Climate-smart farming ends migration cycle in Cambodia
For years, Tan Chantrea, 34, and her husband, Sao Channa, 43, were among the thousands of Cambodians who risked everything crossing illegally into Thailand in search of a better life.
They left their three children behind with their grandmother, clinging to hope that life as undocumented labourers might provide the income they needed.
But after three gruelling years with no real progress and mounting heartache, they came home empty-handed. Worse still, their daughter, once a lively child, began suffering from a debilitating illness. Unable to be apart from their family any longer, they came home to the village.
Returning home meant facing the same poverty they had tried to escape. The couple grew vegetables in a small plot to feed themselves but couldn't cover costs or provide for their children's growing needs.
That changed in 2022, when World Vision International – Cambodia (WVI-C), with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and World Vision Germany, launched the 'Improving Food and Nutrition Security and Resilience of Vulnerable Farmers' (IFNSR) project.
Led by senior project manager Sim Sophal, the IFNSR project is a 30-month initiative designed to fight malnutrition and food insecurity in four districts — Mongkol Borey, Preah Netr Preah, Phnom Srok and Thma Puok, of Banteay Meanchey province — through Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture.
'Our mission has been clear: to improve the food and nutrition security and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable smallholder farmers, especially those with children under five and pregnant or lactating women,' Sophal explained.
It supports 900 households with training in climate-resilient farming, poultry rearing and agri-business practices, while distributing essential inputs like seeds, water systems and livestock to ensure sustainability.
Sophal said recognising the role of local institutions, the project strengthened nine agricultural cooperatives and set up ten collection points to connect farmers with markets, improving their income potential.
For Chantrea's family, the change has been profound.
'When I attended the training, I was drawn to ideas like climate-resistant crops, composting, drip irrigation and using natural pesticides,' she said.
'Most importantly, I learned how to understand the market and grow according to the season,' she added.
With support from IFNSR, their home garden has blossomed into a sustainable micro-farm. They've received a greenhouse, dug ponds for irrigation and expanded their growing area.
'Sometimes, my husband and I couldn't sleep—we just sat outside watching our vegetables grow. Under the moonlight, the garden looked so beautiful. We felt proud, like we were watching our dreams slowly come to life,' Chantrea shared, with a laugh.
Their once-uncertain future has been replaced by a reliable income and a renewed sense of pride.
'Our livelihoods are better. We no longer want to migrate,' she smiled.
'We have money to support our children's education, buy nutritious food and invest in our farm. We understand what our children need to grow strong and healthy,' she added.
The greenhouse, she noted, is a game-changer.
'It's climate-resistant. We can grow vegetables even in the rainy season, without using harmful pesticides,' she explains.
Their success hasn't gone unnoticed. Now acting as peer educators, the couple shares knowledge and seeds with other farmers in their community — a ripple effect that underscores the sustainable model championed by IFNSR.
Hon Oeun, an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Banteay Meanchey, emphasised how climate change has upended traditional farming.
'Even in the rainy season, there's no rain. Water is scarce. Farmers used to waste what they had, making year-round farming impossible,' he said.
Through CSA, he explained, farmers are now equipped to grow crops more efficiently, reduce disease, and maximise limited water resources.
'Nutrition also plays a central role. They're growing a variety of vegetables and raising animals to provide safe, healthy food for their families,' he continued.
Sophal added that each of the families who were selected as beneficiaries had at least one child under the age of 5.
Since its launch in December 2022, the €892,645 ($1.01 million) IFNSR project has reached nearly 5,000 people — over half of them women — across 73 villages.
It has built 23 greenhouses, supplied 246 households with livestock, distributed fruit trees to 82 families and fortified nine agricultural cooperatives.
Ten new market collection points help farmers sell their produce, making agriculture not just sustainable — but profitable.
'Empowering communities to manage their own development is at the core of what we do,' said Sophal. 'We're not just teaching techniques; we're building resilience.'
