internal assessment of social, economic and …

ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF CAMBODIA MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

TONLE SAP SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT PROJECT No. 39603

ADB GRANTS: No. 0034/0035-CAM

Final Report

Phnom Penh December 2010

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of TSSLP 1 1.2 Objectives of the Assessment 1

2. METHODOLOGY 1

2.1 Assessment Design and Time Schedule 1 2.2 Scope 1 2.3 Survey 1 2.4 Respondents 2 2.5 Data Analysis and Presentation 2 2.6 Limitations of Assessment 2

3. RESULTS 3

3.1 Economic Impact 3 3.2 Social and Institutional Capacity Development Impact: 6

3.2.1 Impact on Gender and Social Development: 6 3.2.2 Impact on Governance and Public Service Delivery: 8

3.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Impact 11 3.3.1 Impact on Natural Resource and Environmental

Management 11

4. DISCUSSION 12

4.1 Economic Impact 12 4.1.1 CLF improving local livelihoods 12 4.1.2 Impact on Vulnerability and Job Migration 13

4.2 Social and Institutional Impact 13 4.2.1 Impact on Gender and Social Development 13 4.2.2 Impact on Governance and Public Service Delivery 14 Capability of CFs and CLFTs 14 Improvement in governance through decentralized guidelines 14

4.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Management Impact 15 4.3.1 Impact on Natural Resource and Environmental

Management 15

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16

5.1 Economic Benefit Impact 16 5.2 Social and Institution Impact 17

5.2.1 Gender and Social Development 17 5.2.2 Governance Aspect and Public Service Delivery 17

5.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Impact 18 LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Number of Respondents Selected for Group Discussion by Province 2 Table 3.1 Changes in Local Livelihoods 3 Table 3.2 Changes in Access to Resources 4 Table 3.3 Level of Satisfaction with the CLF Projects 4

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Table 3.4 Contribution of the Project to Access Markets, Services, Technology and Information 4

Table 3.5 Changes in Family Income as a result of Project Supported Activities 5 Table 3.6 Impact on Vulnerability 5 Table 3.7 Impact on Outmigration 6 Table 3.8 Women’s participation in TSSLP projects 6 Table 3.9 Social Inclusiveness of the Project 7 Table 3.10 Organisation of Beneficiary Groups 7 Table 3.11 Importance of Organising Beneficiary Groups to Strengthen

Community Relationship and Help Poor and Vulnerable Groups 7 Table 3.12 Capacity of Commune Facilitators 8 Table 3.13 Capacity of Community Livelihoods Facilitation Team Members 8 Table 3.14 Commune Council’s accountability in managing the CLF 9 Table 3.15 Dissemination of Information regarding CLF Projects 9 Table 3.16 Commune Councils’ compliance with CLF guidelines and procedures 9 Table 3.17 CC’s coordination capacity 10 Table 3.18 CCs decision making capability 10 Table 3.19 Capability of the POGs to implement projects 10 Table 3.20 Competency of POGs 11 Table 3.21 Coordination between CCs and related agencies to prevent illegal

fishing 11 Table 3.22 Management of the natural resources and environment compared to

the period prior to the TSSLP implementation 11 Table 3.23 Impact of TSSLP implementation to pressure on and threat to the

Tonle Sap natural resources and environmental management 12 Table 3.24 Changes in people’s attitude as regards to participation natural

resources conservation and environmental management 12 LIST OF ANNEXES Annex 1 Interview Questionnaire Annex 2 Responses for Open-ended Questions by Stakeholder Group Annex 3 Women’s Participation in and Decision-making of Project Preparation, Man-

agement and Implementation Annex 4 Analysis of Poverty Rate Change

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development bank CCs Commune Councils CDE Community Development Expert CDP Commune Development Plan CFi Community Fisheries CIP Commune Investment Program CLF Community Livelihood Fund CLFT Commune Livelihood Facilitation Team M&E Monitoring and EvaluationMoI Ministry of Interior POGs Project Owner Groups POG/IG Project Owner Group/Income Generation POG/SI Project Owner Group/Social Infrastructure SP Service Provider TA Technical Assistance TSSLP Tonle Sap Sustainable Livelihoods Project KCG Kampong Chhnang PST Pursat BTB Battambang SRP Siem Reap KTM Kampong Thom

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An internal impact assessment of the Tonle Sap Sustainable Livelihoods Project (TSSLP) was conducted to assess the outcomes of the CLF projects. The preparation of the assess-ment commenced in February 2010 and the road map included the evaluation criteria, tools, methodology and time frame. A national level orientation on the assessment was provided to TAs and CLFTs in July, and then MoI issued an official letter instructing the assessment. The scope of the assessment covered only the TSSLP target communes. It focused on the fol-lowing areas: (i) economic benefits, (ii) social and institutional capacity development, and (iii) natural resources and environment management.

A survey questionnaire, which was patterned after the Project’s M&E framework, was pre-pared and pretested. A total number of 448 respondents participated in the survey. They in-cluded CLFTs, CCs, beneficiaries, contractors/service providers who had participated in or benefited from the Component 1 of the Project. Data entry and analysis for each province were conducted at the provincial level. The results were collated at the national level and presented during the Project’s final workshop with relevant stakeholders.

Survey results showed that local livelihoods are improved due to provision of inputs from the project, improved access to market and market information, new technology, rural finance and more efficient commune councillors’ services. The inputs included capital/ items for agri-cultural production and small enterprise development. Improved and alternative production activities were accompanied with capacity-building activities. Improved infrastructure facilities include road, clean water facilities, school and irrigation. Community fisheries were provided with equipment and capacity building activities. Beneficiaries reported increase in income through the sales of agricultural products and improvement in business and trade. Group savings enabled beneficiaries to have access to capital for investing in productive activities. Improved infrastructure has led to improvements in the delivery of health and education ser-vices, and travel within and outside the communes. Respondents reported a decrease in outmigration, vulnerability and risk.

The CLF projects have contributed positively to ensure the participation of women, vulner-able and ethnic groups. Women’s participation is especially highlighted in the Project. They played an active role in planning and managing CLF activities and assumed leadership posi-tions in the POGs. The respondents themselves qualified that the Project’s social inclusive-ness is evidenced by the participation of poor households in CLF activities. Results showed that capacities of the POGs have increased. However, there is a need to strengthen POGs their skills to manage projects.

The Commune Councils (CCs) played a key role in planning and managing the CLF projects. The assessment examined the capacity of the CCs to manage and facilitate a transparent development process, to respond to the need of the local people, to be accountable for their actions and compliance to CLF guidelines and procedures and ability to coordinate with other agencies. While results are generally positive, there is room for the CCs to be more respon-sive to the needs of the community.

