Food security

With the Mekong cutting through the region, and Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake lying at its heart, it’s no surprise that much of Cambodia’s population relies on its waterways. With climate variability and uncertainty, the delicate ecosystems that are essential to the long-term survival of Cambodian fisheries are increasingly under threat.

In developing countries like Cambodia, riverine and coastal waters are the lifeblood of many communities, and have been for millennia. Small-scale fisheries operations feed the local populace, employ local workers, and are a way of life for millions. With demand for fish products’ soaring worldwide, aquaculture in developing nations is seen as a tantalizing opportunity to tap into a growing global market. But cashing in on this global boom is easier said than done for the predominantly poor fishers working in low-tech aquaculture operations. The Pro-poor Business Models for Small-scale Aquaculture (BMSA) project aims to alleviate poverty by identifying innovative business models and finance options that will help small-scale aquaculture enterprises take their produce from catch to market.