Cambodia

Clean Water and Sanitation & Hygiene Education

Rice is a staple crop in Cambodia. In the rural regions of Pursat Province some 80% of the population are rice farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture (※1). However, this form of farming only allows for harvests once a year and is susceptible to drought and weather fluctuations, which results in unstable crop yields. As food security and nutrition problems get worse, farmers are plunged into further difficulties.

In order to support these farmers, HOPE Japan joined the Dry Season Rice cultivation project in 2019 with the support of the HOPE network that had previously implemented similar interventions.

In cooperation with our local partner, the Development Family Program (DFP), we are supporting Dry-Season Rice farming to increase the income and economic independence of 338 farmers in the Bakan District of Pursat Province.

※1 A farming method that relies on rainfall for water

Dry-Season Rice farming uses specific varieties of rice that can grow in water-scarce conditions and are resilient to climatic variations. These types of rice grow quickly and can be cultivated regardless

of the dry or the rainy season, thus allowing for three harvests a year resulting in increased crop yields. This will improve food security and raise family incomes through the selling of excess rice in the market, thus leading to self-reliance.

The main activities of the project are the capacity development of Cambodians in Pursat Province to sustain Dry-Season Rice farming, by establishing agricultural committees, providing technical guidance to farmers, provision of seeds, agricultural equipment, and irrigation pumps. HOPE Japan also furnishes rice milling machines that can be used in each of the villages together to support processing rice for consumption.