-term and fraught with difficulties.

57

1-1-2 Empirical background
The process of decentralization in Cambodia could be said to have started directly in 2002 with thefirst elections of the representatives of the Commune / Sangkat Council (CSC). This is the smallest official
administrative unit in the Kingdom of Cambodia and thus the most direct link between the people and stateadministration (Sangkat is the urban equivalent of the rural Commune). The administrative structure is depicted
in Table 1.
Table 1: Administrative structure

Source: Compiled based on the website http://www.localpublicsector.net/profiles/khm1112.htm(accessed on February 13 ,2015)

Generally, for local authorities to work properly, they need to have sufficient financial resources toperform their function. In the Cambodian case, however, the amount of the Commune / Sangkat Fund (CSF),
which is the CSC's only official financial revenue source, is not adequate to cover people's needs (Heng et al.
2011, Chheat et al. 2011). Although the District, or Khan, offices are supposed to collect local tax for theirdevelopment budget, they have not been able to do so despite being authorized to. In addition, it is not yet
clear what taxes Communes will be entitled to collect, as tax collection by the District level may end up
overlapping with potential Commune taxes (Rusten et al. 2004: 31).
As well as fiscal limitations, the CSCs also have problems regarding development projects, which arecarried out locally in response to people's needs. These projects tend to be overwhelmingly used for road
construction/rehabilitation, and Plummer and Tritt (2011) suggest that it is CSCs' lack of capacity that is
responsible for this exclusive focus. The end result is that CSCs are dependent on the upper administrative
levels, namely District and Provincial Councils, for both funding and technical capacity, which raises questionsof coordination and dependence in resource allocation.
Looking at decentralization, not from the administrative perspective but from the people's side, lowlevels of popular participation have been noted (Plummer & Tritt, 2011; World Bank, 2009). This results from58

several factors, such as lack of interest, insufficient incentives, and poor coordination between CSCs, village
chiefs, and villagers, as well as lack of information about village meetings. Another issue is that even whenpeople attend the meetings, they hesitate to raise their concerns and speak their opinions to the CSC (Plummer& Tritt, 2011). In this sense, the function of the CSC to promote civil participation in decision-making
processes cannot be effective.
As a possible solution to the problem of lack of administrative coordination and lack of popularparticipation in CSC work, some researchers have suggested NGOs could form the missing link in making
decentralization work in Cambodia (Rajasekhar, 1999). The NGO sector tends to be considerably better
resourced, paid and educated than official administrative offices, and is often working in tandem with thepeople at the grassroots level. At the same time, the NGO sector likewise presents a number of difficulties forthe decentralization process, such as lack of coordination, corruption and draining of the local talent pool fromcivil service.
In summary, decentralization in Cambodia faces multiple challenges. This research was focused on
the level of the CSC, to determine how administrative, social and NGO elements worked together to realize
effective local governance.

1-2 Research framework
1-2-1 Problem statement
Effective decentralization requires meaningful engagement by the people in local decision-making, acapable and well-resourced local administration, and a clear division of duties between state and private sector
actors. In the case of Cambodia, numerous studies, as outlined in the literature review, have shown local level
decentralization is facing difficulties meeting these criteria.
Consequently, although it is democratic and participatory in appearance, it is doubtful that thedecentralization process is truly effective on the local level. In particular, it is not clear whether the decisions
made by the CSCs align with the needs of the people, whether the CSC is in a position to meet these needs
and, if not, whether there are other actors who can fill the gap.

1-2-2 Research objective and questions
The objective of this research was to study decentralization in Cambodia to see if bridges had been
formed between the people and the state, and between the different actors engaged in local governance on theCommune / Sangkat level.
In order to achieve this, the research focused on the views of different actors' in regard to the work of
the CSC. These can be summarized in the following three research questions:
591) What is the effectiveness of CSCs' role as the bridge between the state and the people?
2) What limitations hinder the effectiveness of CSCs?
3) What are NGOs' contributions to increasing the effectiveness of CSCs?
The first question looks at the work of the CSC from the perspective of local people, for whose wellbeing the Council is supposed to work. The research observed people's awareness, participation andsatisfaction relating to CSC's activities.
The second question deals with issues of state administration and attempts to gauge the structuraldifficulties and limitations that hinder the work of the CSC, both legally and economically.
The final question looks at NGO involvement in local governance as it relates to the work of the CSC.
This research looked at both the extent of the current cooperation, as well as possible ways to make it more
effective.

2. Methodology
2-1 Interviewee Selection and Questionnaire
The basic research methodology was to follow an inductive, qualitative approach and use focus group
discussions and key informant interviews for most primary data purposes. Quantitative analysis was also used
for assessing data in the Commune Investment Plan.
In the process of the field research three groups of actors were interviewed. These three groups had astake in local governance and decentralization issues: state administrators, NGOs and local villagers. For the
first group, interviews were held with the heads and some key figures in four Provincial departments, namely
The Department of Economics and Finance, The Department of Rural Development, The Department of Social
Affairs and The Administrative Office. In case of the latter, in addition to the Provincial level, officials werealso interviewed at the District level Administration Office. Because the focal point of attention was theperformance of local CSC units, interviews were also conducted with the CSC head and the Councillors of
three Sangkats in the City of Chbar Mon, namely Roka Thum Sangkat, Svay Kravan Sangkat and Chbar Mon
City Sangkat.
To study the perception of the people who were directly affected by the work of the local
administration, namely the local villagers, interviews were conducted with 22 villagers in Chbar Mon City andRaka Thum Sangkat. Additionally, a small case study was conducted in Char Mon City Sangkat to investigate
a road constructed by the CSC in the years 2012 and 2013. The case study was designed to get feedback fromvillagers who were the direct beneficiaries of the project, as well as those in the near vicinity, to see how theirlivelihoods were affected through this project. People from 10 different households in the area wereinterviewed.
60

To represent the NGO sector, Prof. Sok Serey (local professor who assisted with the research),
contacted three NGOs, which are highly regarded and could be considered to represent the most successful
cases of NGOs working in Kampong Speu Province. These were Sao Sary Foundation, World Vision andCambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture. These three organizations are involved invarious issues, such as agriculture, childcare, and organizing local loans and savings unions. The focus was on
the cooperation between the work of the NGOs and that of CSCs.
Officials from the Provincial and District departments were selected for interviews based on their rolein the work of CSCs, specifically in the implementation and coordination of development projects, as well as
their knowledge that was relevant to the research. NGO selection, in addition to their being active in local
development, was determined based on their engagement in social service provision and agricultural activities,
both of which were presumed to be matters of concern to rural Cambodians.
To find answers to the research questions, the framework below was used to guide interviews andobtain a comprehensive overview from the different actors engaged in the process (Table 2).

Table 2: Framework of questions
No

QuestionIssues to be discussed

1

What is the effectiveness of the CSC's side
CSC's role as the bridge between 1. Received amount of CSF and its allocation
2. Process of prioritizing projects and assessing people's needs
the state and the people?
3. Organization of people's participation & contribution todevelopment projects
People's side:
1. Participation in CSC held meetings
2. Satisfaction with CSC's work
3. Priorities of livelihoods and their relationship todevelopment projects carried out by the CSC

2

3

What limitations hinder
effectiveness of the CSC?

the 1. Financial questions
2. Technical questions (e.g. related to project management
capacity)
3. Coordination with other institutions
What are the NGOs' contributions 1. Cooperation and coordination among the NGOstoincreasing
the
CSCs 2. Cooperation and coordination between NGOs and the CSCs
3. Challenges that hinder closer cooperation, their implications
effectiveness?
and ways to overcome them

Qualitative assessment of data was based on the criteria of participation and coordination; forquantitative assessment we looked at data from the Commune Investment Plan, particularly regarding projectfunding and the implementation rate of projects suggested by the CSC in the Plan.

61

2-2 Overview of research site
This research was conducted in the Province of Kampong Speu, located around 50km outside ofPhnom Penh. It is one of Cambodia's 23 Provinces and consists of seven Districts and one city. The city, called
Chbar Mon City, is composed of 56 villages, which are administratively divided into five Sangkats. As thefocus of research was decentralization on the local level, the primary interest was in governance on this levelof the Sangkat (the term Commune / Sangkat, or CS, will be used to refer to both administrative units, as
legally they are treated equally).

Figure 1: Map of Chbar Mon City District

Source: Government of Cambodia official website
http://www.kampongspeu.cambodia.gov.kh/index.php/component/content/article/255-inuse/737.html(accessed February 13, 2015)

Specifically, three Sangkats were chosen in which to conduct interviews. First, Raka Thum has twelve
villages, and it is the most populated and urbanized of the Sangkats. It has comparatively higher levels of
education and business activity and is generally the most developed of the five.
Second, Svay Kravan has eleven villages and it is the Sangkat located farthest from the health centers.
Agriculture is the predominant industry, although compared to other Sangkats, families have less cultivatedland. Another problem is insufficient development of other types of business.
The third Sangkat, called Chbar Mon City, has thirteen villages. It is the second highest populated
Sangkat in the district, yet by some measures, such as education and business activity, it is the least developed62

of the five. Agriculture is the primary industry and the Sangkat is the highest producer of dry rice in the district.
In contrast to other Sangkats, more people are engaged in the keeping of livestock.

Figure 2: Families, occupations, and illiterate people in the fieldwork Sangkats

Source: Commune Database Online https://pccambodiaprojects.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/communedatabase-online (accessed on August 14, 2014)

2-3 Scope and limitation
The research was highly constrained in terms of both time and location. Interviews were conducted
and relevant primary data was obtained during six days of fieldwork. The time was insufficient to get astatistically relevant representation for the questionnaire questions, particularly in regards to the perception of
the villagers. In terms of research site representativeness, interviews were conducted with three CSCs from a
total of 1621 CSCs in Cambodia, which is less than 0.2% of the total. Thus, rather than statisticalgeneralizations, the research aimed to capture some of the complexity that can only be attained through casestudy methods. At the same time, as target CSCs were located in Chbar Mon City, the cases were notrepresentative of most of Cambodia and not even of Kampong Speu Province, as the city is rather urbanizedand economically better off than the other districts in the province.

63

3. Research findings and analysis [Section 1]: Effectiveness of the CSC's role
3-1 Background to the findings
3-1-1 Allocation of CSF & project implementation
The research findings fall into three rather distinct categories and for this purpose they are introducedin three separate sections. In this first section, findings relating to the first research question are explained andthe role of the CSC as the bridge between the state and the people is examined. The findings are based oninterviews with CSC Councillors and the local people.
Before introducing the findings, however, it is necessary to put them into context by looking at the
fiscal and administrative side of the Commune Development Planning process by which formal developmentof the Communes/Sangkats (CS) is carried out. It is important to note that the CSC's main work is allocating
the Commune/Sangkat Fund (CSF) to implement local development projects. The CSF is the most reliable
source of regular financial transfer from the Royal Cambodian Government to the CSCs. It is allocated to all
CSs three times per year, with an average amount of 10,000 US dollars per year (Note: this is around 40 million
Khmer Riels at the time of writing; despite the dollarization of the economy, the latter unit is mostly used inthis paper). Approximately a third of the Fund is spent for administrative purposes, with the rest allocated forthe development component, which is mainly spent for local infrastructure projects. In implementing the
projects, the CSC is assigned to take steps along the Commune Development Planning (CDP) process (Figure
3).

Figure 3: "The Commune Development Planning (CDP) Process"Source: Romeo, 2004: 10.

64

During the CDP, the CSC tries to include the needs of the people throughout several stages bypromoting their participation. In Figure 3, the stages of Commune-level needs assessment and Village-levelneeds assessment are the basic stages of civil participation to assess people's needs. These are the stages when
their input is encouraged in establishing the development plans.

3-1-2 Civil participation
According to Plummer and Tritt (2011), commune and village levels civil participation is divided into
two stages of formal and informal participation. Formal participation is in the form of village meetings,
planning and budget committee meetings, regular council meetings, and District Integration Workshops.
However, people can also be involved in informal participation, such as meetings with village elders,engagement with local people in implementing the projects, collective action in conflict situations, andparticipation in using local contributions. For the purposes of this report, village-level civil participation refers
to both the participation in formal village meetings, as well as informal contributions of cash to the projects.
Previous research in this field has pointed out low levels of civil participation due to several factors,
such as lack of interest, insufficient incentives, poor coordination of the CSC or village chiefs, and lack of
information about meetings (Plummer & Tritt, 2011). One significant factor that affects political participationis the difficulty to build a political discourse that addresses public concerns, which can be attributed to theweakness of a multiparty system (COMFREL, 2014). Another characteristic of civil participation in Cambodia
is that it tends to be passive, meaning that rather than putting forward proposals or suggestions, citizens justattend to listen. They are also unorganized in the sense that they attend meetings as individuals rather thanrepresenting a wider section or group of people (World Bank, 2009). The required attendance rate for the
meetings is 60% but most villages cannot achieve it and often end up discussing with fewer people (Plummer& Tritt, 2011). Furthermore, even though people attend meetings, they often hesitate to raise their issues andspeak their opinions to the CSC, preferring instead to tell their opinions to village chiefs or village elders
informally (Plummer & Tritt, 2011). In this sense, the function of the CSC to promote civil participation indecision-making process cannot be fully effective.
For the above reasons, we decided to explore the effectiveness of the CSC's role from the perspectiveof civil participation.

