Study of urban food consumption and food vendor in Cambodia

Abstract

This study examines the evolving food system of the Cambodia Delta, a region undergoing rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing income inequality. These socio-economic transformations have significantly influenced food consumption patterns and nutritional outcomes, often in uneven and socially differentiated ways. Many households face challenges related to dietary shifts, inconsistent nutritional quality, and limited access to nutritious food. By conducting an urban food consumption survey and a food vendor survey across five key provinces and Phnom Penh, the research analyzes the impacts of these changes on deltaic agroecosystems and food production practices. The study also highlights the social dimensions of malnutrition, identifying pathways for equitable and sustainable food system interventions. The findings aim to inform the design of nutrition-sensitive policies and programs, including dietary education initiatives, targeted market regulations, and support for sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately fostering healthier and more resilient food systems for all residents of the Cambodia Delta.