Where do you go? Migration and urbanisation in Cambodia

This study looks at migration in Cambodia to understand the interconnections between villagers’ livelihoods, environmental changes and migration, particularly in Tonle Sap. The study examines the reasons behind the migration, rural push or urban pull; destination of migration; and the type of migration.

Main findings of the study include:

• one to three percent of the population from the provinces and villages around Tonle Sap Lake have migrated since 1993
• villagers only moved because of the difficult situations in the villages due to: decrease of the rice yield and fish catch, floods, droughts, irregularity of the rainfall, decrease of water quality and natural resources
• rural push rather than urban pull is the dominant force of migration
• the majority of migration is between rural areas, however, the percent of migration to and between urban areas has been relatively high
• rumours of different provinces and cities were very important sources of information for the migrants when choosing new destinations
• possible destinations were Phnom Penh, Poipet and Krong Pailin, which attracted villagers with business opportunities.
• seasonal migration to urban areas is very strong
• urbanisation is not yet a big problem in Cambodia, but due to problems in rural areas it will increase in the future
• many migrants have been, and will be, tempted by the foreign countries’ work opportunities as well as higher wages.

[adapted from author]