3-2 Analysis of the Findings
3-2-1 People's participation & contribution
In the decentralization process carried out in Cambodia, the CSC plays a proactive role as theintermediary institution between the government and the citizens. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the65

CSC related to their performance, the present study considers two qualitative indicators: people's participationand people's contribution.
Based on the results, most people participated in the CSCs' meetings if they had time or if they wereinvited. Interviewees also showed an active and positive attitude towards the instances in which they could
take part, and showed interest in attending the meetings. In order to obtain this information, they were asked
about the frequency of their participation in meetings and their degree of involvement. A restaurant owner, forexample, said he participated actively and thought it was easy for people to voice their needs. At the same time,
as interviews with the Councillors made clear, there are no established incentives to encourage participationin village meetings and attendance is fully voluntary.
Regarding informal contributions, it was found that people voluntarily donate money to local
development project implementation by the CSCs, which is consistent with the expectations from the literature
review. The conducted interviews reflect an average amount of 1,000-2,000 Khmer Riel (KHR) per household
donated to the implementation and maintenance of the projects.
According to many of the respondents, the primary need in their Sangkat was infrastructure. On thissubject, people identified as their main needs the construction or improvement of roads, the establishment ofelectricity infrastructure, water supply and irrigation systems.
A small case study was also conducted to assess how the projects carried out by the CSC with CSF
funding impacted the life of the people. The site was Phnon Dey Village, Chbar Mon City Sangkat, where theconstruction of a concrete road took place for one year (see below for details). Regarding this project, villagers
were interviewed to assess how the CSC's perceptions and people's needs matched, how actively people
attended the meetings, what people thought about the progress of the project and how much they voluntarily
contributed to it. As a result, it can be reported that all locals seemed pleased with the project. As an example,
a local rice farmer expressed her satisfaction stating that transportation was getting easier and more convenient.
As the CSC's main outlay is also infrastructure spending, it was found that such spending reflects thepeoples' needs. Yet, while people seemed satisfied with the outcome of the project, the CSC could not pave
the full length of the road because of fiscal limitations, thus not all villagers were equal beneficiaries of the
project. Moreover, information about the project was not sufficiently provided and some people only foundout about it long after the decision had been made for the village. Thus, it can be said that information
dissemination by the CSC was inadequate. Below is a brief summary of the project and the findings.

66

Table 3: Case study project data
Name

Phnom Dey Village Road

Term

2013-2014

Results

650 meter concrete road

Benefits

1009 beneficiaries

Estimated costs (CSF)

72,540,000 KHRPeople's contribution

110,0000 KHR

Source: Chbar Mon 2013 Investment Plan

Table 4: Results of interviews
Attributes /

33/F,

60/F

27/F

50/F

QuestionsHousewife

Shop seller

Teacher

Rice farmer

Expressed needs 1. Agriculture sector Not sure but especially Concrete roads
housing, riceor priorities
2. Roads

1. Water supply
2. Road construction

Progress

Convenience ofTransportation is getting Concrete roads built Transportation is getting
transportation foreasier and morein the project did easier, which benefits all
businessmen, but not convenient, which is
not reach her house, villagers.
for villagers.
good for everyone. No so no benefits.
complaints.

Participation

AbsentPresent

Contribution

Not sure

Average 5000~10000 KHR per family

Source: Authors' selective summary of interview responses

4. Research findings and analysis [Section 2]: Limitations of CSC's role
4-1 Background to the findings
In this section, an empirical understanding of the factors that hamper the effective work of CSCs isdiscussed. Analysis is based primarily on the result of interviews with provincial ministerial representatives(Departments of Economy and Finance, Rural Development, Social Affairs, and the Provincial and District

67

Administration Office) and CSC councillors. Moreover, data from the 2013 Commune Investment Program 3of each commune was also used to support the key findings in this section.
Literature on the topic of decentralization suggests that for the process to be successful, it is necessarythat the local authorities have adequate financial resources to perform their functions and address the need ofthe people (Neven, 2002). However, adequate financial resources alone are not enough. To effectively
ascertain its challenging roles, the local authority has to have competent human resources for handling both
the day-to-day administration and technical development issues. Moreover, given the independent
characteristic of local authorities under decentralization, the ability of any local authority to channel resources
needed for local development is badly needed. To do so requires the local authority to have well-coordinatedcooperation with other stakeholders, including upper-level authorities and NGOs.

4-2 Analysis of the findings
The fieldwork revealed three main factors that undermine the effectiveness of the CSCs in Chbar Mon
City District: financial limitations, technical dependence, and lack of coordination among CSCs and otherstakeholders. In the decentralization process, the local government units are supposed to be responsible fordevelopment in the communities and address the needs of the people. However, this fieldwork demonstrated
that the CSCs visited could only address a small portion of the needs of communities (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Gap between number of projects proposed by CSCs and those actually implemented
250
200
150

Proposed

100

Implemented

50

Gap

0
Roka Thum

Svay
Kravann

Chbar Mon

Total

Source: Compiled from 2013 Commune Investment Programs of the three Sangkats

4-2-1 Financial limitations

3 The Program lists all the development projects each CSC proposed and those actually implemented. It alsodetails all the projects' sources of funding.

68

In Cambodia, the main source of financial revenue for the CS administrative level is the fund known
as the CSF. All the CSCs interviewed in this study agreed the Fund is minimal when compared to actual
development needs of the people in their community. For instance, this year the CSF allowed the Roka Thum
CSC to construct only 150m of a village road, the total length of which was over 300m. The CSC needs towait for the next year’s CSF resources in order to complete the construction. Though each Sangkat could accessother financial resources through the District Integration Workshop hosted by Chbar Mon City authority, thoseresources were well below the actual need of the CSCs.
According to Article 74 of Law on the Administration of Commune / Sangkat, each CS is entitled toutilize revenue from property tax and rental tax collected by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. However,in practice, this right has not been implemented. Interviews with CSCs in the three Sangkats revealed that, in
addition to the CSF, CSCs could collect only a very small amount of money from administrative fees.
Therefore, it was impossible for CSCs to be able to adequately address all the development needs in theircommunities.

Table 5: Proposed and actually implemented projects
Roka Thum

Svay Kravan

Chbar Mon

Proposed Implemented'000 KHR
'000
%
KHR

Proposed Implemented'000 KHR
'000
%
KHR

Proposed Implemented'000 KHR
'000
%
KHR

Economic

87,10918,31021

159,322

17,00011

48,75020,385 42

Infrastructure

77,30918,05023

100,250

17,00017

48,75020,385 42

Training and services

9,800

260

3

59,0720138

Social26,100

4,685

18

8,925

5,163

58

34,0434,851

14

Environment

24,900

260

1

2,145

10,820

504

550

1,540

280

Gender1,700

015,0500125Administration

15,10093

96,3504

4,209

Sector

14100

3,946

0

0
2,284

54

Source: Compiled from 2013 Commune Investment Program data of the three Sangkats

4-2-2 Technical dependence
The CSCs' limited knowledge on technical issues associated with development projects also affect theperformance. The CSCs need to rely on Provincial departments, especially the Provincial Department of
Administration, for technical issues, including the formulation of development proposals. The current law for
CS administration has not set minimum education requirements for CSC councillors, so that everyone
69regardless of education can stand for election. A recent survey conducted by Chheat et.al (2011) found that
only 55% of Commune councillors had completed grade six of primary education.
According to interviews with the representatives of the Provincial Administration Office, it is difficult
to set the minimum educational qualifications to be eligible to stand for Commune/Sangkat election, given that
Cambodia is a poor country lacking of competent human resources. In some CSs, both the ruling party(Cambodian People's Party) and the current main opposition party (Cambodia National Rescue Party) had
difficulties finding representatives for the election. Thus each party simply selected people who were wellknown in the community to be their candidates, regardless of their educational background. This kind ofpractice substantially affects the performance of the CSC and technical assistance from upper level authorities
is indispensable for the CSC to function well.

4-2-3 Lack of coordination
On top of the above constrains, it appears that coordination among CSCs and other stakeholders is not
functioning well. Given the limited CSF allocated by the central government, it is impossible for the CSCs tocomplete all the needs of the people in their communities. Support from other key stakeholders such asprovincial departments and NGOs to CSCs are thus crucial. However, this study revealed that coordination
between CSCs and these key stakeholders was rather limited.
Table 5 above shows that some projects, which were not considered top priorities in the CSCs, suchas environmental projects in Sangkats Svay Kravan and Chbar Mon, for example, received overwhelming
financial support. Meanwhile the CSCs' top priority projects, such as those focusing on physical infrastructure,
lacked financial support from the development stakeholders. Similarly, Figure 5 also indicates that out of 198
projects deemed necessary for the development and livelihood of people in communities, the CSCs could only
implement 75 with support from various provincial departments and NGOs.
The main reason for this state of affairs was that relevant stakeholders, both the Provincial departments
and local NGOs, had their own development plans, which were developed independently and without
consultation with the CSCs. Interviews with representatives of Provincial departments and NGOs revealed that
their institutions strictly adhered to the annual development plans or strategic papers produced by their own
organization, and would support the CSCs only if the projects the CSCs proposed already aligned with thoseplans or strategic papers.
The end result is rather awkward in that the plans formulated with popular consultation in the village
meetings (as outlined in the previous section) have a chance of being successfully funded only if they alignwith the development priorities of other development actors.

70

5. Research findings and analysis [Section 3]: NGOs' contribution to increasing
CSCs' effectiveness
5-1 Background to the findings
In the decentralization process, NGOs have considerable experience of working in local communities
and helping local governments with capacity building and planning (Keese & Argudo Freire 2006). The
presence of NGOs in Cambodia has also been expected to make such contributions to local development andgovernance. Therefore, our research in Kampong Speu included NGOs as potentially important development
actors and aimed to look into the kind of cooperation and coordination NGOs have with CSCs, as well as
among each other. What challenges hinder such cooperation and what could be possible ways to overcome
them were also examined.

5-2 Analysis of the findings
The interviews conducted with NGOs were intended to elicit a comprehensive understanding of NGOs
activities and their impacts on the effectiveness of CSCs in the context of decentralization in Kampong Speu
Province. Information obtained through the interviews with NGO staff was expected to show the cooperationand coordination between the NGOs and the CSCs, particularly as it related to local governance and CS
development. How the collaboration between the NGOs and the CSCs affected the latter's performance, andwhether it could help satisfy or complement the development needs of the local communities was examined.
The interviews were conducted with three NGOs, which were among the most reputed and active in thedevelopment work in the Province. These were World Vision (WV), Sao Sary Foundation (SSF) andCambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC). The chart below shows their profiles.

Table 6: Profile of the three NGOs interviewed

Source: personal interviews and official websites: CEDAC http://www.cedac.org.kh;
World Vision http://www.wvi.org/cambodia/strategy; SSF http://www.ssf.org.kh/what-wedo/ (accessed August 15, 2014)

71

The following sections some of the main challenges and problems from the perspective of the NGOinterviewees, as well as CSCs' and local people's perceptions regarding NGO activities in general are outlined.
Quotes are also provided to illustrate the findings.

5-2-1 Cooperation and coordination between NGOs and the CSCs
According to the respondents, NGOs in general do not trust the CSCs. Often being highly educatedand experts in their own field of activity, NGO staffs were not optimistic or confident about the capacity andcapability of the CSC in terms of transparency and implementation of projects. It seems that, as was the casewith financing, in terms of collaboration, the CSCs also depend on the cooperative attitude of the NGOs morethan on their own devices or initiative.
Likewise, interviews with CSC members indicated that they mostly do not actively seek NGO
cooperation. There exists of a strict hierarchy in their work and no regular institutionalized meetings or
consultations are held between NGOs and the CSCs. Such meetings could, however, provide a goodatmosphere for exchanging ideas and sharing common problems in search of joint comprehensive solutions.
Yet, lacking such meetings, as well as being unclear about their precise roles and responsibilities, NGO-CSC
cooperation is difficult and tends to occur on an ad hoc basis (SSF staff). For overcoming this persistent lackcoordination and cooperation, one of our interviewees mentioned that passing a NGOs Law might be a key
factor in the long term (SSF staff).
Refer again to table 5 (p70) and the difficulties and lack of coordination are illustrated. The chartshows projects proposed by three CSCs (Roka Thum, Svay Kravan, Chbar Mon City) in order to attract NGO
or central government funding, but as can be seen, the proposals and the funding do not align. The odds arethat all three CSCs will propose different budgets and receive very different support, depending on donor
priorities. For instance, in 2013 fiscal year, Roka Thum Sangkat proposed a 281,792,000 KHR budget, but
received only 36,000,000, which represents only 13% of the requested sum. Meanwhile, Chbar Mon City
Sangkat proposed a 550,000 KHR budget for its environmental project but received nearly three times theamount (1,540,000 KHR) (Source: CSC 2013 fiscal book).
Staff of one of the NGOs stated that CSC members believe that NGOs do not trust or count on CSCs,
and also that NGOs underestimate the status of CSCs (WV). Hierarchy and corruption were the two othermajor challenges that get in the way of cooperation. Joint projects need to receive funding from the central
government; that is a very time consuming procedure for which NGOs often cannot wait (WV staff).
In addition, CSCs members are so poorly paid that they lack the motivation to work and may not bein the office when needed. They do not know how to mobilize resources, so that even if offices were built forthem (as SSF has done), they would still need money from the NGOs for maintaining them or building fences(SSF staff).

72

5-2-2 Cooperation and coordination among the NGOs
The situation in terms of cooperation and coordination among NGOs seems to be not much better
than that between NGOs and as CSCs. NGOs are competing rather than cooperating with each other and mostof them work based on the priorities of their donors, rather the local people. However, still the NGOsinterviewed (perhaps because of their reputation and wider reach) mentioned wider cooperation issues, forinstance in case of CEDAC and SSF with GIZ, OXFAM, EU, and UNICEF.
However, what greatly complicates matters in the NGO sector, in general, is the question of corruption.
Cambodia is known as one of the most corrupt countries in Asia and surely the NGO sector is also affected.
We cannot provide numerical information, but this is a serious concern for people working in the sector, as
one of our interviewees matter-of-factly stated (SSF staff). For this reason, NGOs don't tend to trust each other,which in the end also has negative consequences for the whole country's development.

