Project spurs on poverty alleviation in Cambodia

TAKEO, Cambodia－After starting a chicken farm with the support of a China-funded pilot project in Tanorn village of Cambodia's Doung commune, 37-year-old farmer Srun Songthuy is living a better life.

Launched in January last year, the project by the Cambodia-China Friendship Village for Poverty Alleviation has been bringing numerous changes to this remote village, about 40 kilometers south of the capital, Phnom Penh.

Songthuy's family is one of the 125 households in the village benefiting from the three-year project, which has not only improved the villagers' livelihoods, but also developed the village's basic infrastructure.

Before participating in the project, Songthuy could barely make ends meet as a vegetable farmer earning only $60 a month, or $2 a day, which is below the national poverty line of 10,951 riels ($2.70).

With assistance from the project, the father of four has constructed chicken coops, bought dozens of chickens, and received training in poultry farming.

"Now my living conditions are better. In a month my revenue is 700,000 riels to 800,000 riels from selling vegetables and chickens," he said.

"On average, after settling all expenses, I can save a bit over 300,000 riels (a month)."

Songthuy added that the village now has access to solar power, concrete roads and clean drinking water with help from China.

"Previously there were only unpaved roads that were very difficult to travel (when you are) in a hurry. Now there is solar power, and at night we can travel at any time because lamps have lighted up the roads," he said.

Suos Sivutha, a 48-year-old village representative, said the project has offered a ray of hope for all villagers.

"The project has provided us specific occupations with sustainable income," he said.

"It has not only helped us get out of poverty, but also provided us a convenient life as we now have access to good roads, clean water and healthcare services."

Doung commune chief Nop Touch said Tanorn village covers 72 hectares and is home to 125 households with 556 people.

"Tanorn village was previously the smallest and poorest of all eight villages in Doung commune," he said.

Nop said when the village had no electricity in the past, villagers went to bed after sunset. Now, with solar street lamps, villagers can have a stroll along the streets at night.

"This project has set a good example for poverty alleviation in Cambodia's rural villages," he said.

Xinhua