Abstract/Summary

This working paper presents findings from a comprehensive field survey conducted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) across nine villages representing Cambodia’s four agro-climatic zones. The study investigates rural livelihoods, land distribution, farm productivity, food security, and vulnerability to crises. Data from 1,005 households, collected over wet and dry seasons, reveal that landlessness and near-landlessness affect over 40 percent of rural households, with significant inequality in land ownership. Smaller farms are more productive in the wet season, while larger farms perform better in the dry season. Household income is derived from diverse sources—agriculture, wage labour, and common property resources (CPR)—with CPR playing a critical role for poorer households. Despite modest improvements in agricultural productivity, poverty remains widespread, with 38 percent of villagers living below the poverty line. Frequent crises, including health issues and natural disasters, exacerbate vulnerability, especially among the poor. Responses include savings depletion, reduced consumption, and migration. The paper highlights the need for targeted policy interventions in land reform, agricultural modernization, credit access, CPR management, and disaster resilience to improve rural livelihoods and food security.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64202/wp.25.200212