Over 600 young people from 20 indigenous communities in Cambodia have received training and resources aimed at supporting rural development. According to the Cambodia Sustainable Livelihoods for Indigenous Communities Project, which is funded by the Japan Social Development Fund, 80% of these youth have formed small food processing groups in their villages. These groups produce a variety of products such as soymilk, banana chips, pumpkin cake, pickles, and dishwashing liquid.
The project is a collaboration between the Kingdom of Cambodia, the World Bank, and the Analyzing Development Issues Centre. It seeks to help local families find new ways to earn a living both on and off the farm. The initiative has also supported nearly 1,200 farmers who have adopted improved horticultural practices through hands-on learning and access to materials like net-houses and water systems. This has led to higher yields, better nutrition, and increased income for many families.
Samon Sophy leads an indigenous youth group specializing in agricultural food processing. She said: “Now, we can earn more income and support local farmers by buying their produce to make into snacks.” Sophy’s group received training in food processing techniques and market linkages before launching their own products such as pumpkin chips made from taro and sweet potato.
Despite successes, challenges remain for these groups. A lack of refrigeration equipment or drying machines restricts production to the dry season. To address this issue, the project plans to provide drying machines that will allow year-round production.
In addition to supporting youth groups and farmers directly involved in agriculture, around 1,200 secondary school students have participated in practical bio-garden activities at their schools. These activities teach sustainable horticulture skills that benefit both households and local communities.
Bet Sophea from L’eun Kraen Village stated: “I can produce these healthy vegetables, and am proud of and delighted with the results,” adding gratitude for Japanese support that helped his family acquire new skills.
The spill-over effect is visible in other parts of Ratanakiri province as well. For example, Meng Khoy used to collect wild vegetables from forests but now grows chemical-free vegetables using new methods introduced by the project. Her produce has become popular among villagers and neighboring communities.
Teachers like Som El Sopheap at Srae Preah Secondary School note that life skills gardens allow students to learn how to plant crops at school before applying those skills at home—helping increase family income while reducing expenses.
Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces are home to Cambodia’s largest indigenous communities. Through another initiative—the Land Allocation for Social and Economic Development Project—these communities now benefit from secure land rights as well as improved roads, schools, and basic services.
However, poverty remains a challenge despite fertile farmland; many families still face food shortages along with limited access to health care or education.
Ky Kosal of Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the importance of collaboration between projects: “One of the most inspiring aspects of this partnership has been its focus on inclusion,” he said. “Indigenous people are encouraged to explore horticulture production… At the same time innovative ideas are introduced to local youth sparking interest in agro-processing activities that create jobs.”
Although current support is set to end this year for some beneficiaries like Sophy’s group or farmer Sophea’s family, participants remain confident about continuing their businesses independently.