Examining the Impacts of Land Resources and Youth Education on Agricultural Livelihood in Battambang Province

Dyna Chin (), Sanara Hor (), Soksan Seng, Sophak Pok, Lyhour Hin, Chaneng Yin, Sotheavy Kin, Nuch Sek, Sopharith Nou, Sokhieng Chhe, Thapkonin Chhoengsan, Pengkheang Mol, Chetha Chea, Sambath Eun, Linna Long and Hitoshi Shinjo
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Dyna Chin: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sanara Hor: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Soksan Seng: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sophak Pok: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Lyhour Hin: Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Chaneng Yin: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sotheavy Kin: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Nuch Sek: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sopharith Nou: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sokhieng Chhe: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Thapkonin Chhoengsan: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Pengkheang Mol: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Chetha Chea: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Sambath Eun: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Linna Long: Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh 12108, Cambodia
Hitoshi Shinjo: Laboratory of Soil Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-21

Abstract: Since the end of the Civil War, Cambodia has pursued economic development to enhance livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, where land is a critical resource. Previous studies have indicated that the country has changed land use and land cover. However, they have not explained how these changes can improve the livelihoods of local communities, thereby mitigating their negative impacts through an asset-based approach. Battambang Province, in the northwestern region, was the battleground until political integration in 1996. Since then, the province has been home to immigrants exploring the lands for livelihood. Thus, this study aims to examine agricultural livelihoods in the villages of Dei Kraham and Ou Toek Thla, located west of Battambang Town. These were selected because of their common characteristics. Adopting a quantitative approach and a sustainable livelihood framework, this study employed stratified random sampling to select 123 families for interviews across three population subgroups: old settlers, new settlers, and young settlers. In situ information was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the livelihood assets underlying the physical, natural, human, financial, and social capital. The statistical analysis results reveal no significant differences ( p -value = 0.079) in livelihood assets between the strata at the village level. Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in physical, human, and financial capital between old and young settlers when examining the subgroups ( p -value 0.000). The extent of the land resources held by old settlers was associated with household income and livelihoods related to agriculture. Based on livelihood asset scores, nearly half of the new settlers (0.49–0.5) and a quarter of the young settlers (0.47) are vulnerable groups requiring support. The youth will soon face an uncertain future if they do not prioritize education.

Keywords: land resources; agriculture livelihood; economic development; vulnerability; Battambang; Cambodia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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