5-2-3 People and participation
During an interview, one of the NGO staff stated, "the local people have limited awareness about
their rights and responsibilities; they want immediate results, no interest for long-term projects around them;and some of the local elites are another challenge for the NGOs, they seek more interest during the foodshortage seasons" (SSF staff).
On the other hand, CEDAC tried to provide training to empower society so they can negotiate theirneeds. However, even in cases where the training was provided, many people were reluctant to use it.
Essentially, it is just difficult to change people's behaviour and perception.
Overcoming all these problems takes long-term committed work, which, if it is to convince people,
needs also continuously good results. The NGOs we spoke to all had these results to show, yet even they foundit difficult, especially when their activities had to involve the CSC. The end result is that while ad hoc projects
may be realized with people's participation, it is hardly related to local governance by the CSC.

6. Conclusion
From the data collected in the fieldwork, it is possible to state that there is a positive correlation
between the needs that people voiced and the priorities for development projects that were undertaken by the
CSCs. Contrary to expectations derived from the literature review, people actively participated in village
meetings, or at least sought to do so. No interviewees felt powerless, uninterested or apathetic towards local
governance issues, and based on the observations, CSCs generally seemed willing to answer people's needs.
A problem noted, however, was that often people were not aware of village meetings, which suggests a needto improve the channels of communication between CSCs and the people.

73However, even if communication was improved, it would still be difficult to talk of the success of
local decentralization and real effectiveness of the CSCs, as long as the serious impediments affecting its work
are not resolved. Three such impediments were found, which seriously hinder CSCs' effectiveness: 1) the
CSC's financial dependence on other institutions; 2) the CSC's technical immaturity to manage the projects
from planning to investing; and 3) lack of coordination with upper levels of state councils, as well as NGOs.
The resulting situation could be described as somewhat awkward. The internationally supported
decentralization process is designed to give people a voice in local development through the Commune
Development Planning process, whereby villagers can collectively express their needs and shape their CSs'
future. However, the fruits of the process, namely the development priorities of the CSCs, are effectively put
to auction for wealthier development actors. The end result of what gets financed and what does not will
depend to a considerable degree on whether the villagers' needs align with those of the donors. The full
relevance of the CSC to the process is somewhat unclear and appears to depend on ad hoc factors. Meanwhile,
the CSC's only official revenue source, the CSF, is simply not enough to cover their communities' development
needs.
From the above three implications for improving CSCs effectiveness were derived: 1) implementationof CSCs responsibility to collect local tax by themselves, as well as appropriately increasing the amount of the
CSF; 2) comprehensive training for personnel of CSC; and 3) coordination not only between CSC and otherstate institutions, such as District and Provincial councils, but also with NGOs regarding project selection andimplementation.
As CSCs often lack the funding and know-how needed to bring about tangible development, NGOs in
Cambodia are often expected to support CSCs and expedite the process of decentralization. The fieldwork
revealed there are indeed successful NGOs who are active in local development and contribute greatly to theircommunities. However, a detailed look at NGO involvement in local governance also revealed significant gaps
in the actual level of cooperation between NGOs, the society, and state actors, particularly if the CSC is taken
as the focal point of analysis. Lack of mutual trust, weak rule of law and the CSCs' lack of technical capacity
has effectively resulted in little coordination or cooperation between the activities of NGOs and CSCs. Thismeans effective decentralization with committed NGO partnerships is currently very limited in Cambodia,
depending more on specific NGO activities, rather than any concerns for effective local governance.
In this regard, it is recommended that regular meetings be held between the CSCs and NGOs in orderto share experiences and common problems. On a limited scale, such interaction is already taking place, butmore cooperation and coordination between the state and NGO actors is surely necessary to achieve effective
decentralization and local governance in Cambodia.

74

7. Acknowledgements
Producing this report has taken a lot of effort on our part. However, it would have simply been
impossible without the tremendous support and collaboration of many individuals and organizations. We
would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of them.
Foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our advisor in the fieldwork, Prof. Wataru
Kusaka, whose cooperation, support, guidance and views we found truly invaluable in our work. Likewise,
without the help of Prof. Sok Serey from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, this work would have beenborn and developed completely in the dark; it is thanks to his local insight and wealth of knowledge that we
could gain a perspective on the salient issues in conducting our research.
We are highly indebted to the Royal University of Phnom Penh and Campus ASEAN Program fortheir generous assistance and excellent organization. We would like to express our special appreciation andthanks to the faculty and staff of Nagoya University's GSID who guided us in the preparation prior to thefieldwork. In addition, we would like to thank Prof. Satoru Kobayashi for stimulating discussions and Prof.
Teilee Kuong for his insightful comments on a draft version of our research proposal.
Our thanks and appreciation also go to Prof. Heng Naret who was a key link between Nagoya
University members and our Cambodian counterparts. These members deserve also our greatest gratitude. In
addition to Prof. Sok Serey, the company and advice of the Royal University of Phnom Penh students Cheb
Hoeurn and Chin Sam Ath was also greatly appreciated. All three became not just members of our team but
our intimate friends as well.
This study could not have been possible without the cooperation from several institutions in Cambodia.
The government officials, members of the CSCs, and the staff of the NGOs in Kampong Speu province allprovided us with precious information. Equally considerable was the collaboration of all the villagers who
acceded to our interviews, gave us information, and delighted us with their kind hospitality. We were very
impressed by the general warmth and hospitality of the ordinary Cambodians in all the places we went to. The
people we met in the villages, hotels, restaurants, stores, temples and on the street were always kind, supportive
and warm. We are glad to express our lasting appreciation to all of them.
Lastly, we would like to say that before this fieldwork we could not conceive what a phenomenal place
Cambodia is. The country has seen a lot of suffering but it endowed us with beautiful memories we will always
keep with us — the beauty of its lush greenery, the orderly chaos of its traffic and exquisite taste of its food(and fruit!). We hope our work could be a drop in the sea of development efforts, global and local, that willbuild Cambodian into a country that's more united and prosperous, but one that will always stay in its visitors'
hearts as it stays in ours.

75

8. References
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Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (2013). Assessment of the second term of decentralizationin Cambodia: Commune Council Performance and Citizens' participation 2007-2012. COMFREL.
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77

Working Group 3
Language Education
Motivation towards English Language Learning of Students
in Lower Secondary Schools-A case study at Chbar Mon City1. Introduction
2. Research Methodology
3. Results and discussion
4. Conclusions
5. Acknowledgements
6. References
7. AppendixesGroup Adviser
Associate Prof. Ido, Shinji
Assistant Prof. Liu Jing
Dr. Heng Kreng
Group Members
Wang Yu**

Li Ting*

Chea Soth

Hak Sokleang

Rika Inagaki

Saiko Takeshita

Sun Yichen

Yui Doseki**Group leader* Sub-leader78

1. Introduction
1-1 English education in Cambodia
1-1-1 History of foreign language education in Cambodia
The history of education in Cambodia is described in Figure 1 above, which shows that the education
system has been affected by various political factors. French, the language of the former suzerain was the only
foreign language that was taught at secondary schools in Cambodia, but from 1970 to 1975, under the rulingof the Lon Nol government, several Pro-US policies were launched and it was the first time that English wasadded to Cambodia’s foreign language education. Since more than 75% of teachers were killed and school
facilities were used as prisons during the period of the Pol Pot regime, foreign language education was totally
vanished in Cambodia at that time.

Figure 1: Changes in Cambodia’s foreign language education

Source: Igawa (2008)
The turning point of foreign language education appeared as the Pol Pot regime fell apart. In 1979, theVietnamese People's Army captured Phnom Penh and fostered the establishment of a pro-Soviet puppet regimeof the People's Republic of Kampuchea. In other words, the government of Kampuchea had strong relations
with Russian and Vietnamese soldiers, who came to rescue Cambodia from the Pol Pot regime. After that, a
totally new situation of foreign language education started, with Vietnamese and Russian began part ofCambodia’s foreign languages education, while French and English were still prohibited.
Language education of English and French at secondary schools restarted from 1989, however under
the influence of the Cold War, English became more popular. Therefore, English is treated as the first foreign
language and French as the second.
Since 1996, students in Cambodia have been able choose to learn English or French. However, French
has not been used as often in Cambodia in recent years. Even though the French government promoted actions
to enhance the motivation of learning French in Cambodia, and their policy made sure that more than half of79

the 13,000 students who enrolled at Phnom Penh universities in 1997 were learning French, English was still
getting more and more popular in Cambodia in the age of globalization.

1-1-2 Current English education in Cambodia
The education system of Cambodia consists of pre-primary education, primary education, lower
secondary education, upper secondary education, higher education and non-formal education. According toCaroline and Yoko (2008), Cambodia provides education for nine years from pre-primary school to upper
secondary school for free (see Figure 2). As for language education in Cambodia, students must study
languages at grade 7 from lower secondary school.

Figure 2: Education system in Cambodia

Source:UNESCO, Secondary Education Regional Information Base: Country Profile Cambodia, 2008

According to an article in The Japan Times, McLaren (2000), a private school English teacher inPhnom Penh said that life in Cambodia mostly relies on politics. In the year of 2004, the government of
Cambodia successfully joined the WTO, which the official languages include English, French and Spanish. It
also has been proactively finding trading partners within ASEAN, which uses English as the official language.
Just as Cambodia’s Education for All National Plan 2003-2015 acknowledged, there is a strong demand for
vocational training, like foreign language education, in urban areas. Therefore, the Cambodian governmenthas been making policies, which promote the development of English education.
However, under such circumstances, English skills are also the key to survival for Cambodian young
people who want to have more job opportunities. For example, as McLaren wrote in her report, “local people
mentioned that the phenomenon started about four years ago (1996) when several big international hotels werebuilt and provided employment opportunities for people with English-language skills.”

80

To sum up, English education has two sources of impetus, the government and the common people.
Therefore, the necessity for English education has spread all over the country, and quickly became a boom in
Cambodia.

1-2 Motivation towards English learning
Motivation is considered as an important factor in second language acquisition (Noels, Clément, &Pelletier, 1999; JACET, 2013). It is influenced by the learners’ affective and psychological features, and plays
a valuable role, not only on pursuing learning goals, but also on developing language skills (JACET, 2013).
For example, Noels, et al., (1999) found that “stronger feelings of intrinsic motivation” contribute to language
learning outcomes. Moreover, where there is a lack of motivation, which is called motivation, learners “willbe unable to benefit fully from their education” (Motivation, 2014).

1-2-1 Motivation types in various areas
Although Noels, et al. (1999) mentioned that intrinsic motivation strongly influences second language
acquisition, Dornyei (2009) stated that the kind of motivation that advances a second language acquisition
depends on the learning situation (Dornyei, 2009). Dornyei (2005) concluded that integrativeness could be a
big predictor to criterion measures in Hungary. However, Foroutan, Noordin, and Hamzah (2013) doubted thatthe framework, which was developed in the Western context, could be applied in the Asian context and went
on to obtain results with Malaysian students. Their motivation types are external regulations, which is unlike
students’ in western countries. Taguchi, et al. (2006) investigated the motivation in three Asian countries:
Japan, China, and Iran. Japanese students’ motivation types are different from Chinese students’ and Iranian
students. Integrativeness influenced Japanese students’ motivation, while both integrativeness andinstrumentality influenced Chinese and Iranian students’ motivation. Moreover, even in these Asian countries,
which seem to have similar cultures, had different types of motivation. There are also many studies supporting
the fact that different cultures and learning situations generate different motivation types as well.

1-2-2 Factors affecting motivation
There are various factors affecting motivation. Miura (1993) introduced three factors that influenced
learners’ motivation: the learning environment, instruction and the student. The learning environment includes
family environment, social environment and school environment (classmates’ attitudes, school facilities, etc.).
Instruction is teaching methods and textbooks used in class. Student means the characteristics of the students,for example whether they are outgoing or introverted and whether or not they have a clear goal.
These three factors influence motivation in different ways. For instance, as mentioned above,
motivation may differ from country to country due to their different cultural backgrounds, like religion (Bakar,
81

Sulaiman, & Rafaai, 2010). In addition, the teacher’s communication style is related to intrinsic motivation,
which means if the teacher is more “informative” and less controlling, the intrinsic motivation of students rises(Noels, et al, 1999). Besides, as to the factor of the student, it seems quite obvious that motivation is affectedby the characteristics of the students, and according to the self-determination theory of Deci and Ryan (1985,
2002), the degree of autonomy of a student is believed to relate to the motivation type.

1-3 Research questions
Based on the previous literature, the present study aims to identify the motivation of secondary school
students learning English in Kampong Speu and examines the factors that affect their motivation for learning
English. Therefore, the main research questions are as follows:
1. What kinds of motivation do students of lower secondary schools in Kampong Speu have forEnglish learning?
2. What factors affect their motivation to learn English?

2. Research methodology
2-1 Research field
The research interview was conducted in these three villages in two communes: Chamkae Doung
Village, Borei Kammeakkar Village in Sangkat Chbar Mon and Peanicheakkam Village in Sangkat Roka
Thum. Schools were chosen based on the distance from the villages. Actually, there is no public school in
Borei Kammeakkar Village, but one public school is in the nearest village. The interviewees’ details are as
follows in table 1.