He admitted that not all 900 families succeeded in the CSA programme; 31 families dropped out and were unwilling to proceed with the plan. They were replaced by new families. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
How grandparenting-led caregiving give kids improved confidence and security
Nine years ago, Noresah Junsi, 59, opted for early retirement from her civil service duty. She had imagined having time for herself – to travel, attend religious classes, enjoy coffee sessions with friends or simply rest, after dedicating much of her life to raising her four children alone. But life had other plans. Now, the single mother's days revolve around caring for her three grandchildren – aged three, seven and nine – at her home in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. 'I've been babysitting them since they were born,' she says, eyes twinkling. 'It's been nine years.' Every week, from Monday to Friday, her routine begins mid-morning when she picks up her youngest grandson from nursery. At home, she bathes him, prepares his lunch and keeps him company as he slowly settles down for his afternoon nap. Not long after, the older two return from school, have a quick lunch and head off again for their religious classes before returning later in the evening. All three remain in her care until their parents arrive to fetch them after work. Despite the full-day, full-time commitment, Noresah, who uses a pseudonym, has no complaints. In fact, she embraces her role. 'What I love most is being able to give them my full attention and affection. It's wonderful to see them grow in a safe, happy environment.' Still, she is quick to set the record straight: she didn't exactly sign up for the job. In fact, she admits to being a little hesitant initially, given her original retirement plan. 'My children reached out for help as they were still finding their footing as parents,' Noresah explains. 'But now, it has become my choice.' 'When I was working, I relied heavily on my late mother to care for my children. This feels like a chance for me to make up for that,' adds the divorcee. 'It's like coming full circle.' The psychology behind the role Clinical psychologist Dr Pamilia Lourdunathan says Noresah's story is not uncommon in Malaysia. 'It has increasingly become the norm,' she explains. 'With dual-income households and rising childcare costs, many parents naturally turn to the people they trust most – their own parents.' In challenging family scenarios such as parental divorce, financial instability or emotional distress, grandparents often step in as a stable support system to safeguard the children's well-being. But in cases like Noresah's, Pamilia says, grandparents take on caregiving roles willingly and wholeheartedly, motivated by love, a sense of purpose and the joy of staying connected to their grandchildren's lives. 'From a psychological standpoint, caregiving can be deeply fulfilling for older adults,' says Pamilia, who is also a lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia. 'It offers emotional connection, a renewed sense of purpose, and the joy of leaving a legacy.' She draws on German-American child psychoanalyst Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, which highlights that older adults seek meaning and reflection in the later stages of life. 'Caring for grandchildren provides that in a tangible and emotionally rewarding way,' she adds. Pamilia says grandparent-led care offers unique advantages for kids. Photo: PAMILIA LOURDUNATHAN Making the right choice Pamilia points out that the sense of choice – or lack of it – can significantly affect a grandparent's mental health, emotional well-being and how sustainable the caregiving arrangement is over time. How a grandparent feels about looking after their grandchildren – whether it's something they want to do or feel they have to – has a major impact on how they experience the role overall. 'Grandparents who choose to be involved often report greater happiness and fulfilment. It feels like a gift. But if they feel pressured into it – especially at the cost of their own plans or freedom – it can lead to resentment and fatigue,' she says. Noresah is aware of this delicate balance and advises fellow grandparents who are considering caregiving, to ask themselves if they're truly capable. 'If yes, then it can be one of the most rewarding things in life – but it does require mental and physical resilience,' she adds. The weight behind the joy Noresah admits that caring for young children in a person's golden years can be physically and mentally demanding. 'Sometimes I miss out on meeting friends, attending events or even the daily morning walks at the nearby lake. Most of the time, I can only do them on weekends,' she says. And when she has no choice but to attend an appointment on a working day, she has to plan ahead with her children. 'Sometimes, it feels like I'm asking for their permission to do something I need to do,' she admits. The challenges, she says, usually come up when she has a doctor's appointment that takes a while, or if there are financial matters at the bank or other unavoidable emergencies. 'These things affect their working schedule and most of the time, I feel bad about putting them in that situation,' Noresah admits. Pamilia agrees that grandparents often face hidden stress when they need to adjust their schedule. 'Even when caregiving is enjoyable, grandparents may find it challenging to establish limits, leading to burnout or strain on their own health and well-being.' She says they may feel emotionally drained – especially when expectations are high – and many find it difficult to admit that their energy levels no longer match the demands of childcare. Boundaries, she adds, are essential. 'Without clearly defined roles, grandparents risk becoming surrogate parents rather than supportive figures. This can create confusion not just for the children, but for the grandparents' own identity.' Despite the love they have for their grandkid, Pamilia says says grandparents may also feel emotionally drained because their energy levels no longer match the demands of childcare. Photo: Freepik Sense of security But done well, Pamilia says, grandparent-led care offers unique advantages, especially for grandchildren. 'Grandparents bring patience, life experiences and emotional steadiness that help children feel secure. They are often more relaxed, creating a low-stress environment that supports holistic development,' she says. With a second-round parenting perspective, grandparents can play a meaningful role in each stage of a child's life, from nurturing trust in infancy to encouraging imagination in early childhood and guiding moral thinking in adolescence. However, she cautions that there are potential downsides. 'Different parenting styles between generations can send mixed messages. Children may struggle to know whose authority to follow, especially if the lines aren't clear,' she adds. To ensure a healthy caregiving arrangement, Pamilia suggests families begin by clearly defining roles – being upfront about what grandparents are comfortable doing and what they are not. It's equally important, she adds, to support the grandparents' autonomy, allowing them to say no without guilt. Above all, she emphasises the need for open and respectful communication between parents and grandparents to help avoid misunderstandings and maintain mutual respect. 'At the end of the day,' she says, 'a sustainable arrangement is one that respects the needs of everyone involved; grandparents, parents and children.' As for Noresah, she wouldn't change a thing. 'Looking after my grandchildren gives me joy. It's like a kind of therapy,' she says with a laugh. 'They are my comfort.'
