Cambodia has transformed in remarkable ways in recent years. The country is at peace after decades of conflict. Strong economic growth since the mid-1990s has helped reduce the proportion of people living in poverty. Fertility, child mortality and child malnutrition rates have also declined. Notably, the prevalence of stunting among children under 5 years old dropped from 50 percent in 2000 to 40 percent in 2010.
Even so, Cambodia remains a low-income, food-deficit country where nearly a third of the rural population lives below the poverty line. Nearly a quarter of all Cambodians are food-deprived
Results by the numbers*
The Cambodian government is making genuine efforts to improve food security and nutrition. Cambodia is a compelling example of a developing country where authorities responsible for agriculture, environment, nutrition, health and economic development are working together to reduce undernutrition and poverty.
Working closely with the international donor community, the Cambodian government developed the comprehensive Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition, the Strategy for Agriculture and Water 2010-2013 Investment Plan, and other key analyses and strategies. In early June 2011, the Global Agriculture
USAID activities in Cambodia: