An Increased Income and a Stronger Community
Him and her family live in Kampot Province where they rely on rice farming and chicken raising for income. One of her daughters works in a garment factory, while the other lives with a physical disability that limits her ability to do heavy labor. Before Him began participating in the Cambodia South program, meeting their daily household expenses was a constant challenge.
Farmers in Him’s village generally worked on their own with limited technical knowledge and access to market information. As a result, traders often set prices, leaving farmers with weak bargaining power and low returns. Although chicken raising was a common livelihood activity, Him lacked the skills and facilities she needed to raise chickens effectively. She was only able to sell chickens once a month, earning around $75, which was not enough to support her family.
In 2023 local partner OREDA began implementing an integrated community development project in the area and formed a chicken‑raising group of 30 farmers. Group members received training, coaching, and support to improve their production practices. The program also facilitated market linkages and trained farmers on product preparation and packaging, enabling them to negotiate fairer prices. In addition, awareness sessions on hygiene, violence prevention, and human trafficking were provided to strengthen overall community well‑being.
Him was one of the farmers who benefited from this support. She shared, “Through the chicken‑raising group in my community, we can share and learn from one another’s experiences. We now have a stronger collective voice, and vendors can no longer force unfair prices on us like before.”
Since joining the group, Him has expanded her chicken-raising activities and now sells them two to three times per month. Her income from chicken sales has more than doubled around $200 per month. Combined with her additional income of about $100 per month as an Assistant to the Village Chief, the family is now better able to afford food, healthcare, and other essential needs.
Beyond improved household income, Him has become a committee member of the local Commune‑Based Organization, where she actively shares chicken‑raising techniques and practical agricultural knowledge with other farmers. Looking ahead, she is committed to continuing to support her peers, confident that the skills gained through the program will help strengthen livelihoods in her community long after the program ends.
Cambodia South is led by World Renew and local partner Occupation of Rural Economic Development and Agriculture (OREDA)