Rice-Field Pond Systems for Food and Resilient Livelihoods

Abstract

Cambodia’s ricefield ponds are small water bodies within or near rice fields that provide multiple benefits beyond water storage. They serve as fish refuges during dry spells, support pest control, and create opportunities to integrate fish, rice, vegetables, and livestock into one climate-smart farming system. Research in Takeo and Prey Veng has shown that improved pond management can boost fish production by 67%, enhance biodiversity, and provide two crop cycles, leading to greater income and resilience for farming households. However, challenges remain, including water shortages in the dry season, limited feed, pesticide use, and gaps in farmer knowledge, which can be addressed through better pond design, integrated pest management, low-cost supplementary feed, and farmer-to-farmer learning.

Demonstrations under the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Initiative show that integrated ricefield pond systems can generate up to four times more value than rice alone, while reducing chemical inputs and strengthening ecosystems. This “One Family, One Pond” model promotes sustainable food production, natural resource use, and adaptation to climate change. Recognized in Cambodia’s national climate commitments (NDC 3.0), the approach offers benefits at household, community, and landscape levels by improving food security, conserving biodiversity, reducing costs, and building resilience. More than just rice or fish, ricefield ponds represent a holistic pathway for nearly a million Cambodian households toward resilient and sustainable livelihoods.