Cambodia: Our Partner PNKS

Cord is partnering with a local organisation called PNKS to focus on the poorest of the poor in rural areas.

Strengthening the Community; Finding a Voice

PNKS works with local commune councils and village development committees to improve their ability to support their communities. Improving their management skills; ways in which they understand and engage with their people; and building their networking skills so that they can better represent their community in dealing with government bodies over important issues. PNKS also encourages more women to become directly involved in any decision making.

Knowledge of rights in Cambodia is limited amongst poor rural communities, and PNKS is working with villagers and their councils to have a better understanding of their dues.

Land, forests, and water are a particular focus, as rights over these issues cause the most controversy.

Common problems are land grabbing, disputes over boundaries, water control, and people being evicted from their homes in forested areas, as the land is wanted for something else.

Livelihoods

Cambodia is a country where the majority of people are rice farmers, yet many cannot support their families for the whole year from their land. Half the under fives are stunted or underweight. PNKS is helping to develop more efficient farming techniques, including water harvesting , as there is a huge problem with droughts for part of the year.

They are also working to find other ways of people earning a living, including fish ponds. One of PNKS’s projects in 9 villages is helping to develop fish ponds and a dam, which will help 6,500 people have an alternative income to rice, improve their diet, and give everyone clean water..

Farms will be irrigated and health will improve. Ponds already exist in these villages but they are too shallow, and as a result dry up during the dry season. Each improved pond will produce approximately 3000kg of fish in just six months, providing a welcome alternative to rice. Pond committees will be established and trained to manage and maintain the ponds and the dams, ensuring a constant and clean water supply.

Another important area for PNKS is developing revolving village loan schemes, where women in particular are given the opportunity to start small businesses, with as little as US$25.00. These fledgling businesses range from tailoring and dressmaking to crafts, catering, hairdressing, beekeeping and veterinary services for livestock. From the outset the women are encouraged to form associations so that they can offer each other support and pool their resources and skills.

Women’s Literacy

Is another important area for PNKS, alongside innovative revolving village loan schemes, whereby women in particular are able to start small businesses, with as little as US$25. 00.

These fledgling businesses range from tailoring and dressmaking to crafts, catering, hairdressing, beekeeping and veterinary services for livestock.

From the outset the women are encouraged to form associations so that they can support one another, polling their skills and resources.