Cambodia—Property Rights and Resource Governance Profile

The country has experienced steady economic growth, averaging 7% per annum, but its GDP remains relatively low at $650. Poverty rates have decreased, but they remain higher than in most countries in the region, and inequality has increased due to the concentration of productive assets, particularly land. Inequality in landholdings is among the highest in the region, and lack of transparency in rural land transactions has led to widespread disputes and conflict over land ownership and use. The government has been creating large-scale programs to increase irrigated land and support agricultural production, and plans to construct new dams to harness hydropower potential. The country's abundant water resources, forestland, and potential oil and gas reserves create opportunities for economic growth and development. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the rights and interests of local communities and the environment are recognized and protected. Key issues and intervention constraints in Cambodia's property rights and resource governance include strengthening processes related to concessions, improving national data on landholdings and landlessness, and improving land tenure security for indigenous communities. The government has initiated a process of reviewing economic concessions and cancelling those that do not meet the requirements of the law or terms of the concession. Donors can assist the government in addressing challenges related to supporting the development of agribusinesses and commercial enterprises while recognizing the rights of local communities and environmental interests. Improving land tenure security for indigenous communities is crucial, as their land rights are not currently registered or recognized, leaving them vulnerable to claims of external parties. Donors have been working with the government to develop processes and institutions to register indigenous communities and demarcate indigenous land. Experience in other countries has shown that formalizing local community land rights requires a significant long-term commitment of resources. Increasing access to land titling projects by vulnerable groups is also essential, including funding NGOs to work with the most vulnerable populations and designing public education campaigns on landholder rights. Improving land tenure security for women is critical, as their land rights are often highly insecure due to cultural norms and practices that marginalize them within their marriages and households. Donors can work with the government to protect and improve women's land rights through educational programs and legal literacy campaigns. Supporting pro-poor development of water resources and institutions of water governance is also crucial, as the government plans to increase irrigated land and build new dams. Donors can assist the government in designing and implementing projects that reflect the comparative experience of other countries and help form the basis for meaningful programs for community engagement and support.