CLF projects helped to improve the cooperation between the CCs and other agencies includ-ing agricultural extension, fishery administrations, and environment departments. Interven-tions in community fisheries have prevented illegal fishing and flooded forest logging. In-come generation projects provided the people with alternative livelihoods options, thereby reducing pressure on the natural resource base especially clearing flooded forest. Environ-mental impact assessment was part of the CLF project preparation. Capacity building activi-ties, information dissemination, and increased awareness of law on fishery and environment have had a positive impact on natural resource and environmental management. This exer-cise documents early impacts or outcomes and in providing information towards the design of a more rigorous evaluation in the future. Future evaluation would assess long-term qualita-tive and quantitative impacts of the Project.

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of TSSLP The four-year Tonle Sap Sustainable Livelihoods Project (TSSLP) is supported by a total fund of 20.3 Million with grant of $15 million from ADB’s Special Funds resources and $4.74 million provided by the Government of Finland together with a contribution of $0.6 million from the Government of Cambodia. With an effective date on 19 June 2006 and completion date on the 31st December 2010, the Project's main purpose was to improve livelihoods by increased access to assets in the 37 target communes of the five provinces around Tonle Sap, namely Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is the Executing Agency and the Implementing Agencies were MoI, Council for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) and Ministry of Environment (MoE).

A key component of the TSSLP is the establishment of the Community Livelihood Fund (CLF) which provided additional funds to target communes to support the preparation and implementation of community prioritized projects/activities. These prioritized activities had been identified in their Commune Development Plan (CDP) and Commune Investment Pro-gram (CIP). The total CLF of $12.3 million was allocated and transferred to all 37 target communes as block grants to be used for the preparation and implementation of social infra-structure, income generation and community fishery support projects.

Under the management of the target commune councils, a total of about 1,412 projects were prepared and implemented using the block grants. These include 255 social infrastructure projects, 843 income generation and 284 community fishery support projects. A Project Owner Groups (POG) was established for each CLF project to participate and assist in pre-paring, implementing and monitoring the project, especially for the CLF IG projects. Further-more, POG is responsible for managing and expanding its members and in ensuring the sus-tainability of their activities.

1.2 Objectives of the Assessment The main purpose of the impact assessment is to identify what changes and how changes have been brought about towards improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and the envi-ronment in the TSSLP target areas.

More specifically, the assessment will take into account: i) to what extent and how TSSLP has made an impact on the socio-economic status of the target beneficiaries; ii) what changes and to what extent the TSSLP has made toward the social and institutional impact; and iii) what impact the TSSLP has made on the natural resources and environment man-agement in the target communes surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake.

2. METHODOLOGY 2.1 Assessment Design and Time Schedule The preparation of the assessment commenced in February 2010 during the TA coordination meeting in Kampong Chnang province. The roadmap including evaluation criteria, tools, methodology and time frame were prepared. A national level orientation of the assessment‘s purpose and methodology was provided to the TAs and CLFTs in July at MoI, and MoI is-sued a letter to the provincial governors of the target provinces explaining the assessment and time frame.

2.2 Scope Being an internal Project assessment assessing the early impacts of the project, the physical scope of the assessment covered only the TSSLP target communes. The assessment fo-cused on the following areas: (i) economic benefits; (ii) social and institutional capacity de-velopment; and (iii) natural resources and environment management. 2.3 Survey A survey questionnaire following the Project’s M&E framework, was prepared using a combi-nation close and open-ended questions (Annex 1). The open-ended questionnaires provide a

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multiple choice questions while the open-ended questionnaires provide the opportunity to respondents to give more answers of their perception. The questionnaire was pre-tested in Pursat with the CLFT and TAs conducting the interviews. Following the pre-test, the assess-ment teams gathered lessons to improve the process and survey instrument. The physical surveys in all target provinces took place from September-October.

2.4 Respondents Respondents were drawn from all the Project communes of the five provinces: Siem Reap (SRP), Kampong Chhnang (KCG), Pursat (PST), Battambang (BTB), and Kampong Thom (KTM). They were categorised into the following: CLFT members, CCs members, POG/IGs, POG/SI projects, Commune Fishery (CFi) members, and contractors/service providers. To minimize bias, a respondent could participate in only one interview – as either an individual or as a group.

Respondents were chosen randomly and adequate number of women is represented among the respondents. Respondents were fundamentally selected based on the three types of pro-jects. About 30% of the total number of SI projects and 10% of the total number of IGs were selected for the assessment.

A total of 448 respondents participated in the individual interviews among whom 50% were women. KCG had 16 respondents, PST 162, BTB 101, SRP 126, and KTM 43. By category, the POG/IG comprised 46% or the respondents and the POG/SI 29%. Table 2.1 presents the number of respondents selected for individual interviews by province and category of re-spondent. Table 2.1 Number of Respondents Selected for Group Discussion by Province

Province CLFT CC POG/IG POG/SI CFi Contractors/SP Total

KCG 1 3 7 3 1 1 16

PST 4 10 80 52 12 4 162

BTB 2 8 47 30 12 2 101

SRP 4 12 56 36 10 8 126

KTM 3 2 17 7 5 9 43

Total 14 35 207 128 40 24 448

2.5 Data Analysis and Presentation Data entry and analysis were conducted at the provincial level. The close-ended answers were analyzed in the normal distribution while the open-ended answers were categorized followed by the calculation in percentage based on the number of respondents in the set categories. Results were collated at the national level and from which the Project impact as-sessment report was prepared. The results were presented during the Project’s final work-shop in which all relevant stakeholders were invited. Comments and suggestions received are presented in this report.

2.6 Limitations of Assessment Impacts are long term positive or negative changes resulting from a development interven-tion. In the context of the TSSLP, it may rather be early to measure impacts. At best, this as-sessment may only be revealing the information on the Project’s short and medium term out-comes of the Project interventions. The results of this internal assessment should serve as the basis for future impacts evaluation. Other limitations are as follows:

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(i) The assessment is more complicated than thought. It would have been useful to involve a full time evaluation expert to design and lead the exercise.

(ii) Data were collected by CLFTs and CDEs. Some of them did not have experience in conducting similar surveys in the past thus additional time was taken to build their capacity.

(iii) As the project staff and individuals directly linked with the Project were involved as interviewers some respondents may have felt uncomfortable to give correct answers to some questions related to the performance of the interviewers. Thus, Responses may give a biased response.

