The Issue
The agricultural sector serves as a foundation in the livelihoods of rural Cambodian citizens, particularly women, with a substantial majority (75.9%) that depends on it. Notably, around 60% of women reside in rural Cambodia and around 26% of households are led by women. These households face unique challenges in both farming and off-farm activities. They encounter obstacles in assessing support to improve their farm, such as a lack of capital, shortages of resources, lack of budget management, business skills, and technical skills.
The significant impact on community livelihoods due to the COVID-19 pandemic also contributes to violence. Vulnerable groups, including returnee migrants, small-scale farmers, families with debts, and garment workers, faced heightened challenges during the pandemic. The project observed that the violence against women and girls has increased, persistent poverty, and unemployment in rural areas. Climate changes, drought, and flooding also affect on-farm activities, leading to migrations, increased child labour, and rising domestic violence.
The Project
Established in 2024, the project aims to enhance employment opportunities for individuals who experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and their families, strengthen capacity of community-based organisations (CBOs), and advance our local partner’s expertise in gender and climate resilience.
Under the project, DCA partners with local women -led NGO Banteay Srei to provide practical skills training, such as sustainable agriculture, business development to vulnerable groups and GBV survivors. Leaders of CBOs receive coaching on leadership, management, facilitation, and communication. Small grants are provided to CBOs and agricultural cooperatives for their initiatives on gender and climate change issues and advocacy for sustainable livelihood at a sub-national level.
The Change
The project aims to enhance the economic health in targeted communities, especially vulnerable women, so they and their families live freely from violence. Through enhancing their livelihoods and strengthening the institutional capacity of community-based organisation/agricultural cooperative, the project enables them to earn more income and advocate for policy dialogue and responsiveness from local duty bearers.
The Result
- 442 farmers were trained on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) by the end of 2025
- 392 farmers (89%) including 340 women reported applying at least one additional CCA or DRR practice
- 335 farmers (295 women) reported increased income and improved employment opportunities in 2025
- 5 women business groups/CBOs were supported and strengthening
- 23 CBOs were strengthened
- 23 vulnerable girl/women joined the vocational training program
- 6 contingency plans at the commune level were developed in 2 districts
- Average income increase per household is USD 200 (6,420,375.57 Riel or USD 1,605.09 in 2025, compared to 5,619,309.96 Riel or USD 1,404.83 in 2024)
About the project
Full title: Women Economics Empowerment through Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation
Period: January 2024 to December 2026
Partner: Banteay Srei
Funding: USD 169,798
People reached: 1260 farmers/910 women direct beneficiaries, 7,260 indirect beneficiaries
Main Donors: DANIDA