Table 1: Data of interviewees collected from Chbar Mon city, Cambodia in August 2014
Villages
Households Public schools Private schools Students Main occupation
Borei Kammeakkar
165
0
1
32
Government officer
Chamkar Doung

160

2

1

37

Government officer

Peanicheakkam

700

2

1

211

Businessman

Source: Edited by authors82

2-1-1 Public school, private school, private class
A brief explanation of the several differences among public schools, private schools and private classes
is necessary. Public school is also called government school in Cambodia, which means it is compulsory andno fees are required. As there is no class during summer vacation in public schools, they were not included in
the study. Therefore, private schools and private classes were examined. Private students need to pay tuition
and fees. Although public schools, private schools, and private classes have their own textbooks, public school
students have to return their textbooks. What is more, private schools and private classes can be divided intofull-time and part-time. During the fieldwork, two private schools and one private class were visited. These
included Newtown International School, Panhaboth English School and Center of Language Development.
Newtown International School and Panhaboth English School are private schools located in RokaThom Chbamon, and the Center of Language Development is a private class which locats in Chbar Mon
Commune.

2-2 Interviewees
Interviews were conducted in two communes in Chbar Mon. Based on the convenience of theinterviewees, 36 students, 20 guardians of the children were interviewed. The 36 students included 13 malestudents, 22 female students, and one unknown due to missing data. All junior high school students were
between grade 7 and 9. Their ages ranged from 11 to 18 years old (mean = 13 years old, SD = 1.33). The lengthof English learning varied; the range was from two weeks to eight years (mean = 2.66 years, SD = 1.89). In
addition, many students (25 students) self-evaluated their English level as “so-so”; four students think theirEnglish levels were “good”; and six students thought their English levels were “bad”. Furthermore, among the
36 students, most of them (32 students) studied English at cram schools (see details in appendix C).
In addition, three village chiefs, four principles and four teachers were also interviewed. They provided
the basic information of the local villages and schools.

2-3 Materials
As mentioned before, motivation types and influencing factors vary from country to country, therefore
in order to find out what kinds of motivation the Cambodian students have and what factors are affecting thesemotivations, were considered when developing an original list of questions for the interviews (see appendix A
and B). Interview questions for students and their parents were based on Noels, Pelletier, Clément, andVallerand (2000). In addition, original interview questions were developed with regard to the three factors
mentioned in the previous literature (Miura 1993). Specifically, questions were modified to incorporate family
attitude towards English learning, family socioeconomic status and school environment into the learning
environment. Moreover, social environment was deleted from this part. Instead, it was included as a special
83

factor, which, together with other factors, formed the culture factor. These factors may especially affect the
motivation of English learning among Cambodia students. Eventually, interviews were based on the following
conceptual framework in figure 3:

Figure 3: The conceptual framework for data analysis

Source: Edited by authors based on Miura (1993).

2-4 Procedures
The research was conducted using a questionnaire and IC recorders were used to collect data. Students
from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) helped with translation and interpretation. Based on thememos taken in the interviews and the recorded files, data was categorized into motivation types and factors.

2-5 Data Analysis
The following three case studies shows the analysis process, defining what kind of motivation thestudents possess and how certain factors affect their motivation.
Case 1
A grade-7, 13-year-old boy from Borei Kammeakkar village was interviewed. He had been studying
English for six years. From the interview, he expressed two types of motivation: his goal of being an English
teacher and his attitude towards English learning.
Regarding the environment, it was found that the learning environment, especially the family, was animportant factor that affected motivation. First, he thought that compared to his father’s difficult and unstable84

job, a job of teaching would be easier. Second, his uncle, who was an English teacher, also influenced him
strongly. Third, his father wanted him to be a government officer and English is an asset for that type of job.
Regarding his attitude towards English learning, two factors were found to motivate him. One is thefactor of the learning environment, especially that his father encouraged him to learn English, and his friends
also went to a private school to learn English. Another factor was the instruction. He liked the teachers fromboth the public and private school and he thought the textbooks matched his level.

Case 2The second interviewee was a grade 7 student from Chamkar Doung village and she had been learning
English in public school for one year. In the interview, she expressed three types of motivation, which included
obligation, an attitude towards English learning, and a goal of being an English teacher.
In regards to obligation, it was found that the learning environment affected this motivation. Her family
had no financial difficulty in supporting her English study and her parents encouraged her to study English.
Her family planned to send her to a new private school that was being built near her house. In addition, since
her friends were all going to go to the new private school to study English, she also wanted to go there.
In addition, she showed a positive attitude towards English learning. There were three factors that
influenced this motivation. First, was her environment; she wanted to speak English as fluently as her cousin
and she also watched English movies at home. Second, although she was very shy and had no confidence in
her English, she wanted to challenge herself because she had a clear goal of being an English teacher. Third,
she explained that her English teacher was friendly, although she was unable to give clear explanations andassigned no homework.
Last, her family, especially her mother and grandmother who were English teachers, affected her goalof being an English teacher.

Case 3The interviewee was a grade 9 girl from Peanicheakkam Village. The interview revealed that she had
three types of motivations: obligation, demand for education and a goal of being a nurse.
She started learning English in grade 7 because of the compulsory education. However, she was aserious student and she was never absent from English class. She revealed that she felt angry when she sawsome classmates playing with a smartphone in class.
As far as motivation, there were three factors motivating her demand for education. The first was thelearning environment. In her family, her mother wanted her to be a nurse and her uncle thought English
learning was important. He made it known that he respected people who knew English. In terms of social85

economic status, the financial support from her mother and uncle was unstable. From a social viewpoint,
English is necessary in university because in Cambodia all the classes in university are conducted in English.
About the student herself, as previously mentioned, she was a serious student and she wanted to be a nurse.
The last was the student’s goal of being a nurse. We thought the learning environment, especially her
mother’s attitude and her uncle affected this goal.

3. Results and discussion
3-1 Motivation types
Through the analysis, student answers were categorized into four motivations: attitude towards English,
their goal, family involvement and demand for education.
Attitude towards English meant whether the students liked learning English or not. Goal meant
whether or not the student had a clear goal or career plan. Cases where motivation was defined as family
involvement were determined by whether their parents pushed them or they were studying English of theirown wills. Finally, the demand for education referred to those cases in which students are learning English to
be able to continue on to higher education, such as going on to university.
From the study, it was found that students enjoyed learning English and had a positive attitude towards
English language learning. The learning environment, instruction, students, and other factors affected thismotivation, as well. For example, their positive relationship with teachers and classmates, and the appropriate
English learning materials encouraged the students to keep on studying.
Second, the students learned English to achieve their goals. This motivation was affected by similar
factors to the first motivation. Some students had clear goals, such as being a doctor, teacher or working in abank. However, others did not have clear goals and they only wanted to get good paying jobs. Their families
affected some of their ideas about future careers. According to the interviews with them and their parents,
some students tended to follow their parents’ advice about future career plans.
Third, some students were pushed to learn English by their parents. Mainly their learning environment
affected this motivation. For instance, there was one male student from a wealthy family that showed thismotivation. He was learning English merely because his parents wanted him to do so and he did not have aclear goal about what he wanted to do using his English skills.
Last, some students learned English in order to continue on to higher education. The learning
environment, students and other factors affected this motivation. In Cambodia, English is necessary inuniversity because the classes are taught in English. Therefore, students consider English as a tool to obtainhigher education.

86

In conclusion, students had four motivations to learn English. Moreover, each motivation was affectedby a different combination of factors. However, since some other factors were found that significantly affected
the students’ motivations in different degrees, the next section will discuss these factors in detail.

3-2 Factors
According to the analysis, it is found that these four motivations to learn English are affected bydifferent combinations of factors individually. For instance, during the interviews, a majority of students
answered positively towards English and gave having a goal as reasons to learn English. Many students
enjoyed learning thanks to the schools’ support and support from people around them and they had a clear
image of how they wanted to use English in the future. Therefore, in this section, we will first explain the threemain factors in detail and then introduce some other interesting factors considered important to students in
Cambodia.

3-2-1 Findings about the three main factors(1) Learning environment
Family attitude towards English learning, their family socioeconomic status and the school
environment (especially peers influence) are all found to influence the motivation of students’ English learning.
This fact seems fairly reasonable for lower secondary school students. For example, some students were sent
to learn English at private school/classes unwillingly and there was even a student from public school B sayingthat she was forced to learn English and cried often at first. In addition, according to the interviews with parents,
they usually strongly support their children’s English learning and talk with their children about future career
options.
As to the socioeconomic status, it failed to show a strong influence. For some families, expense forEnglish education only accounted for 5% of all living expenses. On the other hand, for some families, it wasmore like 50%, yet even in these families, the parents still tried hard to send their children to study English.
However, it must be reported that the research field was located close to the capital, Phnom Penh, and theoverall economic level is relatively high compared to other areas of the country. In addition, the main
occupations for people in these three villages were government employees, teachers and businessmen. Anotherthing to note is that the interviewees were selected by village chiefs, so the randomness of sampling may beaffected.
Finally, the school environment, especially the peers’ influence, was found to influence the motivation
to study. Some students revealed that the reason they started to learn English was because their friends weregoing to private schools/classes to learn English. Nevertheless, at the same time, it is difficult to say that this87

factor really promotes the motivation of learning English, as they reported that they sometimes chatted with
their friends, which may have hindered their English learning.

(2) Instruction
Instruction is another factor that affects student motivation towards English learning. This includes
teachers’ teaching method and textbooks. Teaching method refers to the way teachers teach students in theclass and the teacher’s attitude towards the students. It also includes what kind of textbooks the students use
in class.
The teaching method is found to significantly influence students. There is a gap between public schools
and private schools in Cambodia. Some students like learning English in private school because their teachers
only speak English and motivate them to use English. Some teachers give students the chance to write English
sentences or practice conversation in the class. On the contrary, teachers in public schools do not have enoughtime to teach students. Every week there are only two or three times for English class and there are often 80
students in one class. Some students feel bored because the teachers use Khmer to explain the grammar anddo not give them chance to use English.
In addition, in Cambodian public schools, textbooks can only be borrowed and students have to givethe books back during the summer vacation. Some students felt the textbook, “English for Cambodia” used in
the public school, is difficult and boring.

(3) Student
The third factor is the students themselves. This refers to their characteristics, for example, whether
they are outgoing or introverted and whether or not they have a clear goal, as examples. Althoughcharacteristics of students vary, most of them have a clear goal for their future life. Even those students who
did not have an idea of what kind of career would fit them best, they still stated that they wanted to use English
to find a highly paid job. As it is easier for people to get a job if they have a high level of English ability in
Cambodia, it encourages students to pay more attention to their English learning. According to our interview,
most answers we got from students showed this tendency.

3-2-2 Other factors
In addition to the three preceding factors, five other factors that are unique in Kampong Speu or Cambodia
were found: Cambodian moral values, the parent-child relationship role model, transport facilities and theeffects of economic globalization, such as the ASEAN Federation and the English boom. In this section, thefocus is on discussing the first four factors. The last factor is omitted since was referred to in the backgroundsection of the study.
88

(1) Cambodian Moral value
Almost all of the informants, especially lower secondary students, were serious students. They thought
about their future seriously and considered learning English as something that was important to their families.
For this reason, the moral values of the Cambodian culture were thought to have had a great influence on theirmotivation to study English.
According to Phin (2013), Cambodia’s education was formed by religious and moral values. His study
demonstrates that religion was integrated in Cambodia. Before the French colonization, priests in temples also
played the role of teacher. This system continued through the entire French colonial period. These moral values
continue and the education in the temples formed a national culture that is traditional, social and diligent.
Therefore, these moral values are considered to influence the students’ motivation of English study.

(2) Family involvement
During the fieldwork in Cambodia, family involvement was found to be one of the most important
motivations to influence a student’s choice to study English. Students showed that sometimes they do not know
exactly why they are learning English and usually merely follow their family members’ instructions. For
example, the study examined a girl in public school B, who lived with her sisters. She explained that her eldest
sister, who is a banker, has had a strong influence on her. According to her, she had a dream to be a lawyer.
Since that is not necessarily related to English, her sister asked her to give up that goal and study English so
she would be able to work in the bank in the future. She liked studying English, was good at speaking andlistened to English news at home. And although she showed no offensive attitude towards English learning, it
was apparent that it is her sister that keeps motivating her to study English.

(3) Role model
Dornyei (2009) suggests that the image that the students envision for their future strongly promotes
their motivation to learn a second language in order to fill the gap between their ideal image and the realsituation. For example, the students who wished to work using English in the future, like their family members,
had a stronger motivation to learn English than the students that did not. This tendency was confirmed by thelater research of Dornyei (2013).
In fact, many students had role models, such as their siblings or other relatives. It was clear that in
Kampong Speu, the students observed the people around them, such as their siblings, relatives and neighbors,and imagined their future as successful as their role models, which had a positive affect on their motivation
for learning English learning.

89

(4) Transport facilities
In addition to the cultural factors, transport facilities also affected their English study. In the research
field, National Road 4 ran down in the middle of Kampong Speu District. This road is a very important routeas it connects two large cities in Cambodia: Phnom Penh, the capital city, and Sihanoukville, which is the mostimportant port in Cambodia to receive imported goods from overseas (JETRO). Therefore, this road always
has heavy traffic, especially big tractors that frequently travel this road, making it dangerous for students to go
across. Many parents were afraid that their children might have a traffic accident crossing this road, so they
hesitated to send their children to schools far from home.
Among the villages researched, Borei Kammeakkar Village had the national road traversing the village.
During the interviews, several interviewees revealed their worry about National Road 4. A mother mentioned
she stopped her daughter from going to an English cram school across the road due to this worry. Anothermother stated that her daughter started to go to a cram school only from this year because a new school wasestablished near their house, and she would not have to cross the road any more.

