Global Map of Irrigation Areas

Cambodia

A recent inventory reported 802 irrigation systems in 15 provinces, covering a total area of 282 072 ha [KH01]. However, 125 schemes were reported as no longer operational and, therefore, their project area was not included in the total area. The figures refer to the situation in 2001. The irrigated area of the six provinces not included in the inventory (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Ratana Kiri, Mondul Kiri, Koh Kong and Tonle Sap) was reported to be about 2 100 ha in 1990 [KH02], so that the total irrigated area of the country is about 284 172 ha.

Digital maps of irrigated areas (polygon dataset) and irrigation projects (point dataset) were used as compiled by the Mekong River Commission [KH03]. In general, the point dataset was used for small schemes (fewer than 300 ha) while the polygon dataset was used for large schemes (more than 300 ha). Exceptions had to be made where schemes were available in only one of the two datasets – 278 000 ha of irrigated area were located this way in the country. The remainder of the irrigated area was distributed to paddy areas taken from a digital landcover map [KH04].

The distribution of irrigated area by sub-national unit is listed in the table below.

References

[KH01]: Mekong River Commission. 2003. People and environment atlas of the lower Mekong Basin. Phnom Penh, Mekong River Commission Secretariat (available at http://www.mrcmekong.org).
[KH02]: FAO. 1994. Agricultural development options review (phase I). Rome.
[KH03]: Mekong River Commission Secretariat. 2003. People and the Environment Atlas of the Lower Mekong Basin. CD-ROM. Phnom Penh.
[KH04]: FAO. 2004. Dataset Landuse2000.zip provided by FAO ASIACOVER project.

Distribution of irrigated area in Cambodia by Province.