Social capital and the performance of Farmer Water User Communities (FWUCs) in Take Province,Cambodia

This study analyzed the critical social capital variables related to the level of performance in three selected FWUCs in Takeo province Cambodia. Specifically, the study aimed to: 1) describes the socio-demographic and economic profile of the respondents; 2) describe the level of adequacy of social capital operating in three selected FWUCs in Takeo province, Cambodia; 3) determine the critical social capital variables and their contribution to the level of performance of three selected FWUCs in Takeo province, Cambodia; and 4) recommend course of actions to concerned institutions to improve the performance of social capital in the FWUCs. Three selected FWUCs from three villages, three communes, and three districts of Takeo province were chosen as the study location where the stratified random sampling method was employed. A total of 256 WFUCs members were interviewed. Twenty-seven respondents were divided into three groups for Focus Group Discussion(FGD) from each FWUC. Primary data were gathered through 11 key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analyses. Results showed that the level of adequacy of social capital in terms of groups and networks, and information and communication in three FWUCs in Takeo province was low. However, there was moderate level of adequacy of social capital in terms of trust and solidarity, collective action and cooperation, social cohesion and inclusion, and empowerment and political action. It resulted to moderate performance of the FWUCs because the FWUC officers lacked knowledge and skills especially on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Furthermore, their commitment in the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems was poor. Finally, the level of profit from farm production was low. On the other hand, the extent of trust and solidarity, participation, and interaction among FWUC members and officers highly contributed to effective management of the irrigation system while other variables of social capital also contributed at various rates. Based on these findings, some recommendations at the national level are forwarded. MOWRAM [Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology] should intensify efforts in implementing PIMD [Participatory Irrigation Management and Development] policy; launch more both information education and social marketing campaigns to motivate farmers in joining FWUCs thereby increasing trust, solidarity, participation, and cooperation among communities. Involving institutions especially the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the MOWRAM should resolve their overlapping functions on water use management to allow the smooth performance of the FWUC. At the local level, promotion of the importance of social capital on effective implementation of FWUC programs should be undertaken and encourage more participation of the pagoda (monks) to develop unity and trust among farmers in building, operating, and maintaining irrigation systems.