4. Conclusions
Based on the interviews with lower secondary school students and their parents, it was discovered thatstudents had four types of motivations for studying English: their attitude towards English, their goals, theirdemand for education, and their parents’ involvement. These motivations were affected by various factors,
including the learning environment, instruction, fellow students and other factors that implied Cambodia’ssocial and cultural characteristics.
Analysis of these factors may help in creating proper policies for English education in Cambodia.
First, from the government it was learned that a restricted pool of human resources is still a big
challenge to Cambodia’s English education. If there are not enough schools for training English teachers, thegovernment should work with NGOs or private schools.
Second, from the analysis, it was apparent that the family has a big influence on a student’s motivation,so parents need to give children the correct guidance. Pushing them to learn English or denying the children’s
dreams are effective ways to motivate students to study English. Parents should learn how to listen to theirchildren and give them more encouragement.
Third is more economic aid to English education. Public school teachers have low salaries and children areborrowing books from the schools. The government should provide more financial and material aid for English
education.

90Forth is the NGO aid to English education. During the study a NGO that provides good materials to thepoorest children in Chbar Mon City was visited. It was determined that Cambodia needs more NGOs that canhelp to provide better English education.
Fifth, since the transport facilities are also affecting student motivation, improvement of the transportation
facilities is also important. Some students could not go to private school because of the dangerous nationalroad. School buses may be a good solution for giving children a safe ride.

91

5. Acknowledgement
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our adviser Prof. Ido, Dr. Liu Jing and Prof. Heng
Kreng for the continuous support and constant encouragement throughout the fieldwork. We would also liketo express our appreciation to all the interviewees who kindly gave us their precious time to answer ourinterview questions during the field work in Cambodia, especially the students and families in the local villages,
teachers and principals in both public and private schools, and commune/village chiefs. Finally, we cannot
express enough thanks to our RUPP student partners, Mr. Chea Soth and Ms. Hak Sokleang for their insightful
suggestions, support, and patience.

92

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JACET. (2013). Dainigengoshutoku to Eigokakyouikuhou. [SLA and Teaching Method in English Subject].
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94

7. Appendices
Appendix A

Interview for students

1. Why did you decide to study English?
 When did you start to learn English?
 Why do you learn English?
 Do you like learning English?
2. What do you expect from learning English?
 What do your parents think about your English learning?
 What do you want to do with English?
3. What factors affect your motivation in learning English?
 In your opinion, do your friends or classmates like learning English?
 Do you have other chances to learn English outside your school?
 What do you think of your English teacher? Why do you think so?
 What do you think about your English teachers’ methodology?
 Do you have enough textbooks to study?
 How many hours do you study English after school?
 Do you live far from your school?

95Appendix B

Interview for parents

1. Why did your children decide to study English?
 Do you think it is important to learn English?
 Have you learned English before?
 Do your children like learning English?
2. What do you expect your children to do with English?
3. What affects your motivation to have your children learn English?
 Why do you send them to learn English?
 What do you think about your children’s English teacher? Why do you think so?
 Do your children have enough textbooks or materials to study English?
 How many hours do your children spend in English learning after school?
 Do you think it is expensive to support your children’s English learning?

96

Appendix C

Basic information of student interviewees

PV

Pri. A

CV

Pri. B

Pub. B

BKV

All

Number of students

7

5

7

5

5

7

36

Range

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

Grade7

1

1

2

1

2

3

10

Grade8

2

1

3

2

2

2

12

Grade9

4

3

2

2

1

2

14

Range

13 - 18

11 - 15

11 - 15

13 - 15

12 - 16

13 - 14

11 - 18

Mean

15.14

13.20

13.43

13.60

13.60

13.57

13.81

SD

1.46

1.33

1.18

0.80

1.36

0.49

1.33

Male

2

2

4

1

1

3

13

Female

5

3

3

4

3

4

22

Good

1

1

1

0

1

0

4

So-so

4

3

4

4

4

6

25

Bad

2

0

2

1

0

1

6

Not sure

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

Range

0.25 3

1-7

0-3

1-3

2-8

1-6

0-8

Mean

1.55

3.50

1.64

2.20

4.20

3.43

2.66

SD

1.06

2.24

0.95

0.75

2.40

1.76

1.89

Yes

4

5

6

5

5

7

32

No

2

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Englishlevel

Years oflearning
EnglishCram
school97

Working Group 4
Community Development
Participatory Irrigation Management in Cambodia:
The Case of a Farmer Water User Community
in Kampong Speu Province
1. Introduction
2. Problem Statement
3. Significance of the Study
4. Research Objective
5. Research Questions
6. Methodology
7. Results and Discussion
8. Conclusions and Recommendations
9. Acknowledgement
10. References
11. AppendicesGroup Advisor
Assistant Prof. Sumire Kanda
Dr. Heng NaretWritten by:
Rory Dacumos**
Alice Satoh
Solida Prak

Kyoko Furuzono*
Thiraphon Chinda
Monyrath Seakchhy

Jinta Ueno**Group Leader* Group Sub-leader

98

ABBREVIATIONSDA

Department of Agriculture

DLM

Department of Land Management

DRD

Department of Rural Development

DWRM

Department of Water Resources and Meteorology

FWUC

Farmer Water User Community

FWUG

Farmer Water User GroupGDP

Gross Domestic Product

FEX

Foreign-introduced Exogenous Institution

ISF

Irrigation Service Fee

JICA

Japan International Cooperation Agency

MOWRAM

Ministry of Water Resources and MeteorologyNGO

Non-governmental Organizations

O&M

Operation and Maintenance

OFW

Overseas Field WorkPDWRM

Provincial Department of Water Resources and Management

PIM

Participatory Irrigation Management991. Introduction
1-1 Agriculture and Irrigation in Cambodia
Agriculture is traditionally a mainstay of the Cambodian economy, accounting for 27% of GDP in
2012. The sector continues to make a rising contribution to the economy, as it grew 4.3% in 2012 and employed
4.75 million workers out of the 8 million-person labor force in 2011. Cambodia is putting considerable effort
into diversifying its agricultural sector aside from rice. Total agricultural production reached almost 9 million
tons in 2012, making it a major contribution to output growth. Rice exports increased by around 28% to reach
USD 136 million. 4
Cambodia has two rice crops each year, a monsoon-season crop (long-cycle) and a dry season crop.
The per-hectare rice yield in Cambodia is among the lowest in Asia, averaging about 0.95 ton of un-milled
rice per hectare for the monsoon-season crop and 1.8 tons of un-milled rice per hectare in the dry-season. Notethat output from irrigated farming accounts for 54% of all agricultural products, such that, the impact of asevere decline in productivity during dry season is very serious. This justifies the establishment of irrigation
systems in order to secure sufficient water supply for stable rice production all throughout the year. 5

1-2 Irrigation Institutions in Cambodia
The government built large and small-scale irrigation systems and implemented irrigation
management policies, in particular, the Law on Water Resource Management, which was enacted in 2007. The
law has four sub-decrees, one of which mandated the creation of the FWUC. A national level agency, theMinistry of Water Resources and Meteorology (with provincial offices at the local level) was mandated tooversee the creation of FWUC. In this regard, the FWUC could be described as an exogenous 6 institution, i.e.,
imposed and implemented by the government, instead of emerging spontaneously from the community ofwater users themselves.
Moreover, the law states that all farmers using water from the irrigation system or parts thereof may
form a FWUC, on the condition that the FWUC takes part in O&M. This system, where the government
delegates the responsibility of managing certain portions of or the whole irrigation system to the FWUC, is themain feature of the internationally accepted practice called PIM. PIM was not an indigenous institution createdin Cambodia, rather, it is a foreign-designed concept introduced to Cambodian agriculture by the development

4

All statistics from Chem et al. (2010).
Ibid.
6
Exogenous institutions are constructed and imposed by a higher, formal authority, such as the government. On theother hand, endogenous institutions emerge spontaneously from the initiative of individuals or the community (Boettke,
Coyne, & Leeson, 2008).
5100

community. To sum up, the FWUC in Cambodian agriculture is a foreign introduced, exogenous (FEX) 7
institution.

1-3 The FWUC and Farmers’ Participation
The FWUC needs the participation of farmers in order to carry out its tasks effectively. This implies
that farmers must work together, as well as demonstrate good behavior that is consistent with the formal rules
established by the FWUC. As part of the community, farmers must also behave in accordance to informal rules
such as norms and traditions.
However, the farmers’ participation in the FWUC is not always guaranteed, partly because the
FWUC is a FEX. We can assume that adherence to the established formal rules of the FWUC may be weak
given that those were exogenously imposed by the government instead of being naturally formed by theindividuals in the community. Moreover, in Cambodian rural areas, it is hardly seen that an organization isvoluntarily formed and maintained, except when only some organizations are arranged under the instructionsof the government. Most organizational activities implemented under the control of a project tend to fail in its
sustainability. Accordingly, it implies that social bonds among farmers are weak, and collective action isdifficult to find. Embree (1950) explained that this is typical of South East Asian societies, characterized by a“loosely-structured social system.” This is unlike the societies in Japan which can be called "tight societies,"with strong norms and a sense of unity and group consciousness that excludes outsiders.

2. Problem Statement
Despite its inherent weaknesses, the FWUC was implemented by the government to provide equal andsustainable distribution of irrigation water to all farmer water users.
The combined effects of the FWUC being a FEX and the loose structure of Cambodian societies inrural areas could affect farmers’ mindset and behavior of how they participate in the FWUC, and in this context,
one of the major deciding factors of the failure of FWUC is low participation of farmers.
Furthermore, low participation of farmers could be linked to the current problems besetting the FWUC
program, such as: i) inefficient collection of irrigation service fee, ii) lack of human resources and capacity
within the FWUC, iii) low attendance at in meetings, hence, poor participation in decision-making, iv) conflictof water use, and v) poor maintenance of irrigation systems.

7

FEX institutions are usually associated with initiatives of the development community, in contrast to indigenouslyintroduced exogenous (IEX) and indigenously-introduced endogenous (IEN) institutions (Boettke et al., 2008).

101

3. Significance of the Study
This study explores the interaction between and among the actors in the FWUC and could contributeto the understanding of the FWUC. While there has already been several studies conducted related to this topic,
this research offers alternative perspectives on the FWUC in consideration of its nature as an FEX institution
and as an organization within a loosely-structured Cambodian rural society. The policy implications arisingfrom the results of this study are useful contributions in finding solutions to make Cambodian FWUCs moresustainable.

4. Research Objective
The objective of this study is to clarify the interaction within the FWUC that is obliged to ensure equaland sustainable distribution of irrigation water for farmers.

5. Research Questions
5-1 Main Research Question
How does the interaction work between and among the actors within the FWUC to ensure equal andsustainable distribution of irrigation water for farmers?

5-2 Sub Research Questions
1. How does the FWUC establish itself as a self-support/independent organization through the support fromthe provincial government?
2. How do farmers participate in the FWUC as a member?
3. How does the FWUC serve the needs of farmers?

6. Methodology
6-1 Conceptual Framework
In this study, we focused on farmers, the Farmer Water User Groups, the Farmer Water User
Community Board and the Provincial Government as the main actors of the FWUC. First, we looked at theorganizational structure of the FWUC, and the relationship between the FWUC and the provincial government.
Then, we investigated farmers’ participation in the FWUC as a member. Farmers’ participation in this study
refers to four forms: ISF payment and its use, attendance at meetings, maintenance and renovation activities

102and service as an administrator/decision maker. Last, we examined how the FWUC responds to farmers’participation while serving the needs of farmers.

Figure 1 Conceptual framework of the interaction between farmers and FWUC

Source: OFW Working Group 4

We supposed that farmers’ participation in the FWUC would be one of the major deciding factors that
determines the success or failure of the FWUC, and active participation of farmers would contribute to thesmooth performance and efficient functioning of the FWUC, which aims for equal and sustainable distributionof irrigation water. A successful FWUC can give farmers value for their participation in the forms of services,such as distribution of water, improvement and expansion of the irrigation system, dissemination of
information and resolution of conflicts. Through exploring the interaction of the FWUC in details, we assumed
that we could see where the FWUC succeeds and fails.

6-2 Research Site
In Kampong Speu Province, there have been 37 FWUCs created, but the government has only
completed the renovation of the irrigation system for two FWUCs - Ou Veaeng and Ou Traing. This study
focused on the Ou Veaeng FWUC, as per the recommendation of the PDWRM. The Ou Veaeng FWUC islocated in Kandaol Dom Commune, Chbar Mon City. It covers seven villages, but only five villages have103complete irrigation systems and are managed by the FWUC. These are Ou Veaeng, Bos Ta Ney, Srae Thnal,
Pong Ror and Ka Haeing (see Figure 2). The research team interviewed the FWUG leaders and farmers inthese five villages.

Figure 2 Map of Ou Veaeng FWUC showing the villages

Source: FWUG Leader

Photo 1 Water gate along the main canal in Bos Ta Ney Village

Source: Overseas Field Work, August 2014104

6-3 Data Collection
In order to answer the research questions and meet the objective, a qualitative approach was used in
the study. This involved conducting a survey to gather primary information via interviews. A purposive sample
of 29 respondents, consisting of government officers, FWUC board members, FWUG leaders and farmers wasinterviewed. A Key Informant Interview (KII) was conducted for government officers, FWUG leaders andfarmers. In addition, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted for FWUC board members. They
represented various perspectives on the FWUC at different levels of administration, i.e., province, commune
and village (see Table 1).
In addition, secondary data on: i) information about the research site and issues faced from reports,case studies and other relevant literature and ii) relevant water resource use laws and policies, organizational
structure, bureaucratic processes were also collected.

