Making Progress in Cambodia

Helen Keller International’s efforts to bring our Homestead Food Production program to Cambodia has helped families like Mr. Phorn and Ms. Havas by providing a range of training, educational and material support to improve the quality and quantity of food produced, as well as improve a number of key hygiene and child feeding practices.

The couple lives in Laminh Commune in Ratankiri province with their two children. Mr. Phorn is from the Tumpoun ethnic minority group and has been designated as a Village Model Farm owner. Like other Village Model Farms owners, Mr. Phorn has already received Homestead Food Production and marketing training as part of the project. Currently, Mr. Phorn is working hard to establish his Village Model Farm activities, beginning with land preparation and fencing. He is also constructing a poultry house using locally available materials such as bamboo.

Mr. Phorn is a rice farmer. He used to grow a few vegetables seasonally, but his production techniques and skills were limited. When asked what motivated him to join this project, he said that he was inspired by the opportunity for training on techniques for year-round vegetable and poultry production, as well as the opportunity for income generation from the sales of vegetable and poultry products. He explained that he already has “gained a great knowledge in growing vegetables in both dry and rainy seasons. I will produce a number of vegetable varieties in my garden with the seeds startup kit and training received from the project.” He is also very motivated to support the other 15 participating households in his village by providing technical support and his own knowledge and expertise.