Preparing and accessing decent work amongst rural youth in Cambodia

This study aims to assess the skills and training needs of rural youth in Cambodia and to develop recommendations on how to foster their access to decent employment. The needs assessment was conducted in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Battambang and Kampong Cham. The study highlights the limited decent employment opportunities that currently exist along various agricultural value chains in rural Cambodia. Poverty and the structural problems of the agricultural sector are the main barriers for youth in accessing decent rural employment. A substantial enhancement of the education system, combined with the provision of appropriate training services to ensure successful school-to-work transition, is seen as necessary to tackle these challenges. A well-balanced policy mix reflecting national and local circumstances can boost employment opportunities and create an environment that enables rural youth. Building on previous research on agriculture in Cambodia, this study argues that agricultural transformation requires promotion of agribusiness enterprises, support to community-managed farmer organizations and promotion of agropreneurs, as well as investment in agricultural and rural development, particularly in infrastructure, energy, water, education and health. Moreover, as most young people entering agriculture are self-employed and work as small-scale farmers, training in rural areas should focus on the skills required to be self-employed.