Some Issues on Sustainable Livelihood Development of Khmer People in the Mekong Delta: Research in Soc Trang Province

Abstract

Poverty and livelihood instability persist among the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta, despite considerable support from the State and international organisations. Approaching the issue from the perspective of Ethnology/Anthropology and drawing on fieldwork data, this article focuses on analysing and elucidating the primary factors influencing the livelihoods of Khmer households. Research findings reveal that factors such as rice monoculture, insufficient arable land, low levels of education, limited non-agricultural labour skills, minimal exposure to and interaction with the external world, ineffective policies, and the impacts of climate change are key contributors to the high poverty rates and livelihood instability experienced by the Khmer population in this region. Building on these insights, the author provides recommendations, solutions, and policy implications aimed at fostering sustainable livelihood development for the Khmer in Soc Trang province specifically, and the Mekong Delta at large.