A new climate program funded by Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) has been initiated to assist rural households in Cambodian provinces in improving food security in the age of climate change.  

Three years ago, Hun Bunra was just a rank-and-file staff member pushing paper work at a local department in Kampong Speu. Today, he sees himself as an “advisor” quite equipped with ability to teach other provincial employees like himself how to monitor and evaluate their work. “It is important to pass on the knowledge to others” to benefit both their personal and professional development, he said.

When he was asked to try new rice seeds thought to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, Cambodian farmer Sorn San had some doubts. After consulting with his wife, he, however, decided to allocate two 100-square-metre plots in his paddy field to plant the new seeds in July 2010.

The poverty level has continued to decline nationwide in Cambodia. But at the local levels, progress toward achieving each of the Cambodia Millennium Development Goals (CMDGs) varies significantly. For example, one province may score “green” under one goal but remains in the “red” under another.

Strengthening local governance through regional experience sharing: Cambodian officials visit Indonesia to learn best practices In Indonesia, local governments enjoy substantial authority to carry out their jobs. They collect their own revenues through local taxation, which, with the support of additional funds from the central government and development partners, allows them to deliver public services effectively. The central government has strong political will in reforming public administration, including combating corruption, to improve the well-being of the Indonesian citizens.