Danilo C. Israel

Economic Valuation of Aquatic Resources in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

ABSTRACT The direct values of aquatic resources (freshwater) used in livelihood activities by rural households in Siem Reap, Cambodia were estimated using the net economic value method. The constraints faced by households to access these resources were also analyzed. Data used were from cross-section household survey, longitudinal monitoring, and participatory rural appraisal activities done among selected households from 2003 to 2004. In general, the study found that aquatic resources had substantial value in terms of income, employment, and overall livelihoods to households in both extractive and non-extractive activities. Among others, the study found that (1) fish catch per household was higher in the dry season than in the wet season and among higher wealth households than medium and lower wealth households; (2) livelihood activities earned positive net incomes even when labor was included as part of costs; (3) generally, labor formed a significant part of the costs of livelihood activities; and (4) the presence of fishing lots was the main access issue facing households in the use of aquatic resources. The study explored the implications of the results to the management and sustainable development of aquatic resources in Siem Reap.

Impacts from and State Responses to Natural Disasters in the Philippines

This study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the impacts of natural disasters on agriculture, food security and the natural resources and environment in the Philippines and uncovers a number of findings. Typhoons, floods and droughts have an insignificant impact on overall agricultural production at the national level, yet typhoons may have a significant negative impact on paddy rice production at the provincial level. Further, typhoons, as exemplified by Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009, have a significant negative impact on the food security of the households in the affected areas. Households have varying consumption and non-consumption strategies to cope with the impacts of typhoons. The different impacts of typhoons, floods and droughts on the natural resources and environment have not been quantitatively assessed in detail, however available evidence suggests that these are also substantial. This chapter recommends that assistance for rice farmers and the agriculture sector as a whole should be made more site-specific, zeroing in on the affected areas that actually need it. Finally, those assisting affected households and areas should consider not only consumption strategies but also non-consumption strategies, such as the provision of post-disaster emergency employment.