6-4 Method of Analysis
For the quantitative analysis, similar responses were counted and grouped together accordingly. In
addition, for the qualitative analysis, interview results were summarized into the interview sheet. In theinterview sheet, the farmers were coded according to village, interview date and number.

Table 1. Classification of the interviewees
Interviews (Total: 29)
KII

FGD

KII

(Province level)(Commune level)(Village level)

Department of Water Resources and 4 FWUC Board
Meteorology

Members

6 FWUG Leaders

15 Farmer
Members

Department of Rural Development
Department of Agriculture
Department of Land Management
Source: Survey Results, August 2014105

Photo 2 Members of OFW Working Group 4 interviewing a farmer in Bos Ta Ney Village

Source: Overseas Field Work, August 2014

7. Results and Discussion
7-1 Salient Features of the FWUC
Ou Veaeng FWUC as an Institution
As an institution, the FWUC serves as the link between the provincial government and the farmers.
The provincial government, led by the DWRM, interacts with the FWUC board members who supervise the
FWUG leaders. The FWUG leaders, on the other hand, are the ones who are in direct contact with the farmers.
The FWUC, therefore, makes it possible for the provincial government to maintain a close relationship with
farmers, albeit indirectly. Thus, it is in the interest of the provincial government to keep on supporting the
FWUC - a big factor for making the FWUC program a successful public-private initiative.
The FWUC board takes the lead on the management decisions to ensure equal and sustainable water
distribution. Related to this, it is their responsibility to coordinate with farmers and the provincial government
agencies such as the DWRM and DLM.
The FWUC is not completely immune to problems. Fortunately, as an institution, the FWUC has thecapacity to deal with other entities, such as the government, to lobby for assistance in addressing its
irrigation management problems. The FWUC is directly in contact with the DWRM – the provincial arm of
the national-level agency MOWRAM. The leadership of FWUC is a major concern for the DWRM since
they only deal directly with the FWUC board members. It is crucial to have leaders with managerial and106

Figure 3. Main actors in the Farmer Water User Community

Source: OFW Working Group 4technical skills, thus, it is the responsibility of DWRM to train farmers to become leaders. To the DWRM, the
FWUC is an important formal institution, especially in soliciting the support of farmers in undertaking new
irrigation projects. Their interaction, however, is hampered by their limited budget, which is a perennialconcern for the DWRM given the high costs of maintaining major canals and the bureaucracy. Also, theprovincial DWRM faces an insufficient legal framework to deal directly with farmers as it operates under avague (national-level) policy environment. The law should be translated into sub-decrees that define thefunctions of the DWRM at the provincial level.
Another major institutional concern faced by the FWUC is regarding the rule on ISF (discussed in
Section 7-2-1). Fortunately, the FWUC has the legal identity to request, on behalf of the farmers, the DWRM
to oblige the DLM to expedite the issuance of maps and land titles. However, the provincial government has
problems of its own. For example, the DLM still needs to reach out to far-flung rural areas to enhance
appreciation of farmers on the importance of land titles. The DLM also faces inadequate human resources andtechnical capacities as most staffs are new recruits. Lack of equipment for land titling and commune planning
activities are also a big concern. With these problems, the sustainability of the FWUC as a fully functional
institution is affected.
Moreover, as a large institution with many members, it is inevitable that there are some farmers who
do not fully believe in the leadership of board members. These people are usually the target of interventionist
local politicians who advocate for free and open access of water resources without consideration of the107difficulties of managing the irrigation system. The board members have to deal with these kinds of members
within their ranks.

Ou Veaeng FWUC as a Community Organization
The FWUC was created with support from JICA and the government. Before that, villageorganizations were already existent and people related to each other via informal, culturally-accepted rules andnorms. With the establishment of the FWUC as a community organization, formal rules on water usage were
put into place.
The highest decision-making body of the FWUC is the board. It consists of the Head of the FWUC,
Vice Head for Maintenance, Vice Head for Water Distribution, an accountant and the FWUG leaders fromeach village. The board members elect the Head of the FWUC. Moreover, the FWUG is composed of the Headof FWUG, two Vice Heads and one FWUG accountant. Collectively, they are called the FWUG leaders (seeFigure 4).

Figure 4. Organizational Chart of Ou Veaeng FWUC

Source: OFW Working Group 4

Positions in the FWUG are usually on a voluntary basis but in case there is more than one interested
volunteer, an election is held by the farmers. Farmers who serve as board members and FWUG leaders sacrifice108

their time for the management of the irrigation system. Thus, in exchange for their voluntary services, theyreceive monetary incentives from the ISF. Their share is 25% of the ISF – 9% to the board members and 16%
to the FWUG leaders. All officers in FWUC and FWUG have a 5-year term.
In the same vein, farmers are also voluntary members of the organization. It should be noted, however,that one must be a member first, before he/she can use water from the irrigation system.
As a community organization, the Ou Veaeng FWUC is relatively successful due to the collaboration
between the government, NGOs and farmers. However, there are some problems between their relationships
and duties. The proceeding sections will explain what makes them successful and what their challenges are.

7-2 Forms of Participation
In this study, the concept of farmer participation as a member in the FWUC refers to four forms: 1)
ISF payment; 2) attendance at meetings; 3) maintenance and renovation activities; and 4) service as anadministrator/decision maker.

7-2-1 ISF Payment
ISF payment is one of the four determinants to investigate how farmers contribute to the developmentof the FWUC as one form of participation. The ISF is collected from member farmers to finance the FWUC
as a self-support organization in terms of not only administration but also finances and necessary expenses forrenovation, maintenance and management. Therefore, payment of ISF is one of the major obligations that all
member farmers are expected to fulfill to maintain the organization and to ensure equal access to water.
Looking at the data from the field research, there appears to be several features regarding the ISF.

ISF Rate
The legal rate of ISF is set at 30,000 Riel per hectare, and the amount of ISF is calculated based on theland size stated on the land title. Therefore, each member farmer pays a different amount of ISF according totheir land size. Among the twelve famers studied, eight possess the land title issued by the Department of Land
Management while four farmers have been waiting for the land title which is still in process as shown in Table
2.

109

Table 2 Issuance of Land Title
Land Title

IssuedNot Issued

Still in Process

Number of Farmers

8

0

4

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

In addition, three farmers pay ISF at the legal rate while seven farmers pay ISF below the legal rate as
shown in Table 3.

Table 3 Rate of ISF
Amount of ISF

At the Legal Rate

Below the Legal Rate

OthersNumber of Farmers

3

7

2

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Accordingly, it is found that all farmers that responded pay ISF. However, most of the farmers pay
less than the legal rate, and its collection is not strictly conducted corresponding to the legal rates. In fact, atleast two farmers answered that their ISF rate has been discounted because of their financial issues, such as
low cash income due to drought damage and poor harvest in recent years, as well as high expenses needed forattending funerals and wedding ceremonies (according to the interviews, these expenses are prioritized overother things such as ISF).
In those cases, farmers and the ISF collectors (usually the FWUG accountant or village chief) can
negotiate on the amount they can afford. The collectors do not enforce the required amount but accept thepayment at the negotiated amount, which is better than receiving nothing. Indeed, the provincial government,
the FWUC board members and the FWUG leaders all agree that the issuance of land titles is a key solution to
oblige farmers to pay ISF according to the legal rate.

ISF Collection
In most of the villages, the ISF is collected when member farmers obtain cash income sufficientenough to pay after the harvest season. Regarding the means of payment, most of the farmers pay ISF througha FWUG accountant or a village chief as shown in Table 4. Therefore, this data shows that village chiefs playa significant role in ISF payment, and implies that collecting the ISF requires the involvement of village chiefs.

110Table 4 Means of ISF Payment
Terms of Payment

Visit by a FWUG Accountant or Visit by Farmers to a FWUG

Number of Farmers

Village chief to Farmers

Accountant or Village chief

13

2

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Member farmers say that they are willing to continue paying ISF as long as they can have water for
their farmland, particularly during the dry season. This motivation leads to the farmers’ steady attitude toward
membership and ISF payment. About two-thirds of the farmers responded that they have been members of the
FWUG for five years or more. Also, they pay ISF regardless of the land location whether their firmland islocated close to the canal or far from the canal as shown in Table 5.

Table 5 Location of the Land
Location of the Land

At Upper CanalAt Middle Canal

At Lower Canal

Number of Farmers

4

9

2

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Use of ISF
Most of the farmers think that the ISF collected is used for renovation and maintenance of the irrigation
system and canals. Therefore, very few farmers participate in regular maintenance activities such as cleaning
the canal and repair of minor damage. In practice, the ISF funds are used for financing all activities of theFWUC, not just for repair and maintenance. Farmers’ attitude toward the ISF and the irrigation system could
be described as a sense of a customer buying water from the FWUC, rather than a sense of a responsible FWUG
member contributing to keep the FWUC and the irrigation system working well to benefit all. Only very few
farmers are aware that member farmers, themselves, are the ones who are in charge of administering the FWUC
as a self-support organization, and of taking care of the irrigation system and the canals.
Thus, it can be said that the FWUC has been doing well for collecting the ISF since all respondent
farmers pay ISF; however, the land title is not effective for deciding the ISF rate, and the amount of ISF inpractice depends on the farmers’ intentions or financial capacity.
Furthermore, in most cases, farmers’ attitude toward the ISF and the irrigation system like a customer
suggests that there is a perception gap between the farmers’ understanding of the irrigation system and the
FWUC’s expectation for the farmers.

111

Thus, regarding farmers’ participation in financial activities, the ISF payment and interaction between
farmers and the FWUC have been observed to a certain level, in that all respondent farmers pay ISF with ahigh motivation. Meanwhile, the FWUC needs to put in more effort to promote the proper understanding of
the ISF.

7-2-2 Meeting Attendance
Meetings are one of the ways farmers participate, according to our model. Frequency of meeting, theway information is disseminated, contents and the voting system were all examined through interviews withthe famers. In this section, how the FWUG meeting functions is discussed. Finally, suggestions for improving
their meeting system are given.
In this study, a meeting is defined as the “gathering between FWUG Leaders and farmers.” Sometimes,
other participants are included in the meetings, such as the FWUC board members, JICA representatives, or
salesmen from private companies. According to the FWUG leaders, meetings are usually held 1-2 times a year
in most of the villages. The village chief, not the FWUG leader, informs the members about the times andlocations of the FWUG meetings. If the FWUG leader wants to hold a meeting, he requests that the village
chief inform the villagers about the meeting.
The contents of the meeting are diverse and farmers can get information, not only related to water
usage, but also topics related to agriculture or community development. They can also voice their opinions orrequests to the FWUG Leader in the meeting.
Meetings also give farmers the chance to participate in the election of the FWUG leaders. Voting for
the FWUG leader is also held irregularly. During the interviews, seven people have had the experience ofvoting, four said no, and four had no answer. However, most of the elections were held a long time ago, i.e.,
2006-2007 or 2011. The frequency of elections is not regular and the time and place of the election depends
on the village.
There are three main findings related to meetings: 1) farmers have low motivation to solve issues bythemselves; 2) communication problems exist in the community; and 3) the village chief plays an importantrole.

Low Motivation to Solve Issues by Themselves
Even though the FWUC is a community-based organization, farmers think that it is the responsibilityof the FWUC management (board members, FWUG leaders) to solve irrigation-related problems. They rely
heavily on the decisions and actions of the FWUC officers and the idea to solve their problems by themselves
is not shared in the community.

112During meetings, contents are mostly information about distribution and few opportunities are given
to discuss the problems they have about water usage (Table 6).

Table 6 Contents of the Meeting (Answer from Farmers)
Category

TopicsInformation

Water using procedure
How to take care and renovate canal

Topics related to water usage

How to use water
Function of the FWUG
ISF income and expenses

Information

Seed selection
Rice cultivation techniques

Topic NOT related to water usage

Schedule and plan for growing rice
Violence and drug use

Discussion

ISF problems
Conflict in water using

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

However, most of the farmers are more concerned about getting new information rather than
discussing issues. The main motivation for farmers to attend meetings is to get information and ask questions
or give requests to the FWUG (Table 7).

Table 7 Farmer's Benefits in Attending Meeting (Answer from Farmers)
TopicsNumberGet information

9

Tell opinion or ask question to FWUG leader2

Get training

2

Requirement1

No answer

4

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Furthermore, there are cases where farmers are confused regarding what the meeting is all about. Thiswas reflected in their answers when asked about the frequency of the FWUG meetings, which was different

113

from what the FWUG leaders reported. According to Tables 8 and 9, the FWUG leader said there are meetings
only once in a year, but the farmers answered they were twice a month or three times a year in Srae Thnal.

Table 8 Frequency of Meetings (Answer from FWUG leaders)
Srae Thnal

Bos Ta Ney

Ka Haeing

Ou Veaeng

Pong Ror

1/year2/year3-5/year

1/year2/year

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Table 9 Frequency of the Meeting (Answer from Farmers)
Srae Thnal

Bos Ta Ney

Ka Haeing

Ou Veaeng

Pong Ror

2/month3-5/year2/yearNA2/year3/yearheld only once

1/yearNo meeting

1/monthDon’t know

Never
2

times

since

2012
Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Since the village hosts meetings sponsored by other institutions and that the contents of the FWUG
meetings are diverse, farmers seem confused with other agricultural meetings, and pay less attention to whatis the main topic in the meeting. Farmers think that meetings are an opportunity to get new ideas andinformation. Thus, this makes them less interested in irrigation-related issues, thereby, making it difficult forfarmers to discuss and solve water-related problems by themselves.