Herald Malaysia
5 days ago
- Herald Malaysia
Bridgettine sisters in Sweden: Finding joy among jars of jam
For more than 40 years, Sister Monika has been living in Vadstena, Sweden, with the Bridgettine Sisters, a Catholic congregation with a long history and Nordic roots. Her vocational journey took her on an unusual path to the convent, impacted by a Swedish football goalkeeper who changed her life. Jul 22, 2025 Sr. Monika meets with visitors at the Bridgettine's convent in Vadstena, Sweden By Mario Galgano – Vadstena, Sweden'My name is Sister Monika. And as you will quickly discover, I am German.' That's how the conversation with the 70-year-old sister began. For over four decades, she has lived in Sweden, in the Bridgettine convent in Vadstena, a small city on Lake Vättern. She lives with seven other sisters, from Sweden, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. The group at the convent reveals much about how ecclesial vocations have changed. 'One of our novices is older than me,' affirmed Sister Monika. Today, the convent is no longer a place for young students but a place where women often seek out in a second phase of their life. 'Perhaps it is a woman's second career,' she said. Even the community's composition reflects an evolution: for the first time the Swedish sisters make up the majority. At first it was different, she recounted. At one point, the Order – founded by Saint Bridget of Sweden in the 14th century – was not officially authorized in the country. 'Up until 1957 founding a convent was forbidden,' she explained. Only a decision from the Reichstag finally permitted religious life in Sweden. Until then, the house in Vadstena was officially declared a nursing home for the elderly. Theologically, the Bridgettines base their life on three elements: the Rule of St. Augustine, the Constitutions of St. Bridget, and modern adaptations that derive from these. The Order's spirituality is clear. 'Christ's suffering is important to us,' said Sr. Monika. Their daily prayer structure follows a Marian perspective. The sisters see Jesus' life through Mary's eyes, and each day of the week has a different theme, from angels to the Trinity. One of St. Bridget's main objectives was to allow men and women to work together. Although in the past monks and nuns lived in separate places, they worked together spiritually. In the Blauen Church of Vadstena, this was clear from an architectonic perspective: there were separate choirs, but one shared place of worship. Another key aspect is service to others: listening, prayer, conversation. 'We receive many prayer requests, or people come wanting to talk,' she continued. Silent witness works, and sometimes it's about very practical things. 'Today we packed nearly 4,000 jars of jam into cardboard boxes, and I enjoyed doing that.' Joy is the fifth point which characterizes the Bridgettine's spirituality. Sr. Monika talks about it when she talks about her work in the Eden guest house. Once, she started to clean the bathrooms there. 'This became a pleasure,' she noted. It is the community that makes even tough and unpleasant work tolerable and reasonable. But how did a woman from Coesfel, in Westphalia, Germany, end up in Sweden, in a convent? The beginning of her vocational journey was unexpectedly secular: football. During the 1974 World Cup, she noticed the goalkeeper of the national Swedish team, Ronnie Hellström. 'I fell in love with him,' she shared, smiling. From there, her fascination with Sweden grew. 'I pursued history studies with a focus on Nordic history and, thanks to one of my parents' university friends, a Catholic bishop in Sweden at the time, I came to Vadstena to learn the language,' she said. 'I met young Catholics who transmitted their faith to me in a convincing and thoughtful way. This struck me and brought me back to the faith.' 'The fact that in the end I myself entered was an interior development,' recounted Sr. Monika. 'It was envy towards another woman who had asked to be admitted to the convent that made me realize: I want it too . Years later, for my silver jubilee, I received a special surprise. My fellow sisters had invited Ronnie Hellström, the man whose mere presence on television had brought me down this path. He arrived. The priest announced during Mass: 'Sometimes a vocation passes through the penalty box.' He turned and laughed'. Hellström remained in contact with the community. When he became sick with cancer, he decided to be buried in Vadstena. Today, his tomb is in the cemetery near the convent. Sr. Monika noted that the Catholic Church in Sweden today is seen in a much different way than before. There are many Catholics working in the fields of culture and science who are respected for their attitude. Even in the prison, Catholic pastoral care has proven practicable. She is especially struck by a past project: 'The convent in prison' is a form of spiritual accompaniment for inmates seeking to reintegrate into society. Although the relapse rate was low, the project was interrupted. Over the years, life in the convent has become a profound and daily commitment for Sr. Monika. 'Whatever the task, it has become a joy,' she affirmed. This attitude permeates her entire life. Among jars of jam, moments of prayer, and a cemetery visited by football fans, it is clear that God's paths are not always straight but sometimes pass right through the penalty box.--Vatican News
