Chanthy Sam

Market Chain of Shrimps and Crabs: Challenges and Opportunities for Better Livelihoods in Cambodia Chanthy Sam

Freshwater and marine fish have long been part of the staple diet of the people in Cambodia. As Cambodia moves towards a free market economy, the commercial pressure on natural resources has dramatically increased. Privatization of the potential fishery resources has had a great impact on local livelihoods, leading to an alarming increase in conflict over fisheries. The coast of Cambodia enriches of resources which provide both economic and social welfare to thousands of local people. Marine resources are more valuable in trade which forms unique marketing systems. Such marketing activities involve many actors who are affected positively and negatively especially the poor. Thus, to understand more of the market system and its impact, a study on two main coastal commodities i.e. shrimp and crab was initiated. The primary objectives were to capture the whole picture of market chain, understand the challenges and opportunities faced by actors and finally seek for better improvement for local livelihood of the fishers. Two field sites were selected for insightful analysis. They were Sihanouk Ville and Kampot provinces where Stueng Hav and Toek Chhu districts were selected respectively.