The Government of Japan will provide US$209,197 in total for two recipient organizations under the framework, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE” Grant). The Grant Contracts were signed today between H.E. Mr. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of the two recipients respectively, to carry out the following projects.
1. ‘The Project for Construction of Bridge in Koul Commune, Prasat Sambour District, Kampong Thom Province’ (US$100,394)
Recipient: Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport
This grant will be used to replace the existing fragile wooden bridge with a new concrete bridge. During the rainy season, residents cannot cross the bridge, and they need to wait until the water level falls. Furthermore, vehicles cannot traverse the bridge, and the wait time tends to be long in the rush hour. It is expected to benefit over 13,000 local residents by allowing transportation of agricultural products as well as daily commutes of students and inhabitants to the nearest school, market and health center throughout the year. This aims to contribute to improving the residents’ standard of living in addition to the increased agricultural incomes of households.
2. ‘The Project for Strengthening of Poultry Farming Value Chain in Two Provinces of Cambodia’ (US$108,803)
Recipient: Heifer International Cambodia
In this project, poultry facilities with equipment will be installed and renovated for 17 poultry farmers in Kampong Chhnang and Siem Reap. These direct beneficiaries will also receive technical assistance from Heifer International Cambodia as well as agricultural cooperatives.
Acquired skills and knowledge will be passed on to other agricultural cooperative members, and part of revenues generated in this project will be spent to build more poultry facilities. As a result, a total of 56 agricultural cooperative members in Kampong Chhnang and 227 in Siem Reap will be equipped with techniques for safe and efficient poultry farming, hygiene practices as well as management skills. By strengthening poultry farming value chain, farmers’ incomes are expected to increase.
Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 in order to support Cambodia’s reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The assistance aims to protect those who are vulnerable due to various factors such as poverty and/or misfortunes that directly threaten their lives, livelihood, and dignity, as well as to promote self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over US$66 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 705 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.