Abstract/Summary

Cambodia has made notable paces in reducing poverty and advancing human development. However, a significant portion of the population remains susceptible to poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and various shocks. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, coupled with the global food and fuel crisis and recent climate-related events, has exacerbated the already fragile conditions for many, especially marginalised communities.

The Tonle Sap Lake and Cambodia’s Mekong Delta are crucial for sustaining a rich diversity of fish species, rice cultivation, and local livelihoods, while also preserving biodiversity. However, these vital ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, such as agricultural expansion and water infrastructure developments, as well as the impacts of climate change. The region's rapid economic growth is exerting immense pressure on its resources, leading to a strain on the socio-ecological balance. In Cambodia, the challenge of achieving food and nutrition security is becoming increasingly complex: despite a diverse diet, malnutrition is prevalent due to widespread food insecurity and a lack of nutritional knowledge. Rice and fish are the primary dietary staples.

The Second National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (NSFSN) 2019-2023 forms the basis of the Cambodian government’s current approach to tackling this issue, with an objective of ensuring equitable access to nutritious foods while strengthening community and governance mechanisms to address immediate and long-term nutritional needs and challenges. It is a comprehensive and ambitious strategy, and a high-priority issue for the government, however this study finds that this does not translate to similar levels of attention at the local scale, and that a major obstacle to its success is the lack of effective coordination between institutions, both horizontally and vertically.   

This study explored intricate dynamics of food production and consumption in the Tonle Sap Lake floodplain and Cambodia’s Mekong Delta areas, focusing on barriers to nutrition awareness, food production and consumption patterns and their drivers. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study gathered data through focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII). The discussions and interviews involved a diverse range of individuals residing in two distinct locations: Boeung Ream Community Fish Refuge in Kampong Thom province and Ta Soung Irrigation Scheme in Takeo province. The findings of the study are multifaceted, revealing that food consumption patterns are not merely a matter of personal choice but instead are influenced by a complex interplay of factors including food preferences, the availability and affordability of food, access to reliable information on nutrition, institutional capacities to deliver nutrition responsive planning, gender roles, and socio-economic status. A notable finding of the study is the identified gaps in nutrition knowledge and awareness among the respondents. This lack of information is further compounded by challenges in food production, which are attributed to agroecological changes, inadequate extension services, and issues related to water resource management. Despite the government’s commitment to tackling food and nutrition insecurity at the national level, this study reveals a fragmented and uncoordinated approach at local and provincial levels.  

In light of these findings, the study puts forth several recommendations. These include interventions aimed at improving access to nutrition information, addressing the constraints to food production, and providing support to households. The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach that integrates nutrition education into broader development planning. This approach, it argues, is crucial for building resilience, improving food security, and enhancing the well-being of the Cambodian population in the long term. It emphasises the need for a multi-sectoral approach, involving stakeholders from various sectors, to address the complex challenges of food security and nutrition in Cambodia. This is vital for ensuring sustainable development and enhancing the overall quality of life of the population.

The policy recommendations include:

• Promoting community engagement in designing and managing nutrition and information services, and strengthening the Commune Development Plan and the three-year rolling Commune Investment Plan for food security and nutrition.
• Expanding social assistance programs to reduce barriers to health services and nutritious food, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children, to enhance nutritious food intake.
• Raising public awareness about affordable nutritious foods and promoting healthier dietary habits. Recognising and supporting women’s role in household nutrition and including men in nutrition education to balance domestic responsibilities.
• Building climate resilience in food production and distribution systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, ensuring stable food production and consumption.