Working Papers   20

Social Assessment of Land in Cambodia: A Field Study


Published: 01-Oct-2001
Keyword: Land governance, Cambodia land titling, social equity, land disputes, indigenous and gender rights
English PDF (13)
Khmer PDF (10)

Abstract/Summary

This working paper presents a comprehensive social assessment of land issues in Cambodia, conducted as a precursor to a national land titling and registration initiative. The study explores the complex landscape of land ownership, governance, and conflict resolution across rural and urban settings. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork in six provinces and Phnom Penh, the research identifies diverse stakeholders, examines institutional capacities, and highlights socio-economic and gender disparities in land access and control. Key findings reveal the coexistence of formal and informal land governance systems, rising land inequality, insecure tenure, and increasing land disputes, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women, indigenous communities, and the poor. The paper underscores the need for transparent, decentralised land governance, equitable dispute resolution mechanisms, and inclusive policies that recognise customary practices and promote legal literacy. Recommendations include sequencing titling activities, strengthening local institutions, and integrating best practices from domestic and international experiences. The study provides critical insights for policymakers to design a socially responsive and sustainable land management framework in Cambodia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64202/wp.20.200110




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