Agriculture on the Edge: How Climate Change Is Reshaping RuralCambodian Villages

Ngorn Sophanit

KEYWORD:

Agroecological vulnerability

Socio-climatic adaptation

Resilience stratification

Hydro-meteorological perturbation

Livelihood securitization

Anthropogenic stressors

ABSTRACT

Cambodia’s smallholder agriculture, primarily rainfed rice and mixed cropping, is increasingly vulnerable to climate hazards. This report presents evidence from household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations across three provinces: Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Prey Veng. Data indicate that farmers face heightened exposure to erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and severe floods, resulting in substantial yield losses and economic pressures. Adaptation strategies include shifting planting calendars, adopting irrigation and pumps, using resilient seed varieties, and diversifying income through migration or alternative livelihoods. This research integrates quantitative and qualitative findings to offer an in-depth perspective on socio-economic vulnerabilities, adaptation limitations, and policy gaps, providing actionable insights for the organization Climate Kill Initiative.

1. Introduction

Cambodia’s rural economy is closely intertwined with climatesensitive agriculture. Rice dominates cultivated land and relies largely on rainfed systems, leaving farmers exposed to increasing rainfall variability, rising temperatures, and recurrent flooding (World Bank, 2023; ADB & World Bank, 2021). Recent climate events, such as the 2023–24 El Niño-induced droughts and the 2024–25 La Niña-driven floods, highlight the growing unpredictability of agricultural conditions (FAO, 2024; FAO, 2025). These challenges are compounded by structural limitations, including restricted irrigation infrastructure, low adaptive capacity, limited access to resilient seeds, and insufficient localized climate information (CDRI, 2021; MRC, 2022). Understanding how these macro-level phenomena translate to village-level experiences is critical for designing effective intervention.

Historically, Cambodian agriculture has been shaped by the seasonal rhythms of the Mekong River and monsoon cycles, with rice production embedded in cultural and socio-economic life (Heng et al., 2022). Traditional water management practices, including smallscale canals and ponds, once buffered communities against moderate climatic fluctuations (Piman et al., 2022). Yet decades of conflict and underinvestment in rural infrastructure have left irrigation networks fragmented, reducing the ability of farmers to withstand extreme weather (MRC, 2022). These legacies of historical neglect intersect with contemporary climate risks, compounding vulnerability in rural villages (CDRI, 2021).

In recent decades, Cambodia has witnessed an intensification of climate hazards, with prolonged droughts, unseasonal floods, and irregular rainfall patterns increasingly common (ADB & World Bank, 2021; FAO, 2025). Climate models project that these trends will accelerate due to global temperature rise, shifting monsoon patterns, and hydrological changes in the Mekong Basin (World Bank, 2023; MRC, 2022). Farmers’ long-established heuristics for managing planting calendars and harvest timing are increasingly unreliable, forcing households to adopt reactive rather than proactive strategies (Piman et al., 2022). This heightened unpredictability undermines food security and destabilizes rural livelihoods.

The socio-economic consequences of climate stress are profound. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of Cambodia’s rural population, face disproportionate risks due to limited credit access, scarce insurance mechanisms, and high dependence on single-crop production (CDRI, 2021; World Bank, 2023). Climateinduced crop failures often lead to cycles of indebtedness, asset liquidation, and outmigration (AP News, 2024). Vulnerable groups—including women-headed households and land-poor farmers—bear particular burdens, as they often lack the resources and institutional support needed for adaptation (Heng et al., 2022) These inequities underscore that resilience-building is as much a social and economic challenge as it is a technical one.

Despite increased recognition of climate risks, there remains a critical gap in localized, village-level research. Most studies emphasize national-scale projections or biophysical crop models, overlooking the lived experiences of farmers and the socioeconomic drivers of vulnerability (World Bank, 2023; CDRI, 2021). Few integrate quantitative yield data with qualitative accounts of farmer perceptions, adaptive practices, and livelihood trade-offs (Piman et al., 2022). Without this integration, interventions risk being mismatched to community needs and capacities, limiting their effectiveness (FAO, 2025).

