Returning Life to Field and Forest: Mine Clearance by Villagers in Cambodia (Linking Mine Action and Development)

This publication, written by Ruth Bottomley (Handicap International), provides astounding figures regarding mine clearance activities by villagers. Despite the dangers, villagers often resort to clearing mine fields, especially when the use of valuable agricultural lands is at stake. This practice is a common topic for discussion in the demining community, although it is far from being resolved.

No easy or straightforward answers to the issue of mine clearance by villagers emerge from the research, and it is likely that the subject will continue to be hotly debated by those involved in the mine action sector. However, by allowing for a better understanding of mine clearance activities by villagers, the research findings may encourage a review of existing assumptions held by mine action practitioners and instigate renewed consideration of the subject.