Globally, there is a commitment to protect 30% of marine and terrestrial areas by 2030 (the “30×30” target), alongside the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by the same year. In alignment with these commitments, Cambodia expanded its protected areas to over 40% in 2023. At the same time, agricultural land increased from 25% in 2000 to 39% in 2023 to support national food security. While protected areas can positively and negatively affect local livelihoods, the conversion of forests to agricultural land may adversely impact forest-dependent communities. To understand these complexities, this research is structured into six chapters: (1) food insecurity and its determinants; (2) nutritional status and nutrient intake of school-aged children; (3) associations between dietary species richness and nutrient adequacy; (4) cultural significance of wild food plants (WFPs); (5) species richness and availability of WFPs in local markets; and (6) nutritional composition of culturally important WFPs. This study compared two groups of local communities, living inside and outside the protected areas in northeastern Cambodia. 

Data were collected from 1,342 households and 500 children in two provinces. Two local markets were surveyed to assess WFP diversity, and 335 samples from 32 WFP species were analysed for nutritional composition.

Results indicate that communities and children living inside protected areas experience higher levels of food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies compared to those outside, respectively. However, WFPs play a critical role in addressing household food insecurity. Dietary species richness was strongly and positively associated with the mean adequacy ratio, highlighting its importance for diet quality. Communities inside protected areas demonstrated greater knowledge of WFPs, which are used for both consumption and income generation. A total of 97 WFP species were recorded in local markets, some available year-round. Many WFPs are rich in macro- and micronutrients, suggesting their potential to alleviate nutrient deficiencies.

Overall, this study highlights persistent food insecurity and underscores the importance of WFPs as accessible, nutrient-rich resources. Promoting selected WFP species for cultivation could offer a sustainable strategy to improve food security in these communities. This study highlights the role of protected areas in supporting the well-being of local communities by providing food and a source of income. 

About the Speaker

Naven is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, studying how wild food plants support the well-being of communities in Cambodia.

Zoom details:

https://anu.zoom.us/meeting/register/s6_Qy8VkQh69RXXv86RmUg