This study situates itself at the intersection of environmental science, agricultural economics, and social inquiry. Its objectives are to (1) document farmers’ perceptions of climate hazards, (2) quantify the impacts of these hazards on agricultural productivity, and (3) analyze adaptation strategies and their limitations. By focusing on three provinces with distinct agroecological zones— Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Prey Veng—this research provides both comparative insights and place-based depth. Ultimately, the study aims to inform evidence-based interventions that strengthen rural resilience in the face of escalating climate variability, while highlighting the interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors shaping vulnerability.

2. Literature Review

Climate hazards in Southeast Asia are intensifying, with recent studies documenting rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, unseasonal floods, and heat waves (ADB & World Bank, 2021; World Bank, 2023). Cambodia, situated within the Mekong River basin, is especially vulnerable: fluvial flooding from river overflows and pluvial flooding from heavy rainfall both threaten rural and urban communities, while rainfed agricultural zones face increasing risks from drought stress and temperature variability (MRC, 2022). These climatic shifts underscore Cambodia’s position as one of the most climate-exposed countries in the region.

Agricultural impacts are particularly severe given Cambodia’s dependence on climate-sensitive crops. Rice, the staple crop, is highly vulnerable, with empirical evidence showing that even small deviations in rainfall timing or intensity can reduce yields by 15– 25%, while prolonged droughts and unseasonal floods often lead to catastrophic harvest failures (Heng et al., 2022; Piman et al., 2022). Beyond rice, other crops such as maize, cassava, and vegetables also experience yield instability. Warmer and wetter conditions further intensify pest outbreaks and crop diseases, amplifying risks across diverse farming systems (World Bank, 2023).

Adaptation strategies and policy interventions have emerged as central responses to climate pressures, with the literature emphasizing both structural and behavioral measures. Structural interventions include the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, investment in flood-control systems, and the introduction of drought-tolerant seed varieties. At the same time, behavioral measures involve shifting planting calendars, diversifying crop portfolios, and adopting community-based early warning systems (FAO, 2025; Piman et al., 2022). The effectiveness of these strategies, however, depends critically on the availability of timely climate information, consistent government support, and inclusive participation of local communities in planning and decision-making processes.

The socio-economic consequences of climate stress are profound. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of Cambodia’s rural population, face disproportionate risks due to limited credit access, scarce insurance mechanisms, and high dependence on single-crop production (CDRI, 2021; World Bank, 2023). Climateinduced crop failures often lead to cycles of indebtedness, asset liquidation, and outmigration (AP News, 2024). Vulnerable groups—including women-headed households and land-poor farmers—bear particular burdens, as they often lack the resources and institutional support needed for adaptation (Heng et al., 2022; FAO, 2024). These inequities underscore that resilience-building is as much a social and economic challenge as it is a technical one.

Gaps in knowledge and research focus continue to limit a holistic understanding of climate change impacts in Cambodia. Most national-level studies provide broad overviews of climate hazards but fail to capture localized dynamics or connect farmers’ lived experiences with quantitative climate data. Few studies also integrate social and economic dimensions with agro-environmental models, leaving policymakers with incomplete insights into how climate change reshapes rural livelihoods. This research seeks to address these gaps by combining qualitative insights from farmers with quantitative yield and adaptation data across multiple Cambodian provinces, thereby contributing to more nuanced, evidence-based policy and practice for climate resilience.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study sites

Three provinces representing distinct agroecological zones were selected: Battambang (flood-prone Tonle Sap floodplain), Kampong Thom (transition zone with mixed hazards), and Prey Veng (drought-prone Mekong lowlands).

3.2 Data Collection

Ninety households (30 per province) participated in structured surveys assessing climate perceptions, crop yields, hazards, and adaptation methods. Focus group discussions (FGDs) involved 6–8 farmers per province to explore collective experiences and adaptation priorities. Key informant interviews with six village leaders and three agricultural officers provided historical context and institutional perspectives. Field observations documented irrigation infrastructure, crop conditions, and physical signs of climate stress.

