Effectiveness and implementation challenges of a livestock asset transfer intervention for smallholders in community-protected areas in Cambodia

BACKGROUND: Limited opportunities to generate income in community-protected areas (CPAs) often lead to the illegal harvesting of wildlife and natural resources, undermining the aim of protected areas. Sustained livestock production can be an alternative income source. OBJECTIVES: To understand the effectiveness and feasibility of livestock production in CPAs. METHODS: We conducted a livestock asset transfer intervention in 25 CPAs across three agroecological zones in Cambodia. We monitored livestock mortality, consumption and sales of livestock over 2 years. Participant observations and structured questionnaires were conducted to elicit information about constraints for livestock production perceived by the participants. A total of 756 households were recruited and 320, 184 and 252 households received chicken, pigs and cattle, respectively. All participants received technical training in livestock production and biosecurity management practices. RESULTS: After the intervention, the number of chickens, pigs and cattle increased on average by 5.9 (range: 0.3-26.3), 0.5 (-1 to 2.7) and 0.12 (0-0.35) per 1 input animal, respectively. The extent of increase was significantly different between zones only for chickens (Kruskal-Wallis test p = 0.004). The number of chickens and pigs sold per household was significantly different among zones. We observed that training was ineffective to alter livestock management practices in some CPAs, which partially explains their suboptimal performance of livestock production. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding contextual factors required for successful livestock production in CPAs is crucial for improving livelihoods and preventing biodiversity loss in Cambodia

Characteristic and dynamic of backyard poultry raising systems in five Asian countries in relation to the reduction and management of AI risk : final report; Cambodia (May 4th 2007-September 3rd 2010)

This Cambodia country report is part of the larger project “Avian Influenza Risk: Characterization and Dynamics of Backyard Poultry Raising Systems in Five Asian Countries.” The project worked to characterize backyard poultry rearing systems, the variations among them, their roles in rural livelihood systems, and to work with stakeholders in this sector to devise practical, equitable and sustainable options to reduce the likelihood of human Avian Influenza (AI) pandemic. Despite high awareness and widespread knowledge about AI and personal protective measures, farmers continue to practice traditional ways of keeping chickens