Business Development and Rural Youth in Cambodia Rural Youth - to stay or not to stay? By: Sam Vitou CEDAC

Rational To date, six in ten Cambodians are under the age of 25 Eight in ten live in rural areas The three main pillars of Cambodia’s economy – the garment, tourism and construction industries – cannot absorb the approximately 300,000 new labor market entrants each year  What is needed now?

What are the challenges? Poor levels of education and lack of vocational training skills Inadequately preparation for the next generation of jobs, higher skill levels and a more competitive economy Increasing demand for local human resources in local development, local government, community-based organizations and local farmers.

Main objective The main objective of the Young Agri-Entrepreneur programme is to impart skills to young people so that they can take up a career in agriculture while playing leading role in their communities

What is our intervention? One year of theoretical and practical learning Courses dedicated to agriculture techniques, self development and business development

What is the criteria? Rural youth, from years of age with at least nine years of schooling Children of poor farmers and especially women are encouraged to attend the course Three tests needed (written, oral & Assignment) Participants learn about the YAE course from CEDAC staff or have parents who already benefited from a CEDAC program

Learning from farmers/internship

YAE and their farms

Snowball effect Many YAE are now active in various affairs in their communities, such as savings groups in their village Many graduates are setting good examples in their community and attracting other young farmers in their village to learn from their activities >500 YAE graduate from the program from 7 provinces

Case Studies Ms. Chai Sophy is a widow with two boys. Through the YAE program, she studied chicken raising, vermicutlure, home gardening and composting. Before the YAE program, she grew wet season rice and worked in garment factories in Phnom Penh during the dry season. As a garment worker, she earned 55 USD per month. Now, she no longer has to work in the garment factories. As a farmer, she supports a family of five and can stay with her children year- round, and can make her own business.

Case Studies (Cont.) Mr. Sang Son studied chicken raising, SRI and vermiculture Before, Mr. Sang worked primarily as an electrician to support himself and his younger brother He gained new confidence as a farmer and is experimenting with new ideas, including drawing up a plan and budget for farm additions

Conclusion YAE graduates become young leaders and encourage other young villagers to become entrepreneurs Not only does this program give many young people a new perspective, but it can also lead to a significant increase in food production, reducing food imports from neighboring countries

What business opportunities can be created when combined vocational training and entrepreneurship in the rural areas of Cambodia? Discussion