Oxfam is pleased to host a three-day learning visit for a delegation from the Ministry of Environment to see the achievements of the Climate Resilience for All (CREFA) project across Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap provinces.

On the first day of the visit, the delegation toured the community-owned Solar Irrigation System in Vaot Ta Meum Commune, Battambang Province. The system provides year-round access to water for 228 farmers cultivating 234 hectares of farmland, enabling them to grow rice two to three times per year, expand fruit and vegetable production, increase household incomes, and reduce migration by creating local livelihood opportunities. The system has also lowered rice production costs from US$150 to US$75 per hectare per cropping cycle.

In addition to strengthening climate resilience, the solar irrigation system contributes to climate change mitigation by replacing diesel-powered pumps with clean solar energy. This transition reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers fuel consumption, and decreases farming costs.

The system is fully owned and managed by the community through an 11-member water management committee, with technical and management support from SOGE. Beyond its direct benefits to farmers, the initiative creates local employment opportunities and serves as a learning hub for government institutions, civil society organizations, universities, and private sector actors interested in community-led renewable energy solutions.

The project's success has attracted additional investment, including US$20,000 in 2026 to expand solar generation capacity and further strengthen community leadership, governance, and financial management skills.

During the visit, H.E. Meas Sophal, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, applauded the initiative.

“I am pleased to see the positive impact of this project and would like to express my appreciation to Oxfam, SOGE, local authorities, and community members for making it possible. This initiative demonstrates how Cambodia's climate policies and national climate action plans, including NDC 3.0 and the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan (CCCSP), can be translated into tangible action that delivers real benefits for communities on the ground.”

H.E. Meas Sophal
Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment

The CREFA Project is implemented by Oxfam and its partners with generous financial support from the Government of Ireland's International Development Programme through the Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi. The project helps communities build resilience to climate change while promoting sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon development in Cambodia.