3. RESULTS This section presents the results of the assessment. As specified in the text, additional tables showing the results are found in Annex 2. 3.1 Economic Impact Extent to which respondents observed the changes in the livelihoods of the local people be-fore and after the CLF project implementation: About 93% of the respondents answered that the livelihoods of the local people are better than before the CLF project implementation; and 7% responded that their livelihoods have remained the same (Table 3.1). In KCG 100% of the respondents answered that livelihoods are better than before the CLF project implementation. In KTM, 86% of the respondents re-ported change in livelihoods (better than before) while 17% responded no change (remained the same). In SRP, 2% responded livelihoods had decreased. In some cases, it was ob-served by TAs that the poor beneficiaries were not be able to have some inputs to substitute the inputs provided by project to make their production successful i.e. pig raising project. Sometimes, raised pig died because of the outbreak disease. Table 3.1 Changes in Local Livelihoods

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces

Number of Respondents %

% % % % %Better than before 100 94 91 93 86 421 93The same 0 6 9 5 14 31 7Decrease 0 0 0 2 0 2 0Don't know 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 About 72% out of respondents who reported improvement in local livelihood thought that the improvement was due to the availability of capital/ input provided by the Project for income generating activities; 33% thought that it was due to improved social infrastructure such as road, clean water facilities, school, and irrigation; 9% thought was due to knowledge and skills provided by the project and the remaining 7% thought that it was due to patrolling ac-tivities carried out by the community fisheries enabled by the project. The patrolling activities have led to better management of fishery resources (Annex2, Q1).

Access to resources for income generation projects Across all provinces, 93% of the respondents responded that commune councils’ access to resources to support income generating projects is better than before Project implementation (Table 3.2). Seven percent (7%) answered that access to resources has remained the same. In KCG 100% of the respondents answered that the CCs access to resources for livelihood improvement is better than before followed by SRP (95%), PST (94%), KTM (91%), and BTB (89%). Ten percent of the respondents in BTB responded no change (remain the same) in access to resources for livelihood improvement.

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Table 3.2 Changes in Access to Resources

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM

All Provinces Number of

Respondents % % % % % %Better than before 100 94 89 95 91 422 93The same 0 6 10 5 9 31 7Decreased 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 0 1 0 0 1 0Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 The access to resources was differed by type of activities: (i) 63% was for income genera-tion; 34% for social infrastructure projects and 13% for community fishery (Annex 2, Q2.a). Satisfaction with the CLF Projects Eighty-four percent of the respondents reported strongly satisfied with the CLF projects and 14% satisfied (Table 3.3). 90% of the respondents in KTM were satisfied with the CLF pro-jects, followed by PST (89%), SRP (81%), KCG (80%), and BTB (79%). Table 3.3 Level of Satisfaction with the CLF Projects

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM


Respondents % % % % % %

Strongly satisfied 80 89 79 81 90 316 84Satisfied 20 7 21 19 10 52 14Not satisfied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 4 0 0 0 6 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 374 100 Respondents were strongly satisfied with CLF projects which involved technology dissemina-tion/training on animal husbandry, vegetable, and food processing (45%). About 37% were satisfied with the animals, vegetable seeds and other inputs provided for livelihoods. Only 17% of the respondents were satisfied with the infrastructure projects, and Organizing bene-ficiaries' groups (13%) (Annex 2, Q2.b). Access to markets, services, technology and information Across all provinces, 95% of the respondents reported that the access market place, tech-nology and information relevant to their livelihood activities is better than before while 4% an-swered no change or the same (Table 3.4). In KCG 100% of the respondents reported that local people have better access to markets, services, technology and information. Only 8% of the respondents in BTB indicated no change in access to market services, technology and information. Table 3.4 Contribution of the Project to Access Markets, Services, Technology

and Information

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


% % % % %Contribute 100 96 90 97 93 431 95 The same 0 2 8 3 5 18 4 Not contribute 0 0 1 0 2 2 0Don't know 0 1 1 0 0 3 1Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

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Extent to which the Project has contributed to improve household income About 89% of the respondents reported increased household income; 9% reported that their level of income has remained the same while 1% reported decreased household income (Table 3.5).

While all provinces reported a high percentage of respondents that have attributed improve-ment of household income to the Project, some of respondents in four provinces reported no change. These are BTB (16%), SRP (11%), PST (6%) and KTM (2%). Two percent (2%) of the respondents in SRP and KTM reported a decrease in household income. Across all provinces, 44% of the respondents reported sales from agricultural product con-tributed to increase in family income (Annex 2, Q4). This is followed by improvement in trade (34%) and improved infrastructure (17%). Table 3.5 Changes in Family Income as a result of Project Supported Activities

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM



Increased 100 91 83 87 95 404 89The same 0 6 16 11 2 40 9Decreased 0 0 0 2 2 4 1Don't know 0 3 1 0 0 6 1Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 Reducing vulnerability and risk Across all provinces 95% of the respondents answered that the Project has contributed in reducing vulnerability and risks to disease, debt and natural disaster; and 4% said there is no change (Table 3.6). When probed how vulnerability and risks were reduced, 60% of the re-spondents said were due to equal opportunities for them to participate in commune planning process (Annex 2, Q5); 38% reported were due to their participation in POGs; and 20% said were due to the integration of the poor and very poor households in savings and credit groups. Table 3.6 Impact on Vulnerability

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM



Contribute 100 96 90 97 93 431 95 The same 0 2 8 3 5 18 4 Not contribute 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 Don't know 0 1 1 0 0 3 1 Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

This is confirmed by the results of the two wealth ranking exercises: the first was conducted in early 2008 (before the Project started in the field) and the second in December 2010. The result showed a change in socioeconomic condition of the people during the project period. The number of households in “the rich category” and “the medium category” had increased at the rate of 49% and 21% respectively while “the poor category” is decreased by 24%. Impli-cations of this result are discussed in the Section 4 of this report.

Impact on outmigration Across all provinces, 61% of the respondents reported a decrease in the rate of outmigration and 31% reported no change (Table 3.7). By province, 80% of the respondents in KCG and PST reported a decrease in outmigration. Forty-seven percent of the respondents in SRP and 41% in BTB reported no change. In KTM, 9% reported an increase in outmigration.

When asked to identify reasons for the decrease in outmigration, 82% of the respondents attributed this to improved livelihoods from improved animal husbandry and vegetable pro-duction (Annex 2, Q6). About 14% mentioned access credit which enabled households to engage in productive activities.

