By: Ky Sereyvath

Abstract

Rural development basically depends on physical infrastructure including schools, roads, bridges, pipe culvert, canals, wells, ponds, and communal medical center. The development affects the economy and society on literacy rate, income per capita and life expectancy. In 1970, the GDP per capita was US$132 similar to those of Thailand and Vietnam. Nowadays, Cambodia is the developing country with GDP per capita of US$ 300 in 2001, which is relatively lower than the above neighboring countries. The rural medical center is facing several problems of health and sanitation knowledge related to clean water and toilet, which may reduce people’s life expectancy to only 54 in 2001, while it was 68 and 71 in Vietnam and Thailand respectively in the same year.

In order to solve this problem, the study is done in Banan district on the people’s participation in rural development from 1997 to 2002 which is consistent to the poverty deduction policy through decentralization and co-decentralization. The study is divided into 4 chapters as the following:  Chapter 1: The Economy and Society of Rural Cambodia. The rural area differs from the city on both the economic and social factors. If there is a large different gap between both areas; then, that country is claimed to be less developed. So, the research is based on these issues with comparison to the evolution of the communities in the past generation so that we know where is current economic and social situation. Chapter 2: People’s Participation in Development Planning. Planning is the critical process for the upcoming performance. Since the communal election on 03rd February 2002, Cambodia has now been in the process of decentralization in order to delegate the power of decision and authority to the communal levels. The commune council plays important role in 5-year planning for the rural development. Planning is the first stage of development with the problem identification, priority, communal development planning, communal investment planning and objective statement. Chapter 3: People’s Participation in Implementation process. After planning is implemented, the commune council and village development committee, are to perform other tasks, taking part in development project based on the budget planning approved by the government. Participation in the activities is vital in rural development with proposal planning, implementation controlling, on-site implementation, project evaluation, and maintenance. Chapter 4: People’s Participation to be the Owners. Ownership is important in maintenance of all materials and projects, especially achievement in Banan district to keep the development sustainable. People must be ready to be the owner of and responsible for the project by gaining the experiences and developing the area without depending on the outsiders.

Development relies on two main factors : natural condition and human resource. We need both factors. If our natural condition is fruitful but without the creativity and people’s participation, the development is not on the way. This research provides two advantages education and income level for pushing development onward. The participation of low educated ones leads to ineffectiveness of priority setting. The infrastructure without maintenance leads to unsustainable development. In short, the development in Banan should include human resources, financial resources, and maintenance.

Institution: Royal Academy of Cambodia

Advisor: Prof. Tep Soron (Ph.D)

Degree: Master of Economic