The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
Red Sea laser row rumbles on as China denies warship targeted German plane
China's defence ministry has denied using lasers to target a German plane over the Red Sea as the two countries continue to trade barbs over the alleged incident. The German foreign ministry said on Tuesday that a People's Liberation Army warship had shone a laser at a German surveillance plane 'without reason or prior contact', and Berlin had summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest. But on Thursday the defence ministry told the South China Morning Post the accusation 'was completely inconsistent with the facts'. 'At that time, the Chinese naval vessel fleet was carrying out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden. It did not carry out operations in the Red Sea, nor activate any laser equipment,' the ministry said. 'We hope the German side respects the fact and steps up communication and coordination with the Chinese side, to maintain bilateral relations.' According to German media reports, the incident happened on July 2 off the coast of Yemen, and the Chinese vessel in question was a frigate that 'had been encountered several times in the area before'. No information has been released about the name or hull number of the frigate. But if the reports are correct, it is likely to be the Type 054A guided-missile frigate Honghe. The Chinese navy has been a regular presence in this region since 2008 carrying out anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. At present the 47th escort task force, which was first deployed in December last year, is on duty. The only frigate in the task force is the Honghe, hull number 523. The rest in the fleet consists of the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and the Type 093A supply ship Gaoyouhu. The Honghe is a 4,000-tonne vessel commissioned in 2022. It is an updated version of its class equipped with the PLA Navy's latest advanced electronic suite. In October 2023, the ship was named a 'Tiger on the Sea', a honorary title that has been passed down through five generations of vessels since its origin in 1958, reflecting a legacy of bravery and combat readiness. It is still unknown whether the alleged laser was that of a directed-energy weapon or that of a guidance tool for munitions. On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning defended the PLA Navy's presence in the region. 'The Chinese navy's escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia are aimed at fulfilling China's responsibility as a major country, and contribute to the safety and security of international shipping lanes,' she said. 'It is important to increase communication in a timely way and be fact-based to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation.' Powerful laser weapons have the potential to burn their targets, while less strong beams can dazzle optical devices or affect service personnel's vision. High-energy laser weapons are typically not part of the armament on Type 054A frigates, but it is possible for the ships to be fitted with smaller laser air defence systems to counter drones or laser-guided ordnance. The German aircraft involved in the incident was a specially configured Beechcraft King Air 350 surveillance plane flying from Djibouti. It was manned by a civilian crew on behalf of the German military, and four members of the German armed forces were also on board, according to German media. The aircraft was said to be refitted with ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) equipment, according to military website The War Zone. They were part of Operation Aspides, a European Union-led operation that started in early 2024 to protect ships in the Red Sea from missiles launched by Houthi militants in Yemen. The plane was approaching the Chinese vessel before being targeted, Der Spiegel magazine reported. Following the incident, the aircraft aborted its mission and returned to Djibouti. The Aspides surveillance flights had since resumed, the German foreign ministry said. China also runs a naval base in Djibouti, established in 2016 as the country's first permanent overseas naval base. It is not the first time the PLA has been accused of a laser attack. In 2018, Chinese military personnel reportedly used laser systems to target US military aircraft operating out of Djibouti. And in 2022, Australia also claimed a PLA warship fired a laser at its patrol aircraft. Additional reporting by Hayley Wong and Yuanyue Dang - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