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Table 3.7 Impact on Outmigration

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM


Respondents % % % % % %Decreased 80 80 49 47 58 278 61The same 13 13 41 47 30 139 31Increased 0 0 0 2 9 6 1 Don't know 7 7 11 5 2 31 7 Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

3.2 Social and Institutional Capacity Development Impact: 3.2.1 Impact on Gender and Social Development:

Women’s participation in project preparation, management and implementation Ninety-five percent of the respondents answered that women’s participation in project prepa-ration, management and implementation is better than before (Annex 3). This finding is sub-stantiated by the data from the CLF project database which indicated that 54% of the project beneficiaries were women (Table 3.8) and their representations in POG committees were adequate by the findings of gender consultant in the last review mission’s Aide Memoire. Table 3.8 Women’s participation in TSSLP projects Projects No. of contract

awards Cost(USD million)

No. of beneficiaries Total % of

women Projects Number of Con-

tract Awarded Cost

Million # of Beneficiary

Totalmillion

% of Woman

Social Infrastructure 285 6.49 828,734 54 % Income Generation 843 4.39 135,106 52 % Community Fishery 284 1.02 506,982 53 % Total 1,412 11.90 1,470,822 54 % Source: data from the database of the TSSLP’s CLF project database.

The participatory approach used by the Project to establish and support the POGs has facili-tated women’s active participation. Of the 4235 POG Committee members, 1081 are women. Some 313 women hold the position of POG committee chief, 451 vice-chief and 317 as treasurer. Women have also been active in commune governance structure with 15% of the councillors are women.

Through the Project’s social infrastructure activities, women, men and children have better access to services, such as health care, education and transportation. Community roads have facilitated travel and lessened expenses on transportation. Construction of schools and teacher dormitories has improved school attendance and lessened dropout rate.

Income generating activities have provided women with new skills that enabled them to en-gage in alternative livelihoods such as production of fish sauce and handicrafts (krama and baskets). They obtained skills in management through participation in group savings and credit.

Community fishery activities has had some impact on improving the natural resource base as well as local people especially school children’s access to transportation. Inclusive participation Across the five provinces, 67% of the respondents answered that participation of ethnic and vulnerable groups in planning and implementing projects is better than before (Table 3.9).

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However, in SRP province, about 47% of the respondents reported the level of participation of ethnic and vulnerable groups remained the same. Table 3.9 Social Inclusiveness of the Project

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


% % % % %Better than before 67 87 81 26 86 305 67 The same 20 10 15 47 12 101 22 Worst 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 13 3 4 27 2 48 11Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 In explaining why they think the Project is inclusive, 77% answered that beneficiaries have equal rights to receive the benefits from the Project regardless of ethnic background while 16% said that the Project gave priority and opportunity for the poor and vulnerable families to participate in the activities (Annex 2, Q8). Organising groups and communities to strengthen relationship and unity The Project facilitated the creation of POGs. The POGs implemented income generating ac-tivities as well as infrastructure activities. Majority of the respondents reported that establish-ing beneficiary groups under TSSLP is better than before (Table 3.10); 92% said that group organizing is very important to strengthen relationship and solidarity and help poor and vul-nerable groups (Table 3.11). Table 3.10 Organisation of Beneficiary Groups

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


% % % % %Better than before 100 95 100 95 100 440 97 The same 0 2 0 2 0 5 1 Worse 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 3 0 3 0 9 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 Table 3.11 Importance of Organising Beneficiary Groups to Strengthen Community Relationship and Help Poor and Vulnerable Groups

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces

Number of Respondents % % % % % %

Very important 100 94 93 89 91 418 92Medium 0 4 5 9 9 27 6Not important 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 2 2 2 0 8 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

Impact of social infrastructure projects Across all provinces, 87% of the respondents answered that the social infrastructure projects have improved the health status and well-being of the people. Households, especially those living in the remote, floating commune of Peam Bang in KTM province, have improved ac-cess to health care facility. Availability of markets has enabled the villagers to sell their pro-duce locally. Some women worked in the road construction project which enabled them to obtain additional income. With improved roads, travel within and outside the communes has been facilitated and villagers spending less on transportation costs.

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3.2.2 Impact on Governance and Public Service Delivery: Capacity of Commune Facilitators and Community Livelihoods Facilitation Team The TSSLP used commune facilitators to facilitate the planning and implementation of com-munity demand driven livelihood and infrastructure projects. They were provided with training to improve their capacity and given the responsibility to manage activities at the ground level. Across five provinces, 78% of the respondents rated that the management and coordination capacity of commune facilitators as good (Table 3.12). In KCG, 69% of the respondents rated the capacity of the commune facilitators as medium.

Table 3.12 Capacity of Commune Facilitators

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM

All Provinces


Good 31 77 77 85 79 354 78Medium 69 17 23 14 21 90 20Not good 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 6 0 1 0 10 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 In probing for further explanation, the respondents came up with different answers. Compe-tent to coordinate with CCs and POGs and community (50%); Good communication with pro-ject staff, CCs, POGs/community (44%); Good facilitation of training session, explaining in meeting with POGs and CCs (34%); Attentive to the follow-up of project implementation (32%) (Annex 2, Q11.b).

Similar to the results above, across the five provinces, 71% of the respondents rated the management and coordination capacity of the CLFTs as good (Table 3.13).

Table 3.13 Capacity of Community Livelihoods Facilitation Team Members

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM

All ProvincesNumber of Re-

spondents % % % % % %

Good 6 70 74 69 100 323 71Medium 88 18 23 10 0 79 17Not good 0 1 0 0 0 1 0Don't know 6 12 3 21 0 51 11Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

Further explanation includes good communication with CCs and POG/community (57%); competency to coordinate with CCs, line departments, POG members/community (48%), good facilitation and explanation in training session to CFs, POGs and CCs (36%); compli-ance with the work plan of project monitoring and monthly meeting (20%). (Annex 2, Q11.b)

Impact of CLF projects on fulfilment of Commune Councils’ roles and responsibilities Impacts are assessed based on the CCs’ accountability, transparency to disseminate infor-mation, compliance to guidelines and procedures, ability to promote inclusive participation.

Accountability is measured in terms of responsiveness to the needs of the citizens and en-suring that their rights are considered in managing the CLF. People have the right to criticise the decision of the CCs. Across five provinces, 92% of the respondents reported that CCs are more accountable than before (Table 3.14). By province, 14% of the respondents in KTM answered that there has been no change in the CCs in terms of accountability.

