Ethnic villages in northern Cambodia are benefiting from grants provided by the World Bank and Japan Social Development Fund, which aim to support local livelihoods. The Cambodia Sustainable Livelihood for Indigenous Communities Project is offering training to 400 farmers, with 150 already implementing Good Agriculture Practice techniques. Additionally, 626 young people, including 413 women, have been trained in entrepreneurship, market access, and food processing, resulting in five youth group start-up businesses. Three secondary schools have also established organic gardens.
In Krola village of Ratanakiri province, Sern Tola has applied new farming techniques learned through the project to improve her income. "I'm happy with what I'm earning," she stated. During the dry season, Tola can earn around $70 per day by selling produce such as cucumbers and pumpkins.
The project has enabled Tola to enhance her farming skills through training on soil and seedling improvement and crop selection based on seasons. A study tour organized by the Analyzing Development Issues Center further exposed her to successful farming practices.
The Analyzing Development Issues Center received a $2.75 million grant from the Japan Social Development Fund via the World Bank for this initiative in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces. This complements another World Bank-financed project focused on land allocation for social and economic development.
Participants in the project learn entrepreneurial skills and practical knowledge related to growing and processing local produce into products like banana chips and cucumber pickles. Sanok Nangchreab from Kreh village appreciates how the project supports young people who drop out of school: “This project has helped us immensely by providing materials to produce the chips,” she said.
Nangchreab's group was inspired after visiting a banana chip-making firm, realizing they could utilize their community's banana abundance for various products.
Similarly, youths in Srei Lvy village of Mondulkiri province seek skills that provide job opportunities for those leaving school without employment prospects. Kroeung Nary believes skill acquisition could enable them to form production groups for income generation: “We cannot depend exclusively on natural resources or agriculture for sustainability," she explained.
Under the project’s guidance, Nary's team has learned to grow soybeans and produce soya milk for sale within their community. They plan further market outreach to expand their product range.
Both Nary and Nangchreab aim to demonstrate that ethnic minority groups can achieve significant accomplishments. Nangchreab expressed her aspirations: “Our group wants people to taste our banana chips... We want people to understand who we are and what we can achieve.”