Rural development minister Chhay Rithysen conducts an on-site visit to evaluate villages for selection as “model villages” in Prey Veng province last August. Rural Development ministry
Thirty of the 64 villages selected by the Ministry of Rural Development for potential “model village” certification have officially achieved the status, part of an effort to boost community development and improve local livelihoods.
Ministry spokesperson Pit Karuna told The Post on December 12 that villages must meet five assessment criteria to qualify as model villages: economy, society and culture, health and living environment, infrastructure and governance.
According to Karuna, following assessments conducted by the village development evaluation committee, it was decided to classify the villages into one-, two- and three-star categories, with three stars as the highest rating. Of the villages evaluated, two were awarded three stars, 16 received two and 12 were rated one.
The official announcement was made on Tuesday, December 10 by rural development minister Chhay Rithisen.
“This classification focuses on the evaluation of the five criteria. For the one-star model villages, we will continue to provide assistance so they can improve their scores and upgrade to two- and three-star ratings,” Karuna said.
The ministry defines model villages as “harmonised communities with active participation in ownership, ensuring economic flow and sustainable growth, family income, access to effective social services, good health and living environments, appropriate infrastructure and good governance.”
The villages were established with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and are located in Tbong Khmum, Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces, with 10 villages in each province showcasing varying potential.
“The 30 model villages are villages that the ministry has implemented in the past and has just officially announced. So far, the ministry has established 64 model villages in six target provinces in collaboration with KOICA,” he said, adding that they span Takeo, Kampong Speu, Tbong Khmum, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Battambang.
Villages must meet five assessment criteria to qualify as “model villages”: economy, society and culture, health and living environment, infrastructure and governance. Rural development ministry
During the announcement ceremony, Rithisen expressed his satisfaction and congratulated the villages as the first to receive official recognition.
“The rural development ministry has been promoting rural economic diversification to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in rural areas. This includes encouraging job creation, entrepreneurship, economic activities and vocational training to increase employment and household incomes through the development of model villages and the preservation and advancement of indigenous communities,” the minister stated.
He directed relevant ministry departments to strengthen collaboration in advancing rural economic diversification by promoting the development of model villages into key community hubs.
In selecting villages, the ministry assesses geographical conditions, prioritising areas near agricultural markets and communities with active resident participation in development efforts. Villages are chosen based on their potential in sectors such as culture, ecotourism, economy and agriculture.
The initiative is a key priority under the ministry’s Rural Development Strategy 2024–2028, which aims to formally recognise 230 model villages by the end of 2028, with an annual target of 50.
The model village programme serves as a direct intervention to address the basic needs of rural populations, improving quality of life through economic, social and cultural enhancements. It seeks to foster a harmonious environment while elevating living standards in rural areas.
