Oxfam Supports Cambodian Communities Adapt to The Impact of Climate Change

Local communities in Takeo Province, Cambodia, rely heavily on agriculture to sustain their livelihoods. Photo: Oxfam

However, climate change is having an impact on how much Takeo farmers can produce on their land. In the last 3 years, droughts have hit the area and critically reduced rice yields. Photo: Oxfam

Rath Soeung, Director of a local cooperative that helps local farmers respond to the challenges posed by climate change. His cooperative includes 160 members in the area. Photo: Oxfam

With support from Oxfam, this local cooperative is helping farmers adapt to the new weather conditions with trainings and innovative farming practices. Photo: Oxfam

Rice is the most common crop in the area. But it requires lots of water to grow, and it ishence vulnerable to draughts. Oxfam and its local partner Rachana have supported and advised farmers to switch to less water intensive crops. Photo: Oxfam

Mrs. Pech Sae, is a good example of how farmers are adapting to the change in rainfall. She recently switched from rice to a rotation of different vegetables. In her small plot of land she is now growing cucumbers. By selling her vegetables at the market, she can now sustain her whole family. Photo: Oxfam

The Cambodian Community Innovation Center was also opened as a part of a climate change resilience initiative. While Oxfam has provided the center with computers and other equipment, local monks are volunteering to help train youth from the community. Photo: Oxfam

In the last six months 192 people, most of who were youth visited and attended courses at the center.  The objective of the center was to provide accessto information on innovative farming practices to local communities. Photo: Oxfam

After receiving training from Oxfam on the System of Rice Intensification, 20 women from Skull village came together to form a small business. Their business consists of transplanting seeds for local farmers following the system of Rice Intensification principles. This system is making rice plantations less vulnerable to draughts. Photo: Oxfam

In Cambodia transplanting seeds is a job traditionally done by women. With the income earned from their transplanting seed business and more support from Oxfam, these women also created a micro credit group to help community members in need. Photo: Oxfam

 Thanks to the rehabilitation of twoirrigation canals, 700 local households can now access water and mitigate the effect of the droughts. During rainy season, the canals also help regulate floods. Oxfam rehabilitated the canals to support Takeo communities mitigate the effects of climate change. Photo: Oxfam