Landmines in Cambodia: Past, Present, and Future By Wade C. Rober ...

land throughout Cambodia. Assuming a standard value of land ignores the fact that some areas are more productive than others. Therefore, it is likely that even according to Harris’s methodology, some areas of Cambodia would be considered worthwhile to demine. The strength of marginal analysis is at the micro level, a reality completely ignored in the Harris report. This report discounts standard economic analysis, using a methodology that more closely reflects an accounting framework. Accounting, while useful in specific applications, is not well suited for capturing social or opportunity costs. The Harris report has had damning effects for Cambodia, effects that could have been avoided by using an economic framework.

1.5.2. Bottomley

In spite of pressure not to engage in informal demining activities, many farmers with contaminated land opt to demine the land and not wait years for the formal demining sector to address their needs. Bottomley (2003) addressed this issue and proposed a radical solution to the problem at hand. More specifically, she broached the controversial subject of informal mine clearance by villagers and argued that the most effective way of addressing village demining is not by simply transferring expertise or prohibiting such activity but by focusing on the underlying vulnerabilities that force people to take the risks. Attention is given to the fact that informal demining takes place, and regardless of the conclusions cost-benefit and marginal analyses reach, the actions of individuals suggest it is optimal and necessary to clear landmine-related contamination. The inability of mine-risk education (MRE) to prevent landmine/UXO incidents from occurring suggests villagers somehow find it optimal to continue passing warning signs and handling ordnance. Given this reality, Bottomley suggested altering MRE to include provision for training villagers how to demine and tamper with ordnance in a safer manner. This approach is not supported by formal funding dollars and is seen by many as immoral.

In spite of moral opposition on the part of many international donors, one organization in Cambodia, known as Company A (an alias to protect its