Transcript Agricultural Development in Cambodia and the IFAPER

Agricultural
Development
in Cambodia and
the IFAPER
V. Bruce J. Tolentino
Economic Policy Adviser
ADB TA 3721-CAM
Supreme National Economic Council (SNEC)
Office of the Prime Minister, Cambodia
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
1
What does IFAPER say re
Cambodia’s agri sector
performance? (1)
Agricultur
e
Policy and
Planning
Expenditure
Output/
Outcome
Though
NPRS makes
progress in
sector
planning,
sector lacks
coherent propoor policy
framework
linked to
budget.
Sector is underfunded.
Shift from wage
spending to
research has
reduced allocative
efficiency.
Sector spending
not targeted to
poor, regional
depts. are
resource-deprived.
Low levels of
funding &
inefficiency of
spending
constrain both
broad-based econ
growth, poverty
reduction.
Lack of sector
monitoring makes
impact evaluation
difficult.
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
2
What does IFAPER say re
Cambodia’s agri sector
performance? (2)
IFAPER’s
take is generally
negative.
Summary assessment is
quite sweeping.
Does not provide much in
concrete recommendations
on actions and policies.
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IFAPER WS
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IFAPER does support RGC
that agri sector dev’t crucial
to growth, poverty reduction
 Agri
forms base of economy
and employment.
 Agri productivity & growth
ensures food security,
moderates wages, creates
jobs & supports non-agri
competitiveness.
 Non-traditional agri products
have good export potential.
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
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Crucial Challenge:
PRIORITIES & FOCUS!
Out
of all the many tasks,
functions and duties of RGC,
MAFF & MOWRAM, now &
continuously, what are the
essential services,
interventions & expenditures
to ensure sustained agri
growth and productivity?
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
5
Key lessons from
international experience:
The essential elements:
1. Farmers, fisherfolk, traders
allowed to freely respond to
market signals with minimal
gov’t intervention.
2. Gov’t focus on crucial public
goods in key geographical areas:
peace, irrigation, roads, ports,
production technology, liberal
trade and macro policy.
3. Secure property rights.
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
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Implications of lessons
1.
2.
3.
4.
Must focus on key geographic
area(s).
Key MAFF task: production
technology and extension.
Key MOWRAM task: irrigation
(esp. farmer-owned), flood
control.
RGC role: peace & good
governance, investments in
key agri roads, ports & overall
market-oriented, liberal
economic policy.
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
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Recent initiatives along
correct lines:
 Agri
Sector Devt Program:
focus on extension, agri SMEs,
land mgmt, privatization of
rubber firms, KAMFIMEX, AIC.
 Focus on Tonle Sap zone and
fisheries R&D.
 Continuing investments in
roads, ports that support
agribusiness.
20 October 2003
IFAPER WS
8