Contribution of Kampong Preak Fish Sanctuary (Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia) to Livelihoods in Two Adjacent Floating Villages

Abstract

This study focused on the contribution of natural resources (fish, wildlife, vegetation, flooded forest, etc) to the livelihoods of communities living in two floating villages located near Kampong Preak fish sanctuary, Krakor district, Pursat Province. The approach was based on a combination of Rapid Rural Assessment (RRA) and economic assessment methods. Data was collected from 60 households. Stratified random sampling was used to interview rich, medium and poor households. Quantitative information was complemented by interviews of key informants and of village chiefs. Analysis focused on i) quantitative data, and ii) perceptions of interviewees about the contribution of natural resources and of the fish sanctuary to their livelihoods. This study showed that the fish catch is an important element of income. The living standards of villagers varied, depending on fish production and aquatic plant collection. Labor, aquaculture, pig farming and wildlife catching were the other sources of income in the two floating villages. During six months of fishing season, rich households can catch up to 8020 kg of fish worth USD 1938 while medium households can catch 1,950 kg of fish (USD 778) and poor households can catch 1,426 kg of fish worth in average USD 422. The fish sanctuary contributed to household consumption and income generation in all households. Fish, snake, water bird, turtle, edible wild plant and fire wood are most important for daily subsistence of poor households. Overall people in rich households derive more benefits from natural resources because they have more capital to invest on fishing equipment and to bribe law enforcers.