Potential impact of socioeconomic development on current use of fish and culinary herbs in Cambodian traditional cuisine

Helena Kissová

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Fish are one of the most important sources of protein for the world population particularly in developing countries. However, current decline in their natural ecosystem, has resulted in the proliferation of fish farmings. One of the countries where fish is an integral part of the local diet is Cambodia. This country, has been enjoying significant economic growth for the last two decades but also faces a number of problems related to the development of agriculture, construction, tourism, nutrition, rural migration to cities, water and air pollution etc. A major issue in Cambodia and other similar countries, is how these trends can affect the attitude of their population to fish. That is why this study has three objectives, the first is to document wish fish species are most commonly consumed by the local population. The study also documented which factors affect buying of these fish, whether it is taste, cleanenesses, price, tradition or anything else. In addition, the study looked at where the fish came from, whether they are from freshwater, saltwater or from fish farms. The second objective of the research was to identify the plant species and herbs used for the culinary preparation of fish dishes by local households, as well as to ascertain where spices are obtained markets, gardens, forests etc. The third is to describe the relaevant social aspects as traditions, habits, household etc. And economic aspects as availability, price, market etc. Study documented twenty-one fish species regularly consumed by the respondents, very often the origin was giant snakehead. Furthermore, twenty-five culinary herbs were used in combination with fish to prepare different meals, majority of them (55%) were purchased at local markets. Study thus documented that despite of decrease of natural stocks, local population still prefers fish from natural ecosystems. This might change in the future as majority of herbs, previously grown in local gardens, are now commonly purchased at markets. Study suggests to carry out a survey on consumer attitudes towards fish from aquacultural production to better understand the whole complexity of the system.

Keywords

Aquaculture, Fish processing, Homegardens, Interviews, Local markets, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Agricultural Specialization / Agriculture in Tropics and Subtropics