Communication Difficulty
For farmers, the major obstacles for meeting attendance are the manner in which meeting invitations
are disseminated and the irregular schedule.
The village chief has a large influence over when they hold the meeting. Village chiefs inform farmers
about the meeting in most of the villages through visiting each household. If the FWUG leader wants to holda meeting, they ask the village chief to ask to the farmers. The information of the meeting depends on thevillage chief’s invitation, so some farmers are not informed of the time and location if there are somecommunication problems. The village chiefs have considerable authority in the community, so they are able114

to invite people to the meetings. It is difficult for the FWUG leader to hold a meeting and invite people without
the village chief’s cooperation.
Irregularly timed meetings are also difficult for farmers to make. The meeting time is based on the
FWUG leader’s decision, so it is difficult for all farmers to clear their schedules to make it.

Authority of the Village Chief
The village chief has a higher authority than the FWUG leader in a community, and the meeting is notheld regularly. Therefore, obstacles such as complicated relationships in the community and inefficient ways
to distribute information make it difficult for farmers to obtain the information about the meetings.
When the organization outside the community introduced the FWUC system, they used a newframework that was not related to the existing administrative structure. Therefore, there is confusion related tothe authority in the community and this makes it difficult to distribute information and hold meetings.
The leadership and initiative of the village chiefs play a critical role in the decision of whether or not
the farmers will attend. If a farmer has a good relationship with the village chief (or vice versa), it could help
encourage farmers attend. Also, farmers cannot attend meetings if they do not receive invitation from village
chief.
It is important to communicate that the FWUC is a community based organization and the farmers
should manage and solve issues by themselves. To encourage farmers to participate in the meetings more
actively, the FWUG leader can be a facilitator. Capacity building programs can help both farmers and the
FWUG members to enhance their roles in the meetings.

7-2-3 Maintenance and Renovation
Maintenance and renovation of the canals, including cleaning, are supposed to be conducted by thefarmers. It is voluntary-based and only refreshments (snacks or lunch) are provided for participants. For big
damage and major renovations, experts can be hired.

Frequency of Renovation
In some FWUGs, frequency of renovation is 1-3 times a year, while in other FWUGs, frequency ofrenovation depends on the condition of the canal. In that case renovation is conducted when canals are broken.
In some FWUGs with newer canals, renovation is never or seldom needed. Some farmers have no idea about
the frequency of these activities (Table 10).

115

There is a gap between the perception of the FWUG leaders and that of the farmers about frequency
of maintenance and renovation. The leaders think that there should be more maintenance and farmers think
there should be less. Information about how frequently maintenance and renovation is conducted may not be
disseminated properly (Tables 10 and 11).

Table 10 Frequency of Renovation (Answered by FWUG Leaders)Frequency

Answer

1-2/year12/year1

2-3/year1

Unclear2

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Table 11 Frequency of Renovation (Answered by Farmers)
Frequency

Answer1/year1

1-2/year12-3/year1

3/year1

when canals are broken

2seldom3

no renovation1

unclear

5

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Number of Participants
The number of participants varies across FWUGs. In one FWUG, only a few farmers participate andin another FWUG, 20-30 farmers participate. It also depends on the scale of damage. There were cases thatsome farmers pay money instead of participating in maintenance and renovation. This behavior may be also
considered as participation (Tables 12 and 13).

116

Table 12 Number of Participants (Answered by FWUG Leaders)NumberAnswer8-9 people

1

10 people

1

20 people

1

20-30 people

1

unclear

1

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

While the local government (DWRM) and the FWUC board members assume that maintenance andrenovation should be done by farmers, some farmers think they should hire people to maintain canals by using
the ISF. It is clear that how the ISF is used is not well understood among farmers. In addition, this may indicatethat they lack a sense of ownership of the irrigation system.

Table 13 Number of Participants (Answered by Farmers)
NumberAnswer10 people

1

15 people

1

20 people

1

2-3 people for a minor damage and 10 for major one

1

5-10 people for a minor damage and 20-30 for major one

1

Unclear

10

Source: Survey Results, August 2014

Location of Farm Along the Canal
Location of farm or distance from canals influences who participates in maintenance and renovation.
Farmers from downstream tend to participate more than ones from upstream. This is because farmers upstream
can easily obtain water, while ones downstream have to secure water by maintenance of canals.

117

Devolution of O&M Responsibility
Irrigation bureaucracies in most Asian countries have experienced limitations in managing water
resources at the local level and this has driven the implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management.
Governments devolved the responsibility of operating and maintaining the irrigation systems to recognizedwater users groups - FWUC, in Cambodia's case. To this end, it is critical that irrigation systems be completelyrenovated or rehabilitated before transferring management responsibility to water users groups. In Cambodia'scase, if the irrigation system is not fully renovated, turnover to the FWUC and farmers may be less likely or
less successful.
The study by Samad & Vermillion (1999) revealed that devolution alone did not improve irrigation
quality and productivity. But in systems where there were both management transfer and rehabilitation,
agricultural productivity significantly improved. It seems that farmers are well aware of the disadvantages ofsystems that haven’t been rehabilitated, hence their aversion to accept full responsibility. Logically, farmers
would want to assume management responsibility if they have a good situation to start with, i.e., that theirrigation system is fully rehabilitated. If accepting the responsibility entails conducting costly rehabilitation
work, water users would be reluctant given the huge financial requirement.
In participatory management projects, water users are highly motivated to participate in the design andconstruction of the system. However, such a level of involvement may no longer be the same for operation andmaintenance, especially after system turnover or upon termination of project assistance (Bruns, 2012).

Structural Design of Irrigation Systems
Another physical aspect we observed is the problematic structural design, i.e., slopes of farms andcanals. For example, some fields are higher than the water level in canals, resulting in difficulty to deliver thewater from the canal to the farm. In other cases, the farms are too low resulting in difficulty to drain the water.
These conditions result in inefficient use of land and water and therefore impact the yield. A simple solution
would be land leveling, wherein the slope of the fields are corrected in order to allow the right flow of irrigationwater. The rehabilitation process, prior to complete turnover to the FWUC needs to consider this aspect, withthe end view of improving agricultural productivity.
Farmers, through the help of technical experts from the government and academia, may be instructedin how to level the land using their own available tools and machines. The optimum yield could be achieved
if fields are properly leveled, thereby improving productivity levels. It makes sense to assume that withimproved yields, the ISF issues with payments may be minimized. There would be little excuse for farmers to
not pay accordingly since their fields would be fully irrigated and would produce better yields.

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7-2-4 Serving as an Administrator/Decision Maker
The mandated organizational structure avoids the high cost of monitoring and managing many farmers,such that the interface between the government and water users is designed via the PDWRM-Board Members
linkage. In this regard, the leadership of the FWUC board is a major concern for the provincial DWRM. ThePDWRM prefers leaders with good managerial and technical skills, but that decision is beyond their control,
as it ultimately relies on who the FWUG leaders elect among themselves. Naturally, if there are more leaders
to choose from, there is a higher chance of finding leaders with good managerial and technical skills. However,
the real situation is far from this scenario, with the actual number of active FWUG leaders less than the required
number. For instance, in Ou Veaeng and Ka Haeing, there is only one FWUG leader in each village. The sole
FWUG Leader serves the four functions of Head, Vice Head, Water Gate Operator and Accountant.
Inadequate human resources and the reluctance of farmers to take on leadership roles could possibly
be because of low monetary incentives, among other reasons. Farming is a labor-intensive activity. The
perceived monetary benefit of serving as the FWUG Leader is far too insignificant compared to what a farmer
could gain by working on his farm or elsewhere. Thus, many farmers are not willing to become leaders. In thecase of board members and the FWUG leaders - who are still farming their own land, while they complain of
the low monetary incentives, they cannot easily change the incentive scheme because it must go through theapproval of the farmers and the PDWRM. Besides, it is important to improve ISF collection first, since the
incentives are sourced from the ISF collection.
Notwithstanding, we were able to find farmers who are willing to serve the FWUC. Incidentally, these
are the same people that other farmers perceived as honest and trustful - who are worthy to serve leadershiproles in the FWUC. The PDWRM is also drawn to these natural leaders, and therefore, are likely to vouch forthese people for election to the FWUC Board. This finding is consistent with Meinzen-Dick, et al. (2002) that
local social capital in the form of influential persons in the community plays an important role in irrigation
management.

7-3 Other Findings
7-3-1 Conflict Resolution
Allocation of the water resource is the number-one cause of conflict (Phelps, 2007). Thus, the board
members and the FWUG leaders serve another important function as mediators to resolve water use conflicts
among farmers. In Ou Veaeng FWUC, farmers who are in conflict negotiate among themselves. If a resolution
cannot be reached, they seek help from the FWUG leader, who elevates the matter to the FWUC board if hecannot resolve it.
Based on our observation, water distribution and allocation conflicts arise because farmers do not fully
understand the water release calendar/schedule. In this regard, the FWUC management should exert more119

effort to make farmers understand the importance of the water release calendar/schedule. The schedule could
be arranged by reaching consensus among farmers during regular meetings. Alternatively, thecalendar/schedule could be posted at accessible and strategic locations around the village to keep the farmers
informed and enhance their understanding of the importance of the schedule.

7-3-2 Government Support and Sustainability
As mandated by the Law on Water Resource Management (2007), the MOWRAM is the leadgovernment agency that would partner with FWUCs in managing water resources. MOWRAM has offices atthe provincial level, in this case, the PDWRM in Kampong Speu. Under the same law, it is MOWRAM's
responsibility to maintain the main canals, the PDWRM for the secondary canals and the FWUC for tertiary
canals. For major repairs, the FWUC counts on the PDWRM, which elevates the concern to the MOWRAM
if it requires bigger financial requirements. Agency budgets, therefore, are a perennial concern for the
MOWRAM and the PDWRM given the high costs of maintaining major canals and the bureaucracy that is
involved.
The FWUC receives support from the government via the five-year cost sharing arrangement. The
study noted that this scheme between the government and the FWUC is not very realistic given that more
subsidies are given during the 1st and 2nd years of the FWUC operation (80% and 60% respectively) than onlater years. Note however, as the irrigation system enters its 3rd to 5th years of operation, the subsidies becomeless whereas the costs of repair and maintenance becomes higher as the canal wear and tear becomes more
frequent. By the 5th year, when major renovation is more likely, the amount of the subsidy is already zero andthus, would need to be completely sourced from the limited ISF funds collected. Thus, we recommend
revisiting the Government-FWUC cost sharing agreement, in consideration of this scenario. The FWUC could
also be trained on how to handle the funds properly and find innovative ways how to make the ISF funds forgenerating income in order to finance costly repair and maintenance works after the end of subsidies. Other
sources of funds, such as donations from private individuals and businesses, may also be explored.
Aside from the PDWRM, farmers also receive support from the provincial offices of the DA and the
DRD. However, these agencies have limited mandates and budgets with regards to the irrigation system. In
the case of the DA, despite its major stake in increasing rice production and productivity, there are only a few
support activities it can provide and are mostly limited to trainings on rice growing, seed growing, fertilizer
and pesticide use, field experiments and demo farms. Furthermore, the PDRD engagement is limited to onlyroad construction in rural areas. A convergence of efforts to support the FWUC from these agencies is worth
exploring.

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8. Conclusions and Recommendations
All respondent farmers pay ISF regularly each year, and based on the amount collected, the FWUC
can finance itself sufficiently enough to function and distribute water to farmers on a regular basis so far. It
can be observed that there is an interaction between the farmers and the FWUC in terms of ISF payment.
However, in the case of Kampong Speu, the rate of ISF many farmers pay is less than the legal one. Less
amount of payment has the potential to cause a shortage of financing, making the FWUC difficult to ensure
equal and sustainable distribution of water for farmers.
According to the data regarding ISF, farmer’s payment of ISF below the legal rate is one of the serious
issues in terms of financing the FWUC. Therefore, in order to collect ISF at the legal rate, first, the FWUC
board members need to clarify the legal rate of the ISF and inform the farmers of the amount. They may alsoneed to introduce the legal regulations for proper implementation of collecting the ISF. Furthermore, the
FWUC is expected to offer multiple payment options such as low interest loans and financing to the farmers
who have difficulty to pay ISF at the legal rate because of their financial situation.
In addition, the complete issuance of land title for all farms remains a challenge for the Provincial
DLM. The office faces human resource problems - inadequate number of staff and limited technicalcapabilities, as most staff members are new recruits. New and modern equipment for land titling and commune
planning activities are also needed.
It is also important that transparency and accountability regarding the use of the ISF (and government
subsidies) are enhanced to improve the perception of farmers on how ISF are managed by the board members.
It is not unusual for some farmers to accuse leaders of mishandling the funds. To prevent this conflict, theboard members must take steps to improve the FWUC’s transparency and financial accountability. It would
be beneficial if the government, NGOs, and development partners provide capacity building programs forfinancial management and accounting. These efforts could also contribute to enhancing farmers’ understandingof the importance of ISF.
In addition, in terms of ensuring sustainable financing of the FWUC, it would be helpful for the farmers
to establish a mutual support association funded by ISF. For instance, launching subsidiary businesses to selland export agriculture-related products they produce within and outside of the FWUC could add resources forsustainability.
Farmers are involved with FWUC functions by attending meetings and trying to solve problems bythemselves. The FWUG’s role is informing the meeting schedules and developing ideas to solve the problemsby themselves.
If they do not solve the problems by themselves, it is difficult for the FWUC to know the farmers’
needs, thus becoming an obstacle to maintain the system and distribute water equally.

