Phnom Penh: The Government of Japan has committed US$828,546 to three organizations in Cambodia under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE” Grant). The grant contracts were signed by H.E. Mr. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and representatives from the recipient organizations, supporting the following initiatives:
Mine Clearance in Northwestern Cambodia (US$515,060) Recipient: Cambodian Mine Action Centre This grant will fund the enhancement of mine clearance efforts through the deployment of AI-based mine action software. Landmines pose a threat to areas under development for agriculture, tourism, and industrial purposes, particularly in Pursat, Kampong Thom, and Siem Reap provinces. The project aims to secure a safer environment for around 20,000 residents across these provinces by clearing landmines from 0.96 square kilometers.
Construction of Ping Pong Primary School in Battambang (US$88,900) Recipient: Battambang Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sport A new five-room school building, complete with furniture, will be constructed at Ping Pong Primary School in Borvel District, Battambang Province. The existing wooden structure and furnishings are in disrepair, hindering students' learning. This initiative seeks to enhance the learning environment, benefiting approximately 166 students by improving educational quality.
Improvement of Cashew Nut Post-Harvest Operations in Ratanakiri (US$224,586) Recipient: Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries The grant will fund the construction of warehouses and drying yards, and the installation of moisture testers and grading machines for 4 Agricultural Cooperatives in Ratanakiri Province. Currently, the absence of proper storage and processing facilities forces farmers to sell raw cashew nuts at low prices during the harvest season. This project aims to support approximately 200 farmers across 4 districts by enhancing the cashew nut value chain and improving their incomes.
Since its inception in Cambodia in 1991, Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects have aimed to support the country's grassroots-level reconstruction and development. The initiative focuses on protecting vulnerable populations from poverty and misfortune while promoting community self-reliance. To date, the Japanese Government has contributed over US$69 million to fund 691 KUSANONE projects across Cambodia.
