Fish is a major part of the Cambodian diet, accounting for 61 percent of households’ animal protein intake and is the second most consumed food after rice. Average fish consumption is 63 kg/person/year.
In 2014, the country’s total fish production was 745,065 metric tons, of which aquaculture contributed one-sixth (120,055 metric tons) and was valued at USD 240 million.
Freshwater fisheries are an integral part of the country’s culture, economy and food security, and are a vital source of food for rural people. Overall, the fisheries sector provides employment to 2 million people, of which 10,000 people work in the marine fishery sector.
We work with the Government of Cambodia and development partners to increase productivity and investment in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Our research focuses on improving the productivity and resilience of wild fisheries in human-modified environments such as rice fields and reservoirs, the role of fish for nutrition security of women and children, and benefit-sharing in land and water management.