She is the Answer – ActionAid empower local women networks in Cambodia with climate resilience
As ActionAid’s three-year UK Aid Match project comes to a close, communities in four provinces of Cambodia (Kampot, Koh Kong, Kampong Thom and Pursat) are becoming more climate resilient and women are leading advocacy efforts to demand climate justice and gender equality.
In Cambodia, farming and fishing are often vital sources of income for many communities, but the growing impacts of climate change such as frequent droughts, floods and storms, are threatening their livelihoods. Women in particular face ongoing challenges with less access to education, tools and information that would help them deal with climate crises.
With funds raised through their UK Aid Match appeal in 2021, ActionAid’s She is the Answer project has supported Women Champion Networks (WCNs) who are equipping their communities with tools, knowledge and resilience to adapt to climate change, manage disaster risk and advocate for their rights.
Photograph: Natt, who received training in agroecology and now runs her own environmentally sustainable, climate resilient farm. Credit: ActionAid Cambodia.
Women Champion Networks
Initial project activities included setting up four WCNs with 117 women champions selected to drive local climate and disaster resilience efforts. The networks have led practical initiatives such as road improvements, tree planting, and mangrove planting to reduce flooding, boost biodiversity, and improve fish stocks.
In Koh Kong, the networks have supported farmers to set up a coconut husk fertiliser business, an innovative production which helps soil retain moisture and improves yields. The process works by mixing coconut husks, rice hulls, cow dung and other organisms to create a protective fertiliser which supports the growth of vegetables and melon seeds.
In Kampot, ActionAid Cambodia and their partner Children and Women Development Centre Cambodia (CWDCC) have supported the networks to set up a resilience market, a women-led enterprise selling natural products grown by local small farmers. The market is open seven days a week and is an opportunity for women farmers to connect with local buyers, gain entrepreneurial experience and earn their own income. Focused on climate-friendly natural products, the community-based market provides a nearby place for the local community to not only sell their products, but to strengthen collaborations and partnerships with other women, businesses, and local authorities.
“I am really happy and satisfied with the start-up of this resilience market. This is the initiative of women champions as a response to the communities’ needs, empowering women in earning their own income, and promoting climate resilience in the communities.” Chan Kanha, leader of the WCN in Kampot.
And in Pursat, a women-led village savings and loan group has been established, allowing members to invest in climate-smart farming tools, diversify their income and create a safety net for climate-related crises.
Meet Chea
A business owner who lives in Pursat with her farmer husband and two sons. Chea used to work abroad in Thailand, while her family back home faced food insecurity and couldn’t afford to send her sons to school. By joining the savings and loan group in Pursat, Chea was able to start a food stall in her village selling papaya, spring rolls, grilled meat, salad and drinks. She now has additional income, is able to support her family and can even buy land. Chea joins many women who have been able to access interest free loans for activities such as raising livestock, starting businesses, or farming rice.
Photograph: Chea cooking for her market stall. Credit: ActionAid Cambodia
Sustainable livelihoods
A key part of the project was increasing awareness and understanding of climate shocks and stresses and how to take action to ensure farmers can protect their livelihoods. Over 400 farming households received training and coaching sessions on agroecological farming techniques. For farmers who raise livestock this training included producing natural feed made from corn, beans and potatoes. And farmers who grow vegetables learnt about crop rotation and producing natural composts. To start their sustainable agricultural practices, farmers were equipped with resources such as chickens, seeds and solar water pumps.
Meet Ramyan
She was selected as a model farmer under the project and participated in chicken farming training and building climate-resilient coops. By adopting these practices she has increased her family’s income and inspires others in the community too.
Photograph: Ramyan feeding her chickens. Credit: ActionAid Cambodia
Women-led advocacy
And finally, the project aimed to elevate the voices of women within their communities. With ActionAid’s support, the WCNs mobilised and engaged government officials on key community issues. They facilitated commune public forums, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue with local authorities. As a result, there is growing recognition among officials of the value women-led networks bring and the need for them to be involved. All communes set up through the project incorporated the networks’ demands into their investment plans, achieving 100% of the project’s target. These plans include infrastructure improvements such as canal and drainage rehabilitation, and creating disaster management committees during emergencies.
These initiatives have been vital in strengthening the voice, agency, and leadership of women in their communities. Women champions are not only creating local change but also gaining national and international recognition. One champion represented her community at the Climate Change Summit in Cambodia, engaging with key national stakeholders. Another received the Women of the Future Award in Singapore in 2024 for her outstanding contributions. With continued support, mentorship, and collaboration, the WCNs can continue to empower communities and flourish, leaving lasting impact and sustainability long after the project ends.
To read more about ActionAid’s project visit their website.