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Table 3.14 Commune Council’s accountability in managing the CLF

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM


Respondents % % % % % %Better than before 100 85 99 95 86 417 92 The same 0 7 1 2 14 21 5 Worse than before 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 8 0 2 0 16 4Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

To explain why they think CCs are more accountable than before, 69% of the respondents answered that CCs have been responsive to local people’s needs and suggestions (Annex 2, Q.12.a). About 7% responded that CCs’ have been more open and assure the rights of local people to participate in Project activities. Across all provinces, 94% of the respondents answered that CCs have been better in dis-seminating information regarding CLF projects (Table 3.15). Information was disseminated using information boards, Council meetings, and meetings with villages and communes. In KCG and KTM 100% of the respondents had the view that CCs have been better in dissemi-nating CLF information than before. Table 3.15 Dissemination of Information regarding CLF Projects

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


Better than before 100 92 97 92 100 427 94The same 0 5 2 5 0 16 4Worst than before 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 3 1 4 0 11 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 Across all provinces, 86% of the respondents answered that CCs’ compliance with the CLF guidelines and procedures is better than before in comparison with the compliance level with guidelines such as Commune/ Sangkat project implementation manual (Table 3.16). By prov-ince, it is noted that in KTM, 17% of the respondents reported no change and in BTB 18% responded that they do not know. Table 3.16 Commune Councils’ compliance with CLF guidelines and procedures

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


% % % % %Better than before 93 90 81 87 83 355 86The same 0 6 1 3 17 18 4 Worst 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Don't know 6 5 18 10 0 37 9 Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

About 89% of the respondents answered that the ability of the CCs to coordinate with related agencies to provide services to the constituents, especially the poor and vulnerable house-holds, are better than before (Table 3.17). Five percent (5%) answered no change.

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Table 3.17 CC’s coordination capacity

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM



Better than before 100 83 92 92 93 405 89The same 0 7 5 4 5 24 5 Worst than before 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Don't know 0 10 3 4 2 25 5 Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100

To explain what they mean with coordination capacity of the CCs, 56% responded that CCs have been able to work with line departments/institutions (56%). They have been able to co-ordinate service providers in delivering services to beneficiaries (30%). CCs have estab-lished better infrastructure (7%) (Annex 2, Q13).

Commune Councils decision making capability This was measured in terms of the CCs ability to utilize and manage existing resources to address the needs of the citizens. About 75% of the respondents answered that the CCs have been very responsive to the needs of the local people while 21% responded that the CCs are somewhat responsive. By province, 86% of the respondents in SRP answered that the CCs are very responsive. In KCG, PST, and KTM about 30% of the respondents an-swered that the CCs are somewhat responsive (Table 3.18).

Table 3.18 CCs decision making capability

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


Very responsive 63 72 68 86 70 340 75Somewhat responsive 31 21 31 11 30 97 21Not responsive 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Don't know 6 7 1 3 0 18 4 Total 100 100 100 100 100 455 100 Performance of POGs Ninety-one percent of the respondents answered that the POGs’ capability to implement pro-jects has increased (Table 3.19). Only 6% answered that there has been no change. Table 3.19 Capability of the POGs to implement projects

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM



Increased 100 91 95 89 88 416 91The same 0 4 4 9 12 28 6Decreased 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Don't know 0 4 1 2 0 10 2Total 100 100 100 100 100 454 100 POGs have gained knowledge and skills in animal husbandry (35%); bidding, managing and monitoring projects (33%); and project preparation and management, construction follow-up and maintenance (25%) (Annex 2,Q14). Competence of POGs While majority of the respondents answered that POGs have increased their capability as a result of acquisition of new knowledge and skills, only 45% of the respondents think that POGs are competent to manage projects and ensure their sustainability (Table 3.20). 48% of the respondents answered that the POGs need further strengthening. Some members have low education and hence need further support to build their competence.

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Table 3.20 Competency of POGs

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM



Competent 33 60 47 30 33 204 45More strengthening needed 67 32 47 62 65 219 48Not competent 0 0 4 2 0 7 2Don't know 0 7 3 6 2 24 5Total 100 100 100 100 100 455 100 3.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Impact 3.3.1 Impact on Natural Resource and Environmental Management

Cooperation between the targeted commune councils and relevant institutions towards the natural resource and environmental management in Tonle Sap About 79% of the respondents answered that the coordination between the CCs and related agencies to prevent illegal fishing is more active than in the past (Table 3.21). Table 3.21 Coordination between CCs and related agencies to prevent illegal

fishing

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


% % % % % More active 100 65 93 93 93 253 79 The same 0 9 0 4 5 20 6 Worse than before 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Don't know 0 26 7 3 2 47 15 Total 100 100 100 100 100 320 100 Change in natural resources and environmental management The natural resources and environment are better managed than before according to 72% of all the respondents (Table 3.22). Table 3.22 Management of the natural resources and environment compared to

the period prior to the TSSLP implementation

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces


Better than before 65 77 56 74 88 318 72 The same 35 11 22 14 10 68 15 Worse than before 0 3 16 7 2 31 7 Don't know 0 9 6 5 0 25 6 Total 100 100 100 100 100 442 100 According to the respondents, the main reasons for improved natural resource and environ-mental management were (1) the increased awareness of the importance of natural re-sources through information dissemination and cooperation with concerned institutions (45% of the respondents), (2) the participation of all the institutions in preventing the destruction of the natural resources and environment (32%), (3) the participation of related institutions in protecting aquatic resources and planting the flooded forest (12%), and (4) the environmental impact assessment (EIA) conducted prior to project implementation (10%). EIA was felt im-portant especially among Social Infrastructure Project Owner Groups (58%) (Annex 2, Q18)

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Decrease in pressure and threat to the natural resources and environmental management in the Tonle Sap caused by TSSLP About 90% of all respondents feel that the CLF projects have decreased a pressure and threat to the natural resources and environment (Table 3.23). Table 3.23 Impact of TSSLP implementation to pressure on and threat to the

Tonle Sap natural resources and environmental management

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM


Respondents % % % % % %Pressure decreased 100 90 83 92 95 409 90Pressure increased 0 1 1 0 2 3 1 The same 0 2 9 5 0 19 4 Don't know 0 7 7 4 2 24 5 Total 100 100 100 100 100 455 100 Nearly half of the respondents (49%) answered that the decrease in environmental pressure is a result of increased occupations from animal husbandry and vegetable production and improved awareness of related laws on fishery and flooded forest protection. People's in-creased awareness of the advantages of aquatic and environmental resources was men-tioned by 40% of respondents. 25% of the respondents said the insufficient participation from relevant agencies with communities to be a reason. (Annex 2, Q19). Changes in attitude of the beneficiaries towards the participatory and sustainable manage-ment of the natural resources and environment The assessment examined the people’s attitudes towards natural resource conservation and environment management and the result indicated that about 93% of the respondents re-ported improved people’s attitude (Table 3.24). Table 3.24 Changes in people’s attitude as regards to participation natural re-

sources conservation and environmental management

Response

KC

G

PST

BTB

SRP

KTM All Provinces Number of


Better than before 100 95 93 92 93 424 93 The same 0 3 6 8 7 24 5 Don't know 0 2 1 1 0 5 1Total 100 100 100 100 100 453 100 The main reasons (Annex 2, Q20) for the improvement in attitude are:

• Increased participation in education and increased awareness of law on fishery and environment (36%)

• Increased awareness of the advantages of natural resource management/ increased participation in conservation (32%).

