| Author | Say Tom |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-07-16 |
| Subject(s) | Aquatic resources--Cambodia--Pursat
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the re quirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-07-16 |
| Abstract | The wetland in Cambodia is one of the most important sources of rural livelihood. The area covered by river system accounts for approximately 2.7% of the total area of Cambodia, thus, ranking the fourth world largest fresh water for fishery production next only to China, India, and Bangladesh. The contributions of wild aquatic resources are not only for food, but for commercial purposes with the local people living in the wetland earning supplementary income beside their agricultural activities. The study was conducted in Kandieng district, Pursat province, the west side of Cambodia. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. 74 HH's were sampled for survey. Stratified random sampling was used to sample poor (PHHs) and non-poor households (NPHHs) for survey. Furthermore, other primary data collection methods used includes direct observation, key itiformanis interview, group discussion of relevant key stakeholders and participatory rural appraisal. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used for data analysis. The finding of the research shows that agriculture was the main source of livelihood in terms of income for the households in the wetlands. The wild aquatic resources provides only a substantial or supplementary sources of income. However, local people could be engaged in the wild aquatic resources collection with small investment, whereas agricultural activities requires high capitals investment and large tracts of land for cultivation often associated with high risk of loss especially in the face of disaster. The local people felt that wild aquatic collection was more significant than NTFPs since the government has taken a strong measure on disforestation. Challengingly, the NPHHs get higher yields than those from the PIIHs because they had more capital to invest on fishing equipments. The wild aquatic resources hold high potential for the villagers in Preak Takong where the wetland was located near the village. Furthermore, the villagers owned large tract of land for agriculture. Importantly, if they invested on the wild aquatic resources collection they would be able to collect more than those from Preak Tavong. The two study villages face similar problems with regard to lack of awareness and knowledge on the environment and natural resources management. I lowever, it was found that there were still some illegal farming practices and water pollution from agricultural chemicals which threat to environment and human health in the wetlands. Interestingly, the rapid population growth also led to a severe destruction of this resource through over harvesting to meet the market demand. This explains why the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) set up policies and conventions. However, these policies are in enforcing the over use of wetland resources. Regrettably, it was found that the MOE has not being making significant contribution in ensuring the sustainable use of the wetland resources in the study area as expected from it mandate. A set of recommendations were given at the end of the study on how to improve financial and technical assistance as well as the need to increase awareness on how to use natural resources in a sustainable way. Lastly, policy makers are encouraged to set up strict measures and enforcement to reduce mass destruction of natural resources and enhance environmental conservation. |
| Year | 2007 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-07-16 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich;Yakupitiyage, Amararatne |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Sweden (Sida) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |