Strengthening social protection in Cambodia

Cambodia has achieved rapid economic progress in the last decades, lifting millions of households and children out of poverty. However, economic growth was driven by a few sectors and the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the economy and household’s living conditions. In addition, poverty severely affects access to and quality of education and health services for children. 

The Royal Government of Cambodia has shown dedicated interest in expanding social protection coverage to poor and vulnerable families. Over the years, several social protection programmes have been established and implemented, targeted to vulnerable populations including the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children, which are consolidated in the Family Package. By establishing the Family Package, Cambodia is building an integrated social assistance framework designed to support poor and vulnerable families across the country; protect them from poverty; accelerate human capital accumulation; and promote inclusive growth. For children and their families, the programme promotes access the education and health services during critical windows of opportunity. 

This research project aims to build a strong evidence base on the impact and effectiveness of the Family Package, providing the Government of Cambodia and its partners strategic information as the programme rolls out. Collaborating with government stakeholders, development partners and local research firms, the project will use quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the effects of the nationwide rollout of the Family Package Programme, particularly on how it addresses the needs of children and their families.