• Increased protection of natural resources in communities (25%). 4. DISCUSSION 4.1 Economic Impact 4.1.1 CLF improving local livelihoods The observed change in improved local livelihoods and the improved income level shall be examined in this section. Improved Local Livelihoods It is perceived that CLF projects have contributed substantially to the improvement of the lo-cal livelihoods in the target communes since the vast majority of the respondents confirmed a

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positive answer posted to seek rating the status of change in local livelihoods as the result of the CLF intervention while only a few respondents disagree with it. The provision of capital/ inputs for agriculture production, small business, and vocational skills etc.; the improved in-frastructure- road, clean water facilities, school, irrigation; new knowledge, skills and experi-ences; patrolling activities of CFi seem to be the resources alongside with access to market, services, technology and information made available to beneficiaries. A great number of re-spondents perceived that the improved local livelihoods have benefited from the IG project than the number of respondents expressing the benefit from the SI projects or projects sup-port to CFi.

The perception may fully reflect the CLF intervention although some respondents are scepti-cal. Firstly, the CLF/IG projects (total 843)1 implemented have been enabled the various ac-tivities through providing inputs, vocational trainings, and small business etc, which led to the improved local livelihoods. Secondly, the CLF/SI projects (total 255) enabled the construction and rehabilitation of enormous infrastructures which substantially contributed to the improved local livelihoods. Lastly, the CLF/CFi projects (total 284) to the CFi activities directly bene-fited the livelihoods of all CFi members. Improved Income Level A majority of respondents perceived that the income level of beneficiaries has increased while only a few respondents reported the contrary. This may be reflected in the experience of the projects. While most pig raisers succeeded, there were some who did not.

Respondents mentioned sales from agricultural product (larger majority), improvement in business and trade (small majority), and improved infrastructure (second smaller of respon-dents). Generally, respondents seem to perceive the intervention of IG project had greater influenced on their improved income than those of SI. This could be explained through phe-nomena that they recall what they actually experienced directly than indirectly. For instance, the beneficiaries shall remember piglet distribution than they do the school construction or road. An attempt to assess the level of change in family’s income through the prior and post project wealth ranking exercises revealed that the number of families in the category of “rich” and “medium” has increased by 49% a d 21% respectively. Likewise, the number of families in the poor category has decreased by 24% (see annex 4 for further reference) thanks to the CLF interventions.

4.1.2 Impact on Vulnerability and Job Migration It is perceived that the CLF intervention has a significantly positive impact on vulnerability and out-migration worker. Decreased vulnerability has been created through providing the space for the poor and vulnerable people to engage in local planning, forming into POGs and self-help group with saving capital while the perceived decrease in out migration workers has been made through the increased occupation in animal husbandry and vegetable production and the access to credit from saving groups for livelihoods.

4.2 Social and Institutional Impact 4.2.1 Impact on Gender and Social Development Inclusiveness of gender and ethnic groups in project implementation The CLF intervention is likely to be the catalyst for the improvement of gender, discrimination and social development. A vast majority of respondents (67%) claimed the contribution to gender development through the active engagement of women in project planning and im-plementation. Meanwhile, over average (67%) of respondents claimed the decreased dis-crimination through the participation of ethnic and vulnerable groups in planning and imple-menting projects and amongst them (77%) expressed that “beneficiaries have the equal rights to benefit from project regardless of their races” while some of them (16%) mentioned “(the project) provided priority and opportunity to the poor and vulnerable families to partici-pate in implementation process”. Around 22% of them claimed no change in the participation of ethnic and vulnerable groups. The high number of respondents being sceptical about the 1 This data is generated from the database of the CLF projects available from TSSLP

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effective participation of the participation of ethnic and vulnerable groups in planning and im-plementing projects may reflect the CLF implementation experience. The TA team observed that in some cases CCs were not willing or did not have enough time to fully engage the vul-nerable groups or beneficiaries in deciding the different types of CLF projects.

Group and Community organisation It is perceived that the group establishment (POG) is better than it had been before in other similar project since majority of the respondents (97%) claimed with reference to the well-established by-law and regulations of POGs, the formation of beneficiary groups and mainte-nance groups.

Respondents seem to view the importance of the establishment of group and community or-ganization as 92% of them answered that group organizing is very important as it promotes the increased group solidarity, mutual relationship and knowledge sharing.

4.2.2 Impact on Governance and Public Service Delivery Capability of CFs and CLFTs A long side with the CLF allocation for CCs, both CFs and CLFTs were seconded in the sup-porting structure to facilitate the process. The respondents’ perception on the support given to the CCs by the CFs is higher than by the CLFTs. A number of 78% of respondents, in overall, rated the capability of CFs as “good” compared to only 71% of them rated the CLFT. The rating may reflect the fact that CFs worked closely and daily with stakeholders at the commune and village level while the CLFTs were more distant as they worked closely with stakeholders at the provincial and the commune level.

Improvement in governance through decentralized guidelines Capability of POGs CCs were viewed to be more accountable in managing CLF (responding to people’s requests for information, respecting the rights of people in criticizing the decision of CCs) with 92% of the respondents raised their favour while 5% of them said that there has been no change. Respondents are more likely to focus on “responsiveness of CCs to local people needs and suggestion (69%)”; “CCs are more open/ everyone has the rights to participate (7%)” and “benefit are not equally shared amongst people (6%)” as the references to the probed ques-tion. This could be reflected by the reality of the CLF project implementation through which the development needs identified in the CIP were better addressed thanks to the available resources of CLF while before TSSLP, the CCs only implemented SI project using the limited Commune/Sangkat fund.

In respect to the dissemination of information related to CLF projects, respondents perceived the improved information dissemination in comparison to other type of implementation since most of them confirmed. Detail probing indicates “meeting sessions conducted for dissemi-nating information (47%) while disseminating information through information board of CCs, districts and provinces (45%) is also mentioned. This seems reflect the reality where CCs according to the CLF guideline were required to disclose information of CLF projects with their stakeholders although it is quite hard to determine the level of effectiveness due to the fact that not many people were interested in receiving information from CCs.

