Ireland announces €800,000 in funding for OXFAM Cambodia climate programme; launches solar irrigation project in Wattamin commune

Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Noel Grealish TD, announced funding of €800,000 in 2025 for a climate programme to be implemented by Oxfam in Cambodia on 19 March 2025 in Wattamin commune, Battambang province. This programme will support rural communities in northern Cambodia with climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, climate resilience, and rural development. The programme team will also work closely with the Government of Cambodia to develop and enhance climate policies. 

Minister Grealish, who is visiting Cambodia this week to mark St. Patrick’s Day, made the funding announcement at the launch of an Irish-funded solar irrigation project in Wattamin commune, aimed at improving agricultural productivity and climate resilience for rural farmers in Cambodia.

In addition to the installation of the solar irrigation infrastructure, the project will also provide training for farmers on sustainable water management and use. Through funding provided by the Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi, Ireland has contributed €84,000 to the project, helping to ensure a year-round water supply for the local community. Over 220 households will benefit through the irrigation of 234 hectares of land. The launch event included a demonstration of the solar-powered irrigation system, with local farmers sharing their experiences of the impact of the project. 

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister Grealish said: ‘The agri-food sector is a crucial part of Ireland’s economy, with 135,000 family farms in the country producing high quality food. Ireland has prioritised the use of technology and innovation to add value, build competitiveness and to address key challenges such as environmental sustainability. Similarly, in Cambodia, smallholder farmers are the backbone of the agricultural sector and are central to its future. This solar project is a perfect example of an investment in technology - but it is also an investment in Cambodian farmers and in the future of sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister Grealish said: ‘The agri-food sector is a crucial part of Ireland’s economy, with 135,000 family farms in the country producing high quality food. Ireland has prioritised the use of technology and innovation to add value, build competitiveness and to address key challenges such as environmental sustainability. Similarly, in Cambodia, smallholder farmers are the backbone of the agricultural sector and are central to its future. This solar project is a perfect example of an investment in technology - but it is also an investment in Cambodian farmers and in the future of sustainable agriculture.

The shared experiences of Ireland and Cambodia in agriculture present valuable opportunities for cooperation. As part of Ireland’s growing engagement in Cambodia, we are delighted to have increased our funding for programmes such as the one we have launched today, and to seek new opportunities to work together in rural development, sustainable agriculture and tackling climate change’.

H.E. Sithy Pheng, the Deputy Provincial Governor of Battambang, speaking at the launch, thanked Ireland for its support of the project: ‘Battambang is known widely as the rice bowl of Cambodia and access to reliable irrigation is critical for our farmers. This solar irrigation project not only increases agricultural productivity but also supports our Province’s efforts in adopting greener, more sustainable practices. We deeply appreciate the partnership between Ireland, Oxfam, and our local communities in making this initiative a reality.’

Ms. Sophoan Phean, Oxfam National Director thanked the Minister and Deputy Provincial Governor of Battambang for their support for the programme: ‘Through this programme we are working to address climate change in some of the poorest regions in Cambodia. The collaboration with Ireland, with the local Government, with our partners, and with the community here in Battambang underscores the importance of working together on climate action and delivering sustainable development in Cambodia. The project that the Minister launches today highlights the importance of addressing both poverty and climate challenges together and we know it will have a major impact on the lives of many families in this area’. 

Mr. Svang Im, the Head of the local Water User Cooperative, thanked Ireland and Oxfam for the project: ‘Access to water is key for our farming community. This project ensures that farmers have year-round access to a sustainable and affordable water supply. With solar-powered irrigation, we can expand our farming seasons, increase our crop yields, improve our incomes and have a better future for our families.’

Minister of State Grealish’s itinerary also included meetings with his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture and with academics at the Royal University of Agriculture to discuss the potential for further co-operation between Ireland and Cambodia in the sphere of agriculture.