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The FWUG leaders announce maintenance and renovation activities and farmers voluntarily
participate in those activities. More participation from the farmers leads to a reduction of irrigation systemproblems and to equal water distribution. However, in terms of the interaction between farmers and the FWUG,
it was found to be relatively weak in the field because not so many farmers take part in the activities in thecurrent situation. Therefore, maintenance and renovation activity should be strongly encouraged to realize amore equal and sustainable distribution of water.
This research showed that the FWUC is not yet ready to become a self-support or independent
organization. Thus, government support is still needed, especially in building the capacities of the FWUC
officials in operating and managing the irrigation system. Thus, we recommend revisiting the GovernmentFWUC cost sharing agreement, in consideration of the fact that even after 5-year period, the FWUC is notready yet to assume full management responsibility.
Moreover, farmers should be encouraged to appreciate their roles and responsibilities to improveparticipation. As shown by the interaction of farmers within the FWUC, participation in the forms of through1) payment of ISF; 2) attendance at meetings; 3) involvement in renovation and maintenance activities; and 4)
service as administrators or decision-makers, is important in ensuring the equal and sustainable access toirrigation water to all farmers. However, there is still room for improvement regarding their participation. For
instance, while most farmers pay ISF, it remains a challenge to enforce payment at the legal rate. The
motivation of farmers to attend meetings could be further improved by clearly emphasizing its importance.
The same is true with participation in maintenance and renovation activities. In all cases, it is the duty of theadministrators/decision makers to implement ways to make the improvements happen.
It would be beneficial if the government, NGOs, and development partners provid capacity building
programs for the FWUC officials and farmers in order to enhance their appreciation of their roles andresponsibilities. For example, financial management and accounting training for the FWUC board members
and FWUG leaders would be useful to improve transparency and accountability. The FWUC could also be
trained how to handle the funds properly and find innovative ways to make the ISF funds generate income inorder to finance costly repair and maintenance works after the end of the subsidies. Other sources of funds,
such as donations from private individuals and businesses, may also be explored.
Finally, we suggest that the community revisit the FWUC incentive scheme in order to attract more
farmers to serve the FWUC as officials.

122

9. Acknowledgement
Our deepest gratitude to all the people who made OFW 2014 happen in order for us to get the chance
to undertake field research and gain the many lessons of the realities of fieldwork. These include:
Professor Wataru Kusaka
Professor Naoko Shinkai
Professor Sumire Kanda
Professor Heng Naret
Professor Liu Jing
Kampong Speu Provincial Government Officials and Staff
Chbar Mon City Officials and Staff
DWRM Officers and Staff
DLM Officers and Staff
DA Officers and Staff
DRD Officers and Staff
Royal University of Phnom Phen Officials, Staff and Students
Ou Veaeng FWUC Board Members
FWUG Leaders
Farmers of Ou Veaeng FWUC
GSID students of OFW 2014123

10. References
Boettke, P. J., Coyne, C. J., & Leeson, P. T. (2008). Institutional Stickiness and the New Development
Economics. American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 67(2), 331–358.
Bruns, B. (2012). Irrigation Reform and Institutional Development. Technical Paper for Asian Irrigation
Forum. Asian Development Bank.
Chem, P., Kim, S. S., & Khiev, D. (2010). Empirical Evidence of Irrigation Management in the Tonle Sap
Basin: Issues and Challenges. CDRI Working Paper Series No.48. Phnom Penh. Retrieved November 14,
2014, from http://www.cdri.org.kh/webdata/download/wp/wp48e.pdf
Cother, R., Stodart, B., Ash G. (2009). Improving understanding and management of rice pathogens in
Cambodia. Canberra: ACIAR.
de Silva, S., Johnston, R., Try T. (2013). Local Institutions for Irrigated Agriculture in Cambodia
Embree, J. F. (1950). Thailand - A Loosely Structured Social System. American Anthropologist, 52(2), 181–
193.
Meinzen-Dick, R., Raju, K. ., & Gulati, A. (2002). What Affects Organization and Collective Action forManaging Resources? Evidence from Canal Irrigation Systems in India. World Development, 30(4), 649–
666.
Phelps, D. (2007). Water and Conflict: Historical Perspective. ASCE, 133(5), 382.
Samad, M., & Vermillion, D. L. (1999). An assessment of the impact of participatory irrigation management
in Sri Lanka. Water Resources Development, 15(1/2), 219–240.

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11. Appendices
Appendix 1. QUESTIONNAIRE for PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS

1. Please give a background of how the irrigation system works in KS.
•

What/where are the sources of water?

•

What are the on-going or future irrigation projects in KS?

•

What is the scope? How many districts will be covered? How many hectares will be served?

•

Are farmers supportive of the on-going/future irrigation projects?

•

What is the organizational structure of the management of the irrigation system?

•

Are there other organizations such as NGOs that provide support to FWUC?

2. What is your role in managing the irrigation system?
3. What are your responsibilities to make sure that the FWUC functions well?
4. How do you consider the suggestions and opinions of farmers when making management and planning
decisions for the irrigation systems?
5. What are the major obstacles in operating and maintaining irrigation systems?
6. Is farmer's participation important in management and planning? Please explain why it is important ornot.
7. What kind of participation do you expect from farmers?
•

Payment of ISF,•

Attendance to meetings (to give their voice and resolve dispute),•

Voting in the election of FWUC village chiefs, and•Participation in maintenance activities such as removal of grass/cleaning of canals anddrainage system.
8. Is the ISF rate appropriate/reasonable?
9. Is the FWUC helpful/beneficial for farmers? Please explain.
10. What things must be done in order to make the FWUC more sustainable and effective in carrying out
its tasks?
11. How do you coordinate with other government offices that provide services and support to FWUC andfarmers?
12. What are the challenges in managing the FWUC from the point of view of the government and what
the strengths?

125

Appendix 2. QUESTIONNAIRE for FWUC Board Members and FWUG Leaders

1. Please give a background of the irrigation scheme in Ou Veaeng.
•

Where is the source of water?

•

What are on-going or future irrigation projects?

•

How many hectares will be covered, how many farmers will be served?

•

Are farmers supportive of the on-going/future irrigation projects?

•

What is the organizational structure of Ou Veaeng FWUC?

•

Are there other organizations such as NGOs that provide support to FWUC?

2. What are the functions of the FWUC•

What is the role of FWUC Board in managing the irrigation scheme?

•

As FWUC Board Member, what are your responsibilities to make sure that the FWUC

functions well?
•

How does the FWUC set ISF rate? Is it reasonable/acceptable to farmers?

•

How do you ensure that farmers regularly pay ISF?

•

How do you consider the suggestions and opinions of farmers regarding a) improvement ofirrigation scheme and b) the utilization of ISF?
•

How do you settle conflict between farmers regarding water allocation and distribution?

•

How do you coordinate with other government offices that provide services and support to

FWUC and farmers?
3. Is farmer's participation important in operation and maintenance irrigation scheme? If yes, what kind ofparticipation do you expect from farmers?
•

Payment of ISF,•

Attendance at to meetings (to give their voice and resolve dispute),•

Voting in the election of FWUC village chiefs, and•Participate in technical and financial management trainings•

Participate in maintenance activities such as removal of grass/cleaning of canals and drainage

system.
•How do you motivate the farmers to regularly attend meetings of the FWUC?

•

Based on your experience, what are the reasons for the attendance or non-attendance of

farmers at meetings?
•

Among the villages under your supervision, which village has more participation?

4. Is the FWUC helpful/beneficial for farmers? Please explain.
5. What are the challenges and obstacles in managing the FWUC and what are the strengths?

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Appendix 3. QUESTIONNAIRE for FARMERS

1. As member of FWUC, what is your role? What are your responsibilities?
2. Are you aware of your rights as a member of FWUC? For example, right to vote and/or right to vetoa decision?
3. In your opinion, what is the role of FWUC?
4. Are the following FWUC policies reasonable/acceptable to you:•

Payment of ISF?

•

Attendance at in meetings?

•

Involvement in renovation activities of canals?

5. What motivates you to:•

Pay the right amount of ISF?

•

Attend meetings?

•

Be involve in renovation activities of canals?

6. Do you think the FWUC is effective in settling disputes between water users?
7. Are you satisfied with the services provided by FWUC? Is the FWUC fully functional and effective
in carrying out its responsibilities and fulfilling your needs? What aspects should be further improved bythem?
8. Do you think you have benefited by joining FWUC? If yes, how?
9. Do you receive feedback from FWUC?
10. How do the FWUG leaders implement the rules and plans of the FWUC? Do they consult you before
implementing a decision?
11. Do you have the chance to speak up and voice out your concerns to FWUG leaders? Do you think
when you voice out your concerns, it would result to better decision of FWUC?
12. What do you think are the major obstacles in operating and maintaining irrigation systems?

127

Appendix 4. DETAILED SCHEDULE

Date
Mon

Place
Aug.18Who

What

Arrival in Chbar Mon City, Kampong Speu
Courestesy Visit to Government Office (PM), Get-to-know-each-other Party (PM)Tue

Aug.19Provincial Government of
Kampong Speu

Officials of: Ministry of Water
Resources and Meteorology,
Department of Rural Development,Interview
Department of Agriculture,
Department of Land Management
(4)

Wed

Aug.20Kandaol Dom Commune

FWUC Board Members (4)InterviewThuFri

Aug.21
Aug.22

Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune

FWUG leaders (3)FWUG leaders (3)Interview
InterviewSat

Aug.23

Free TimeSun

Aug.24

Free TimeMon

Aug.25

Kandaol Dom Commune

Farmer-members of FWUC (5)Interview

Tue
Wed

Aug.26Aug.27

Kandaol Dom Commune
Kandaol Dom Commune

Farmer-members of FWUC (5)Farmer-members of FWUC (5)Interview
InterviewThu

Aug.28Preparation & Moving to Phnom Penh (Afternoon)Fri

Aug.29Preparation for Findings Presentation (AM), Findings Presentation (PM), Farewell Party (PM)Sat

Aug.30Free Time (AM + Afternoon); Departure (PM)Sun

Aug.31

Arrival in Nagoya

128

List of Individual and Company Donors to the Overseas Fieldwork Fund
(In order of receipt)

Taguchi Fukujukai Foundation
The Aichi Bank, Ltd.
The Bank of Nagoya, Ltd.
The Chukyo Bank, Ltd.
Aichi Steel Corporation
The Daisan Bank, Ltd.
Toyoda Machinary Corporation
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Okaya & Co., Ltd.
The Tokai Bank, Ltd.
Central Japan Railway Company
Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd.
Toyota Industries Corporation
Japan Transcity Corporation
Takisada Co., Ltd.
The Hyakugo Bank, Ltd.
Shikishima Baking Co., Ltd.
Chuo Seisakusho, Ltd.
Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. Nagoya
headquarter
Toho Gas Co., Ltd.
Matsuzakaya Co., Ltd.
Maruei Department Store Co., Ltd.
Muto Shoukai Co., Ltd.
Yoshiyuki Hattori, CPA
Nagoya Mitsukoshi, Inc.
CPA Mitsuoka Akira Office
Howa Setsubi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Kowa Company, Ltd.
Daido Steel Co., Ltd.
Sankyo Kasei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
NGK Insulators, Ltd.

Year 1991
Otake Corportaion
Tsushima Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Tomita Co., Ltd.
Showa Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
Hotta Setsubi Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Sankichi Kondo, CPA
Nakamo Sun Route Co., Ltd.
Hayashi Yaokichi Co., Ltd.
Kazuo Oguri
Matsukazeya Co., Ltd.
Toyota Motor Corporation
The Kitankai
Hoyu Co., Ltd.
Daito Sanshin Co., Ltd.
Yamasei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Tachibana Shouten Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kako Co., Ltd.
Year 1992
Sintokogio, Ltd.
Dai Nippon Construction
TOENEC Corporation
Aichi Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.
The Tono Shinkin BankThe Juroku Bank, Ltd.
UNY Co., Ltd.
The Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank, Ltd.
Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
Toyota Tsusho Corporation

129

海外実地研修基金に拠出いただいた個人・企業一覧（受け入れ順）
平成 3 年度
株式会社大竹製作所
津島興業株式会社
富田株式会社
昭和製薬株式会社
ホッタ設備工業株式会社
公認会計士 近藤三吉
株式会社ナカモ・サンルート
株式会社林八百吉商店
小栗和夫
株式会社松風屋
トヨタ自動車株式会社
社団法人キタン会
ホーユー株式会社
大東三進株式会社
山清産業株式会社
株式会社立花商店
朝日化工株式会社

財団法人田口福寿会
株式会社愛知銀行
株式会社名古屋銀行
株式会社中京銀行
愛知製鋼株式会社
株式会社第三銀行
豊田工機株式会社
中部電力株式会社
岡谷鋼機株式会社
株式会社東海銀行
東海旅客鉄道株式会社
名古屋鉄道株式会社
株式会社豊田自動織機製作所
日本トランスシティ株式会社
瀧定株式会社
株式会社百五銀行
敷島製パン株式会社
株式会社中央製作所
豊島株式会社名古屋本社
東邦ガス株式会社
株式会社松坂屋
株式会社丸栄株式会社武藤商会
公認会計士 服部義之
株式会社名古屋三越
公認会計士 光岡朗事務所
朋和設備工業株式会社
興和株式会社
大同特殊鋼株式会社
三協化成産業株式会社
日本特殊陶業株式会社
日本ガイシ株式会社

平成 4 年度
新東工業株式会社
大日本土木株式会社
株式会社トーエネック
愛知トヨタ自動車株式会社
東濃信用金庫株式会社十六銀行
ユニー株式会社
株式会社大垣共立銀行
太平洋工業株式会社
豊田合成株式会社
日本電装株式会社
アイシン精機株式会社
豊田通商株式会社

130