In regard to the assessment of the compliance of CCs with the guideline, most of the re-spondents indicated the better compliance with the guideline compared to the period prior to the commencement of TSSLP. In probing for detail explanation, most of respondents (86%) mentioned that ‘CC’s decision was complied with CLF guideline and procedure; while a small number viewed that “CCs follow determined schedule (19%)” and 16% viewed that “CCs conduct bidding meeting and establish responsible groups for monitoring projects”. Although the respondents have very high perception of CCs’ capability in complying with project guide-line and procedure, this perception might not be accurately reflecting the reality as most of the respondents were the grassroots level participants whose knowledge of the guideline is quite limited. Therefore, their rating is likely to give their guess rather than their experiences. Seeking to accurately assess the practice is more likely to be challenging; unless, a proper study of each case is conducted.

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Like the above performance of CCs, their level of coordination with related agencies to pro-vide the service to the local citizens, especially the poor and the vulnerable was highly rated by the respondents during the interview (89%) while 56% confirmed that CC had better coor-dination with line departments/institutions; while 30% considered that CC had better coordi-nation with service providers in delivering services to beneficiaries. CC capability in making decision, utilizing and managing their resources to address their local needs About 75% of the respondents answered that the CCs ability to decide on their resources responsive to the needs of their constituents and 65% of them confirmed that “CCs manage fund according to the needs of most local people” while 18% of them mentioned “CCs man-age fund according to the CIP” Capability of POGs In overall, a great majority of respondents (91%) confirmed the answer of “increase” in capa-bility of POGs in establishing and implementing local development plan compared to the pe-riod prior to the TSSLP and among them 35% revealed that they received the “knowledge of animal husbandry, and that “POGs gain more knowledge on bidding, managing and monitor-ing projects claimed by 33%. Likewise, 25% of them claimed that “POGs participate in train-ing courses on vocation skills, project preparation and management, construction follow-up and maintenance”.

However, only 45% of respondents though that POGs were able to manage projects with sustainability; whereas, 48% considered POGs need further strengthening. This assessment result is likely due to the fact that most of the POG members were selected from the poor and illiterate people. This could underscore the need for more support to POG so that they can successfully perform their tasks. Training and capacity building work plan should include technical subject-matters, group and community leadership and fishery law as specified by 34% of respondents; training courses, sharing information of technical subject-matter, lead-ership and by-law of groups (29%); capability in managing groups and community (27%) 4.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Management Impact 4.3.1 Impact on Natural Resource and Environmental Management The cooperation between the targeted commune councils and relevant institutions to-ward the natural resource and environmental management in Tonle Sap About 79% of the respondents answered that the coordination between the CCs and related agencies to prevent illegal fishing is more active than in the past. This strengthens natural resource management in their communities. In the probe for further explanation, “better co-operation with authorities at all level in conducting activities at the local level” is claimed by 53% of respondents while “better cooperation with community fishery and people to prevent the illegal fishing” was mentioned by the 25% of respondents. Support to Cfi and FA staff’s involvement in the CLFT could have promoted the cooperation and understanding amongst the stakeholders. Change in natural resources and environmental management In general, 72% of the respondents answered that natural resources and environment are better managed than before. Oppositely, some of respondents are sceptical that the situation is better since 15% of them confirmed the answer of “the same” while the other 5% claimed the answer of “worse than before”. The mixed view of the respondents on this aspect reflects that most people in the target areas are still largely dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods and social safety net. However, sustainable use awareness was built as 45% of respondents claimed “increased awareness of the importance of natural resources by dis-semination of information and cooperation with concerned institutions”; 32% confirmed “par-ticipation from all institutions in preventing the destruction to natural resources and environ-ment” Furthermore, CLF project is likely to have contributed to natural resources and envi-ronmental management as 8% of respondents claimed “projects have provided people with

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occupations resulting in reduced fishing and clearing flooded forest”. Similarly, the environ-mental impact assessment was confirmed to be conducted. Decrease in pressure and threat to the natural resources and environmental manage-ment in the Tonle Sap caused by TSSLP In overall, 90% of respondents confirmed that the CLF project contributed to the decrease in the pressure on and threat to the natural resources and environment management. Other 49% claimed that there were increased occupations from animal husbandry and vegetable production/ increased awareness of related law- fishery and flooded forest protection while other 40% indicated people's increased awareness of advantages of aquatic and environ-mental resources In contrast, 25% mentioned that there was insufficient participation from relevant agencies with communities. This mixed view of respondents suggested the need for further efforts on natural resources and environment and a need for better coordination and support from relevant agencies. Changes in behaviour of the beneficiaries towards the participatory and sustainable management of the natural resources and environment The behaviour of beneficiaries toward participatory and sustainable management had been improved as confirmed by 93% of respondents. Among them 36% indicated the increased participation in education and dissemination/ people's increased awareness of law on fishery and environment while others mentioned (32%) the increased awareness of the advantages of natural resource management/ increased participation in conservation. Moreover, other (25%) pointed out the increased protection of natural resources in communities. This may reflected the CLF support to CFis, which enables the establishment of facilities and materials for further function of the CFis.

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS While it is recognised that the impact assessment has had some methodological limitations, it is worth noting the key points that could be drawn from the results. These are as follows:

5.1 Economic Benefit Impact Improved Local Livelihoods • The results reveal that the Project has had a positive outcome especially within the target

communes. These outcomes are improvements in the household economy as well as in the rural economy. These have been made possible by giving beneficiaries (POGs) ac-cess to the CLF funds. Through the CLF they could plan and implement income generat-ing activities and had access to technology, inputs, capacity-building/ training. The social infrastructure projects, have contributed easier access for villagers health and education services. Travel within and outside the community has also improved.

• The respondents attributed the improvements in local livelihoods were due to CLF/IG pro-jects with a higher percentage than of the CLF/SI as beneficiaries received the inputs to fulfil their households and these inputs had become their private goods. They themselves are responsible for managing these inputs or resources. Social infrastructure projects, on the other hand, are public goods which are managed by the government or through group operation and maintenance and used by others as well.

Improved Income Level • While respondents reported positive economic benefit impact brought about by the CLF

projects, real increase in household incomes have to be further examined. As reported in the previous section, comparison on the wealth ranking conducted in 2008 and Decem-ber 2010 indicated a change in people category: “the rich category” was increased by 49% and the “the medium category” by 21%, but “the poor category” were decreased by 24%. This finding may be interpreted that better off households, who already had some active resources and in most cases were able to actively participate in projects and in the meetings, most benefited from the CLF projects while poor households with limited as-sets accumulated newer assets at a slower rate than of the better off households.

