Alternatives to legislative policies on pesticides in Cambodia

This policy discussion provides an overview of trends in the use of agrochemical products in Cambodia, one of the most acute chemically polluted countries in Asia, discusses the impacts— particularly about farmers health—and provides some recommendations to policy makers on how to minimize the negative externalities derived on the uncontrolled use of this technological packages. The methodology is based on the review of secondary data, the current laws sources and in-farm interviews as explaining factors on farm consequences. On the other hand, the results of the research can be useful to assist policy makers to improve controlling rules on these usages related to farming issues, regarding to pesticides and weeds control. As obtained in the review Cambodian chemicals management laws and regulations have big gaps regarding to their implementation. Most of the legal instruments have only general provisions and do not clearly define the role and responsibility of the governmental institutions and stakeholders. Existing chemicals law enforcement is limited. Paralleled with the above issues, Cambodia also lacks human resources and monitoring facilities, which causes an ineffective law enforcement. We find in this review that Governmental policies must be put into action, donors must stop helping rent seeking attitudes by local and international NGOs and a raise for civil society and the concern of famers must be favored by no monetary incentives as being unfruitful done till this current times. An agro ecological alternative is offered to face these issues. Finally, based on the last assessments some recommendations for further research are outlined.