Impact of Hiked Prices of Food and Basic Commodities on Poverty in Cambodia: Empirical Evidences from CBMS Five Villages

Abstract

The study on the impact of hiked prices of food and basic commodities on poverty is designed as a follow-up CBMS survey of 5 villages in a Northwest province of Cambodia. The hiked prices in Cambodia and in CBMS sites occurred when there were changes in demand and prices of petrol, food and other consumer goods at the international market. The rising prices have immediately resulted in food insecurity for many people and pushed small landholders into indebtedness and deteriorated the capacity of the poor to cope with any future shocks or crises. This requires a stronger social safety net program and a better targeting policy intervention to support the poor and the vulnerable.