Indigenous Peoples Organisations’ Approaches to Social and Community Development in Cambodia

Abstract

Although Indigenous peoples’ organisations (IPOs) are positioned to make vital contributions to the social and community development of Indigenous peoples (IPs), the development-studies literature offers limited research about IPOs’ approaches and unique contributions to development as defined by IPs. This article explores the roles of IPOs in social and community development involving Indigenous populations in Cambodia. The case study of six IPOs, involving 46 semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions, captures leadership perspectives on desired development for Indigenous communities and the ways in which IPOs can contribute to achieving community goals. The analysis shows common goals and strategies and the gaps to be addressed by the IPOs. The study argues that Cambodian IPOs complement one another in advancing local development and raising Indigenous voices at the national level. However, the civic space for bringing about sustainable social change is shrinking. Similar Indigenous contexts in other countries may find the analysis useful.