A Safer Harvest, New Economic Opportunities

In a rural village in Battambang, Mean Hing, 43, now begins his mornings in the rice fields without the fear that once shaped daily life for his family.

Seeking better farmland, Mean moved with his family in 2000 from Russey Kraing commune in Moung Russey district to Kouk Roka village, Koas Krala district, Battambang province. Today, he and his wife, Chhoeum Channoeun, 41, are raising their three children there.

But the move did not bring the security they had expected. Landmines lay hidden across rice fields, streambanks, and farmland. Explosions claimed the lives of villagers and livestock, and the persistent threat made Mean consider leaving.

The situation began to improve when mine clearance operations reached the village. Through the Clearing for Results Phase IV project, funded by the Governments of Australia, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and UNDP, together with the Royal Government of Cambodia, more than 182 km² of contaminated land was cleared and released for safe use, creating new economic opportunities for families and reaching more than 364,000 people, including over 178,000 women and girls.

“After the mine clearance, we no longer have to worry about the dangers like before, and we were able to grow rice, cassava, and cashew nuts,” Mean said. He explained that as more land became safe, he expanded his rice fields, increasing production over time.

“This improvement allowed us to send our children for further education. Before, we did not earn much because our production was limited and only enough for food. Now, we produce enough to sell and make a profit.”

Income from selling crops helped the family cover daily expenses and invest in their future. One son completed Grade 12 and is now studying pedagogy in Pursat province. The family built a larger home, purchased a motorbike and a rotavator, and began raising cows.