SBR- Content.pmd - INBO

5 - Peoples of the MekongAnother aspect of urban-rural linkages in the LMB involvesthe return migration of people from urban centres back torural areas. This occurred following the regional financialcrisis of the late 1990s, and may continue as a consequenceof government policies for structural adjustment andeconomic reform. Workers in the urban formal sectors wholose their jobs may return to their home communities, wherethe costs of living are lower. This population increase in ruralareas may exert additional demands on land, water and otherresources. At the same time, these returnees often bringwith them knowledge and experience with technological andsocio-cultural innovations that may facilitate more efficientand sustainable development and management of naturalresources.More than half the population ofCambodia and Lao PDR is below theage of 15Income growth, inequality and poverty. Economic growth and opportunities for better-paying,non-farm employment will lead to higher incomes, in rural as well as urban areas. Rising incomeswill lead to consumption patterns that are increasingly modelled on those of more industrialisedcountries. Income growth, therefore, will create additional demands for water, energy and otherecosystem services. It will also emphasise the importance of environmental quality.Rising incomes in the LMB have and will continue to contribute to reducing poverty. However,income growth in the basin has also been accompanied by deepening income inequality. The benefitsof recent economic growth in the region have been concentrated in the urban areas, while ruralpoverty remains high. There is a growing realisation that expanded rice cultivation, including the useof more water for irrigation, cannot increase incomes enough to reduce rural poverty. Governmentsand donors are now targeting strategies that promote the creation of rural employment outside thetraditional agricultural sector. Priorities in resource allocation including water will, therefore, focusincreasingly on non-agricultural uses.Human resource development. The development of human resources in the LMB – throughbetter education, training and employment opportunities – is a key factor in the sustainable use of thebasin’s resources. The “baby boom” of young adults now joining the workforce will result in seriousunemployment in the coming years unless more jobs are created. The agriculture sector cannotprovide livelihoods for all these young people. Moreover, many young adults – men and women –will be better educated and could participate in higher-skilled work if they have equitable opportunitiesto improve their capabilities.73