The results point to areas for policy and programming focus, including helping to narrow development gaps by area of residence alongside a regional levelling up focused on the Tonle Sap region. Alternatives to borrowing as a coping strategy are also worth considering, as well as improvements in inclusive access and quality of financial services to help mitigate the adverse consequences of indebtedness. In addition, there is a need to focus attention on children who have missed out on school and learning, particularly in poorer households.

Authors: Vidya Diwakar and Vathana Roth, with Tony Kamninga