Background

After the 1993 Cambodian general election and the establishment of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Royal Government established the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). The creation of the MRD demonstrates the Government's dedication to improving living standards and alleviating the poverty of rural people.

Mission

1. To improve the quality of life of the Rural people by encouraging and facilitating economic self-sufficiency and an active social awareness, rather than always relying on Central Government or aid agencies to help out. In fact, encouraging and achieving a more independent attitude to solving some of their own problems and getting personal satisfaction from making progress themselves. 2. To encourage and assist the Rural community to participate more directly in improving farm production, Rural based industries and the marketing of their products. This development would make a significant contribution by strengthening the National economy. 3. To seek, by all sensible means, to discourage the movement of individuals and families from the countryside to the towns. Urban congestion represents an increasingly serious problem in Cambodia. Improving the Rural economy as a matter of priority can, to some extent, help reverse the present trend by restoring confidence in Rural life, and encouraging community developments that raise Rural living standards.