Sustainable livelihood through improving ecosystem in mangrove area

 
Site of a new integrated farming system to improve sustainable mangrove management in Tuol Kuoki

Site of a new integrated farming system to improve sustainab ... , Tuol Kuoki, Cambodia © MFF/CPA, 2015

Objectives

The goal of the project contribute to improve the living conditions of the Tuol Kouki Community Protected Area (CPA) as well as sustainably manage of mangrove ecosystem.

The specific objectives are:

  • Increased and diversified agricultural production through resilient agriculture innovations in Toul Kouki CPA areas
  • Improved capacity of CPA communities and local governments to respond to mangrove ecosystem areas   

Background

The community of Tuol Kuoki depend on fishing and harvesting mangrove forest resources for their livelihood. However, unsustainable wood harvesting for charcoal production and illegal fishing activities threaten the sustainability of natural resources in the area. There is a need to conserve the existing mangrove forest and nearby marine resources in order to protect the livelihood interests of the community in the long term. In this light, the Tuol Kuoki Community Protect Area will be the pilot site for introducing alternative livelihood activities and natural resource management capacity building. 

Target beneficiaries

Residents of the Tuol Kuoki Community Protection Area 

Outputs

At the end of the project, the following results are expected:

  1. Alternative livelihood activities (including poultry farming, vegetable garden raising, rice intensification system) are introduced to 15 farmer beneficiaries;
  2. Natural resource conservation activities (including raising awareness about mangrove conservation; fishery by-laws; and organizational leadership) are conducted with community members, community protected area committees, and local authorities. 

Accomplishments and challenges

Accomplishments

  • Once depending on the fishing activities for household support, alternatives to fishing through the application of integrated farming system are being taken by local farmers.
  • Household income for the project beneficiaries after their involvement in the project has increased against the baseline income.
  • Several training course and awareness programs about chicken raising, vegetable growing, SRI, law of protect area, law of fishery, exchange visit and awareness disaster, climate change, gender equity and equality to villagers in these 4 villages. The project beneficiaries well understand about the theory (knowledge gains) and were able to practice the integrated farming system.
  • Water-efficient drip irrigation system was introduced for the first time to local people. Several people started implementing this system.
  • More time was spent on the integrated farming system with time being reduced in going to the wild. Local behavior has changed as they were courageous to speak out about the development work, livelihoods and the natural resources.
  • Local farmers have been connected to line provincial department of agriculture for future support and intervention beyond the project life.

Challenges

  • Some disasters such as droughts, storms and higher temperature are impeding factors discouraging more people from getting involved in integrated farming system.
  • The numbers of participants trained didn’t apply what they had learned from the training course because some of them migrated to provinces/capital and Thailand to find jobs. 

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

Climate change

Drip irrigation system using less water was introduced to local farmers to test the system in response to droughts and scarcity of water in the village. It seems that it is really working well.

Gender integration

Women were engaged in crop cultivation productivity ranging from the preparatory and harvesting stages of the products. Women play a crucial role in caring and selling crops. 

Land tenure/property

This project encouraged local farmers who have available pieces of land surrounding the housing to make the best use of those pieces of land for crop cultivation for subsistence consumption and additional household income.  The project ensured that local farmers would not clear forested lands to expand the size of their agricultural land. 

Lessons Learned

  • Water-efficient drip irrigation system for vegetable growing introduced by the project can be a good model for other local farmers and can be replicated at the community and regional levels among MFF country members;
  • Integrated farming system (chickens + vegetables) provides more than single source of household income (100USD-600USD for six months) and consumption.
  • Men and women were equally engaged in the implementation of system from the preparation to sales stage.
  • Providing opportunities to women in managing and leading positions through all the processes of the project was very beneficial. Women became more confident, dared to speak out and were central in decision making regarding development work.
  • Good cooperation and consultation with relevant stakeholders and local authorities improved accountability and ownership.
  • Building good relationship with local authorizes and seeking collaboration and support from line department at the provincial level in the implementation of project activities were very important for the success. 

Project Facts

Country

Location

Tuol Kouki leu, Tuol Koukikroum, Koh Chak and Tachat, Tuol kouki commune, Mondol Seima district, Koh Kong province

Topic

Duration

1st May 2015 to 30th Apr 2016

MFF Grant Amount

KHR 100,000,000

Implementing Partner

Research and Human Resource Development

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