The findings were presented at a workshop attended by high-level officials from the NIS, the planning and agriculture ministries and various development partners. Supplied
Cambodia has released findings from its latest agricultural surveys, providing crucial data to support evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development in the farming sector.
Conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) under the Ministry of Planning and supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the global 50x2030 Initiative, the surveys covers approximately 16,000 agricultural holdings nationwide and have revealed significant insights into the nation's agricultural landscape, according to an FAO December 19 press release.
The findings were presented at a workshop attended by high-level officials from the NIS, the planning and agriculture ministries and various development partners, highlighting the collaborative approach to agricultural development in Cambodia.
The release noted that the Cambodia Agriculture Survey 2022 and 2023 (CAS 2022 and CAS 2023) highlighted that agricultural activities remain central to the country’s economy, with approximately 1.86 million households engaged in farming, representing 52 per cent of households across the nation.
Of these agricultural holdings, 93 per cent involved crop cultivation, while 75 per cent included livestock or poultry raising, demonstrating the diversity of farming activities across the country.
Minister of Planning Bin Traochhey highlighted the surveys' importance, stating that "this agricultural survey data source has contributed significantly to the calculation of value added and economic growth of the agricultural sector in Cambodia and the development of agricultural development policies in Cambodia."
According to the release, CAS 2022 incorporated a “Production Methods and Environment” module, examining sustainable farming practices and environmental impacts, including soil and water management, agroforestry and climate resilience measures.
To ensure data accuracy, the survey weights were recalibrated to align with the upcoming 2023 Cambodia Agriculture Census. The 2023 survey focused on core aspects including crop cultivation, livestock raising and fishing activities, with a streamlined approach to reduce respondent burden during the census year.
FAO representative for Cambodia Rebekah Bell emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, saying, "The findings we unveil today represent more than just statistics. They tell a story of collaboration, shared vision and unwavering commitment."
She further noted the broader implications of the partnership, adding that "Our collaboration has enhanced survey methodologies and built a strong foundation for high-quality data. This empowers policymakers, researchers and development partners to make informed decisions, even in the face of economic uncertainties."
The anonymised microdata from CAS 2022 is now publicly available through Cambodia's national data catalogue, with CAS 2023 data expected to be released in early 2025.
The programme continues to expand, with CAS 2024 recently completing its data collection phase, featuring a new module on “Machinery, Equipment and Assets”. Additionally, the Cambodia Agriculture Census 2023 is approaching completion, with results anticipated in early 2025. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the country’s commitment to strengthening its agricultural statistics and data-driven policy development, according to the release.