3.3 Data Analysis

Quantitative survey data were summarized in tables and graphs illustrating yield losses, adaptation uptake, and hazard exposure. Qualitative FGD and interview transcripts were analyzed thematically to extract perceptions, coping strategies, and socioeconomic challenges.

4. Results

4.1 Farmers’ perceptions of climate change

Farmers consistently report delayed rains, increased droughts in Prey Veng, and intensified floods in Battambang, reflecting both local experience and climate projections.

4.2 Agricultural impacts

Droughts cause the highest losses in Prey Veng, while floods dominate in Battambang. Pest outbreaks, influenced by changing climate, affect all regions.

4.3 Adaptation Strategies

Pumps and planting adjustments are the most widely used strategies, while migration and income diversification emerge as secondary coping mechanisms.

4.4 Qualitative Insights

Farmers describe a profound sense of unpredictability and stress, with failed harvests leading to debt and livelihood insecurity. Leaders recall historical events such as the 2011 floods that permanently reshaped farming practices. Farmers emphasize the importance of community knowledge, trial-and-error experimentation, and shared resource management in navigating climate uncertainty.

5. Discussion

The findings reveal a complex interaction between environmental hazards, socio-economic constraints, and adaptive behaviors, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of vulnerability in rural Cambodia. Quantitative data confirm that droughts and floods significantly reduce yields, while qualitative accounts provide insight into the psychological and economic toll of repeated climate shocks. Farmers’ reliance on irrigation pumps, adjusted planting schedules, and resilient seeds illustrates the necessity of flexible, context-specific adaptation strategies; however, these measures carry trade-offs, including financial strain, increased labor demands, and uneven access, which can deepen existing inequalities. Transitional zones such as Kampong Thom experience overlapping hazards, with successive droughts and floods exacerbating losses and diminishing the efficacy of single adaptation approaches. Social disparities are pronounced: poorer households and female-headed families are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources, technology, and alternative livelihood options. These findings underscore that climate resilience is not purely a technical challenge but also a social one, necessitating integrated approaches that consider equity, knowledge transfer, and local participation. Furthermore, local adaptation efforts are constrained by limited policy support, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate access to timely climate information, highlighting the need for coordinated, multi-level interventions that bridge scientific forecasts with community experiences. Importantly, qualitative narratives reveal that farmers’ adaptive decisions are deeply intertwined with social networks, informal labor arrangements, and cultural knowledge, emphasizing that resilience strategies must incorporate both human and environmental dimensions to be effective. This combination of quantitative and qualitative insights suggests that while farmers demonstrate agency and innovation, systemic support is essential to sustain their livelihoods under increasing climatic stress.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, building climate resilience in Cambodia’s rural agriculture requires a collaborative approach that bridges scientific expertise with local knowledge, ensures fair access to resources, and empowers communities, thereby safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening long-term food security in the face of escalating climate uncertainty. This research examines how climate change is reshaping rural agriculture in Cambodia, focusing on the impacts of erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods on rice-dependent communities. Drawing on surveys, interviews, and focus groups across Kampong Thom, Battambang, and Prey Veng provinces, the the study reveals that farmers face declining yields, rising debt, and food insecurity while adopting adaptive measures such as crop diversification, irrigation, and resilient seed varieties. However, adaptation is constrained by unequal access to resources, limited technical knowledge, and financial barriers. By integrating both quantitative data and farmers’ lived experiences, the study highlights the urgent need for policies and initiatives that strengthen resilience through equitable resource distribution, participatory decision-making, and context-specific interventions.

7. References

Asian Development Bank, & World Bank. (2021). Climate risk country profile: Cambodia. World Bank Group. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2025). Climate adaptation projects in Cambodia. FAO. https://www.fao.org

Heng, S., Ly, S., & Sok, S. (2022). Modeling rice yield response to climate variability in Cambodia. Agricultural Water Management, 260, 107330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.107330

Mekong River Commission. (2022). State of the Basin Report. MRC Secretariat. https://www.mrcmekong.org

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