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Lifting One Family at a Time out of Poverty

Mrs. En Bopha, 38, and her husband Khiev Klo, 43, worked hard producing rice on 1.5 hectares, or about 4 acres, of land to feed their daughter and two sons. Rice was the main source of income for her family. However, the rice yield couldn't support the household for the entire year. Bopha tried to raise pigs and chicken for additional income, but failed due to a lack of knowledge and technique in animal husbandry and management. In order to support the family, her husband had to migrate to the city during the dry season to search for work. He returned home every two months, bringing with him a small wage that was not enough to support the family. Bopha had no vision of what her family would achieve in the future and she felt no hope their living condition would change.

In September, 2007, when the Heifer-funded Community Empowerment for Poverty Reduction project was introduced in Sandout village, Svay Rieng province, in partnership with Cambodian Family Economic Development (CFED), Bopha and her husband decided to join the project and Self-Help Group (SHG). “The first things I was fascinated by when my husband and I attended the training were the Cornerstones. They are close to my heart; they are the mental support to me and the foundation of my knowledge, showing me a right path to the future,” Bopha said. “Moreover, the Heifer project provided me the knowledge on bookkeeping management, group management, facilitation skills, animal husbandry and farming techniques.”

As a part of the Heifer project, Bopha received a heifer, horticulture seeds and other agriculture equipment as tools for improving her family’s living condition. Her husband stopped migrating to the city in search of work, and committed to putting these resources into practice. Applying

simple techniques gained from the training, her family has raised healthy pigs and chicken from which the family earns 1.8 million Riels, or $450, per year. With a loan from the group fund, to which she contributes each month, her family started growing sugar cane on their unused 0.9 hectare, or about 2.5 acres, of land. Within three years, her family was able to save money to buy 1.5 hectares of rice land to enhance rice productivity in addition to her 1.5 hectares by using the Heifer-provided cow to plow the rice paddy. Now, the rice yield can support the family through the entire year with 600 kilograms, or about 1,300 pounds, of surplus to sell.

"I felt lonely when working in the cities because I stayed far away from my children and wife. I always thought of them," Khiev Klo said. "But because of support from the Heifer project, I no longer migrate to work it the city, because I have stable job at my farm and am able to stay with my family, helping my wife take care of the children and do household chores. I can make 3 million Riels, or $750, from selling sugar cane every year."

Recently, the family extended 0.25 hectare, or about half an acre, of unused land for growing subsidiary crops for home consumption and additional income. For income diversification, the family also produces palm sugar from which they can earn 3.5 million Riels, or $875 per year. With an improved income, Bopha can now afford her children's study materials and school fee. She was able to buy three bicycles for their transportation to school. She also plans to send them to continue their studies after they finish high school.

After joining the project's Self-Help Group, Bopha has more opportunities to interact not only with the group members, but also with the community, sharing her ideas and experiences, in particular, how practicing the 12 Cornerstones in her

family’s daily life led to success. Because she is an active member in the group, dedicating her time to group work, the members selected her as treasurer while her capacity was built by the project. She passed on a heifer and other resources to other needy families in the community.

As a model family, CFED invited her as a speaker to share her success story and her leadership role at a Community Forum which was held in her village. Community members, representative from other NGOs and local authorities attended the forum. Other issues occurring in the community were also raised for appropriate solution during the forum.

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