In a significant stride towards comprehensive agricultural data collection and analysis, the recently concluded Cambodia Agriculture Survey 2021 (CAS 2021) has unveiled a wealth of information about the country’s agricultural sector. Organized by the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) of the Ministry of Planning (MoP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the survey stands as a cornerstone initiative under the 50×2030 Initiative to Close the Agricultural Data Gap.
The CAS 2021, conducted through a meticulous two-stage stratified sampling procedure, provides a comprehensive overview of Cambodia’s agricultural landscape, covering crop cultivation, livestock and poultry raising, aquaculture, and capture fishing. With a sample size of 16,572 households selected from Enumeration Areas throughout Cambodia, the survey sheds light on the diverse activities and challenges faced by the nation’s agricultural community.
Key Findings
1. Household Agricultural Holdings:
The CAS 2021 estimates a total of 2,277,000 household agricultural holdings in Cambodia, accounting for approximately 57 percent of all households in the country. Notably, 93 percent reported crop activity, while 83 percent engaged in raising livestock, poultry, or insects.
2. Land Ownership and Prices:
Nearly 98 percent of agricultural households either own or have an owner-like possession of their agricultural land. A noteworthy trend is the marked increase in land prices, with transactions in 2021 reaching USD 7,500 per hectare, a significant rise from USD 2,600 per hectare in 2000.
3. Workforce Dynamics:
The survey highlights Cambodia’s dependence on occasional agricultural workers, with 464,000 agricultural holdings employing such workers. Workforce demographics reveal a nearly even gender distribution, emphasizing varied gender roles across different agricultural zones.
4. Impact of COVID-19:
The CAS 2021 delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by Cambodia’s agricultural sector, with 35 percent of agricultural household holdings experiencing disruptions. Notably, COVID-19 directly affected 131,000 holdings, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the agricultural community.
5. Technological Progress and Data Reliance:
Ms. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia, emphasizes the growing reliance on robust agricultural data as technological progress accelerates. This symbiotic relationship enables adaptation, innovation, and steering Cambodia’s agricultural sector towards a sustainable future.
6. Collaboration and Capacity Development:
His Excellency Nor Vanndy at the National Institute of Statistics lauds the collaboration between NIS-MOP, MAFF, FAO, and other partners through the 50×2030 initiative. He highlights the significant improvements in fieldwork quality and data analysis skills, strengthening the ministry’s ability to make informed decisions.
7. Free Access to High-Quality Data:
As part of the 50×2030 Initiative, the CAS 2021 data is freely accessible through Cambodia’s National Indicator Reporting Platform (CAMSTAT) and the microdata catalogue. This commitment aims to support research institutions, policymakers, and development partners in making accurate and informed decisions.
The CAS 2021 not only provides a snapshot of Cambodia’s agricultural sector but also exemplifies the nation’s commitment to building national statistical capacity. As the data becomes available for further integration with research efforts like the Cambodian Agriculture Census 2023, the country is poised to navigate global challenges and shape a resilient and thriving agricultural future. The free accessibility of high-quality data ensures that stakeholders can harness this information to drive sustainable development and achieve agriculture-related Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: FAO in Cambodia
