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Abstract
This paper introduces and applies an analytical framework to study how formal and
informal institutions influence socio–economic change and poverty reduction in
rural Cambodia, giving specific reference to property rights and collective action. It
focuses on emerging endogenous mechanisms of cooperation as well as on the role
of external actors and instruments in forming or enhancing collective action
institutions, and enforcing use and ownership rights among the rural poor. Within
this framework key contextual factor, such as asset endowments, legal structures,
and power relations, have an impact on poverty and rural livelihoods, but are also
mediated and changed by property right regimes and local cooperation. Findings
indicate that access to and use of natural capital still contributes significantly to
rural incomes. Access to natural resources is, however, defined by multiple and
overlapping rights, both private and common ones, which are, in turn, governed by
formal and informal patterns of cooperation. Collective action also contributes to
improve livelihoods. Nevertheless, depending on asset endowments, differences
exist in the degree of participation. Owing to Cambodia’s recent history of genocide,
forced collectivization and resettlement, property rights regimes have been severely
affected, remain contested, and are re–established only slowly. In this context, the
mutual trust necessary for successful cooperation in common property issues is
severely undermined.