Cambodia
Our Vision
Help Cambodian farmers and their families attain economic independence and food security through sustainable agricultural practices and small business cooperatives.
The Context
The beautiful nation of Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries. Prior to French colonization, it had a diverse and growing economy. However, backward colonial policies, wars, and the genocidal “revolution” of the Khmer Rouge stunted the country’s economic growth throughout the 20th Century. Today, Cambodians live with the consequences of this turbulent past.
Although the percentage of Cambodians living in absolute poverty has fallen over the last ten years, nearly 35% of rural families still live below the poverty line. A vast majority of them make their living as rice farmers. In addition to meager state support and unstable politics, small-scale farmers are vulnerable to climate destabilization and natural disasters, especially flooding. One poor crop yield can devastate an entire community. By improving rice farming techniques and diversifying agricultural output, along with tapping into local creativity, rural families and communities can create long-term solutions that will help them thrive.
Our Work
Together with our local partner KAWP, we are working with farmers and community members in Battambang Province to help them improve farming techniques and organize small business cooperatives. Our goal is to increase crop yields, reduce environmental damage, and promote long-term economic independence.
We work with rural farming families, teaching them innovative farming techniques that will enhance their crop yields while at the same time mitigating soil degradation. There are 15 farm plots that serve as educational models on which farmers receive training on sustainable growing techniques and farm management. Additionally, we provide business training, helping farmers to navigate markets and earn more money from their crops. Once farmers are trained, they then share their knowledge with neighbors and friends. This farmer-to-farmer education is an effective way to create social change.
We encourage community members to work together and advocate for one another, creating a strong and unified voice for change. For this reason, we organize a small business cooperative that allows farmers to pool their resources and strengthen their businesses. Our cooperative model works to empower women in the community by involving them in the decision-making process. This collective action encourages creative solutions that will help build stronger communities.
Partners
