This paper argues that informal Village Networks (VN) can serve as a mechanism for the creation of a network of active individuals and groups at the village level which can link and cooperate with Commune Councils, particularly in respect of monthly Council meetings and the annual investment planning process. The paper begins by exploring the notion of decentralisation and its implication for poverty reduction and participation. In the second and third parts, social capital is defined and analysed in the context of Cambodian traditional norms and values. In section four, attention shifts to an exploration of the meaning of civil society in the Cambodian context. Section five analyses the opportunities for civil society participation and inclusion in local decision making processes provided by the Law on Administration and Management of Commune/Sangkat and various sub-decrees. Finally, the paper presents the principles that underlie the VN initiative and the lessons learned in the last three years. In the conclusion to the paper, we present our recommendations to strengthen and improve the approach at the provincial level and to include these experiences in the policy making debate at the national level.