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Through improvement in capacities and livelihoods, access to services, poor households may have been able to reduce their risk and may have been less vulnerable.

• The assessment did not compare improvements in livelihoods and incomes by socioeco-nomic group. This should be undertaken in future impact evaluation.

Improved Vulnerability and Outmigration • Improvements in income and access to public services contribute to reducing vulnerabil-

ity especially poor households. • Outmigration has decreased due to increased occupations in animal husbandry, vegeta-

ble production and the access to credit from saving groups providing capital for small scale income generating activities. However, other external factors occurring during the project course such as the closure of many garment factories and/or the recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia which could have caused travel restrictions may contribute to the decrease outmigration. These external factors in the past helped stimu-lating the rural economy by absorbing “excess” labour.

5.2 Social and Institution Impact 5.2.1 Gender and Social Development Inclusiveness: Gender, Ethnic and Vulnerable Groups • Along with the economic outcomes, social benefits have been obtained such as ena-bling the participation of vulnerable and ethnic groups, giving voice to women’s and enabling them to articulate their needs and priorities, enabling women to undertake leadership posi-tions in the POGs and councils, and improving access to services as a result of improve-ments in rural infrastructure. • The positive perception by the respondents that local people are ensured of their rights to

participate in the projects is important and should be enforced. Letting people know that they have the right to participate is important and providing them with the enabling envi-ronment to participate (to exercise this right) is equally important. When resources be-come scarce, there is the challenge to make development inclusive. Project has obvi-ously made an effort through the CCs to enable vulnerable and ethnic groups as well as women to participate and to receive the benefits.

Establishment of Groups (POGs) and Community Organisation • The capacity of the POGs has increased yet it is a recognised that more has to be done

to ensure their competence especially as regards to technical subject areas as well as in the administration and management of projects. POGs enabled households to work to-gether to improve livelihoods. In the process of supporting group this has strengthened community relationships and formation of social capital.

• There is still some concern on how the POGs would function without project support. In-ternal rules and regulations and regular group activities responsive to the needs of the members will contribute to group cohesion. Some POGs may disband due to differences in interest and priorities among members or conflict.

5.2.2 Governance Aspect and Public Service Delivery Capability of CFs and CLFTs • With the CLF allocation to CCs, the CFs and CLFTs were appreciated for their support

for facilitating the development process. The positive perception on the capability of the CFs to support CCs is a bit higher than that of the CLFTs. This could be attributed to the fact that CFs worked more closely with stakeholders at the commune and village level while the CLFTs worked more closely with stakeholders at the provincial and the com-mune level might.

Improvement in Governance through Decentralized Guidelines • From an institutional perspective, the Project has contributed towards strengthening gov-

ernment policy reforms related to de-concentration and decentralisation with the

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strengthening of commune council capacity in local development planning and manage-ment. The Project has created avenues for community groups such as POGs and com-munity fisheries to manage their development through income generating and social in-frastructure activities.

• Aligning the Project with the commune development planning and commune investment planning processes could be a positive factor in terms of ensuring the responsiveness of the projects to the needs of the people. Careful planning should ensure that projects do not only cause negative impacts on the environment but also guarantee that benefit all the people equally or inclusively.

• Information dissemination activities had focused on the availability of CLF projects. Fu-ture information dissemination should look into the impact of the CLF projects and com-munity investment monitoring. Information exchange could be facilitated for CCs to evaluate which projects worked, why these have worked, and what are the conditions for these projects to be successfully replicated in other communes.

• As regards to CCs compliance with CLF guidelines, this may have to be further analyzed. Most of the respondents are the grassroots level participants whose knowledge of the guideline is quite limited. Additionally, they may have difficulty in giving their honest re-sponse to the interviewers who worked with them in the past.

Performance of POGs • As mentioned earlier, the assessment revealed the need to strengthen the competence

of the POGs. If POGs were to sustain, continued support to their capacity development would be important. Hence, a well designed capacity assessment of existing and viable POGs could be conducted and strategic capacity building activities supported given the reality of scarcity of resources.

5.3 Natural Resource and Environmental Impact Cooperation between Targeted Commune Councils and Relevant Institutions toward Natural Resources and Environmental Management in Tonle Sap • The coordination between the CCs and related agencies to prevent illegal fishing is per-

ceived to be more active than it was in the past which strengthen natural resource and environmental management. Amongst the answers, they include better cooperation with authorities at all levels with fishery administration and environment department, and with community fishery and people to prevent the illegal fishing and protect natural resources.

Change in Natural Resources and Environmental Management • While a better management of natural resources and environment was highly and posi-

tively viewed, there is also scepticism whether this is attainable.

• Obviously, the CLF projects are likely to give a positive outcome since it was mentioned that IG CLF projects have provided people with occupations resulting in reduced fishing and clearing of the flooded forest. An environmental impact assessment was always con-ducted during the SI project preparation. However, the involvement of MoE (component 3.a) and CARD (Component 3.c) could also be further studied.

Decrease in Pressure and Threat to Natural Resources and Environmental Manage-ment in the Tonle Sap • The CLF project contributed to the decrease in the pressure on and threat to the natural

resources and environment management, which resulted from the increased occupations from animal husbandry and vegetable production and increased awareness of related law- fishery and flooded forest protection. While the results are positive, this warrants a more systematic study or research on impact on the Tonle Sap lake.

Changes in Attitude of Beneficiaries towards Participatory and Sustainable Manage-ment of Natural Resources and Environment • The results revealed a positive attitude of beneficiaries toward participatory and sustain-

able management. The trigger factors include the increased participation in education, dissemination and conservation; the increased awareness of law on fishery and environ-

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ment and the advantages of natural resource management; and the increased protection of natural resources in communities.

In summary, in poor, remote rural communities such as the target communes of the Project, the provision of resources for improvements in livelihoods or to support the realisation of the commune investment plan are key to “kick start” the development process. Development in these communities is multifaceted. It takes into consideration the mix of interventions that contribute to economic, social, natural and institutional capital of the communities. Develop-ment practitioners have to ensure that these interventions are realistic and doable given a short time frame for project implementation as well as available institutional and human re-sources, will deliver the expected results, and that results are sustained.

Future evaluation would have to come up with a more rigorous methodology to qualitatively and quantitatively measure impacts some years after project support has stopped. Given that many development projects operate in these provinces and that Cambodia has a dynamic economy, examining the relationship between the project interventions and impacts would be a challenge.

internal assessment of social, economic and …

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