Published on June 27, 2025 – Updated on June 27, 2025

New survey on the benefits of termite mounds on well-being and health

Chanrithy Lao has just returned from her second field survey in Cambodia for the ECOTERM project. This research program, supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR), brings together multidisciplinary teams who study the interconnection of termite mounds with their environment and rural communities. Chanrithy Lao is a PhD candidate in environmental economics at the iEES Paris-Sorbonne Université and the CERDI-Université Clermont Auvergne. She investigates the economic aspects of the project with two of our researchers, Sébastien Marchand (CERDI, UCA) and Martine Audibert (CERDI, CNRS).   


Last year, Chanrithy did the first field survey in Kampong Chhnang Province. She interviewed approximately 600 households with the help of a team of survey assistants. The purpose of this first study was to understand how termite mounds contribute to soil fertility and rice yields.    
 
This year's survey focused on the benefits to health and quality of life. Termite mounds help maintain biodiversity by creating a favorable environment where medicinal and edible plants can grow, and animals can find shelter. Around 500 households responded to the survey.   
 
The next step will be a workshop to discuss sustainable agricultural practices with farmers.   

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