Overview of Farmers’ Perceptions of Current Status and Constraints to Soybean Production in Ratanakiri Province of Cambodia

Abstract

A study was undertaken in Koun Mom district of Ratanakiri province in Cambodia to analyze the perceptions of the current status and constraints to soybean production and identify solutions to improve production and the management practices. Primary data were collected by personal interviews at field level of 130 producers. Most respondents were in the medium age category, Grade 4 education, with an average land holding of 2.96 ha and annual income of KHR 6,195,548 Riels (about 1548 USD). In terms of economic and production constraints, the high cost of fertilizers, severe insect and disease infestation, were identified as most important. Association with independent characteristics and scientific orientation were not significant, but education, land holding, annual income, socioeconomic status, and risk preference were significantly associated with constraints to soybean production. Within the context of sustainable agricultural production practices, it is suggested to improve high-yielding genotypes, ensure timely availability of high-quality seeds, and identify appropriate crop management practices (planting dates, planting density, nutrient and water management practices) and find ways to efficiently and effectively disseminate information to farmers to enhance soybean production in the region. In addition, extension agents and other agencies should provide soybean farmers marketing information, establish viable links between farmers and relevant stakeholders and private sector to improve access to inputs and modern technologies while the local and state governments should establish rural markets with good market infrastructure to enable farmers have high returns from soybean production.