Overview
Improving income
Angkor Mikroheranhvatho Kampuchea (AMK), Concern's local subsidiary, provides poor families with small loans so that they can invest in small businesses such as raising pigs and chickens, growing vegetables, developing small businesses and building wells. Without AMK, farmers are forced to borrow from their relatives or high-interest moneylenders.
The award-winning programme originated with Concern’s community development programme in Cambodia in 1993. With new federal regulations in 2004, AMK became a separate company licensed by the Cambodian central bank. AMK now includes 29 districts, 185 communes and 928 villages. In 2005, AMK lent nearly $2.5 million to more than 36,000 people. Most of the loans were less than $50 (US) and 99% of them were repaid on time.
In 2005, AMK received the Global Financial Transparency Award, a highly coveted recognition from the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, a World Bank subsidiary. The award recognizes a high degree of compliance with international accounting and financial reporting standards.
Sustainable forestry practices
Working with Cambodian NGOs, government departments, and communities in 2005, Concern’s community forestry programme totalled 73 forests serving more than 10,000 families in three provinces, Kompong Cham, Kompong Chhnang and Pursat. The programme encourages sustainable forest management and public access, especially for poor families who depend on forest resources for food, traditional medicine, and construction materials.
Improving access to food
Food security in Cambodia has improved over the last five years. However, drought and floods continue to disrupt food production. In 2005, Concern helped 6,709 families affected by severe food shortages brought on by a brief rainy season in 2004. Concern and its partners, with the World Food Program, distributed food to 4,378 families in Kompong Cham, Kompong Chhnang and Pursat provinces. Another 2,331 families received food aid through local NGOs and Commune Councils supported by Concern. Underscoring its commitment to food security, the Cambodian government formed a task force in 2004 to promote integration of food security and nutrition in local and government planning.
Reducing food shortages
Concern responded to high levels of rural poverty in four provinces, (Kompong Cham, Kompong Chhnang, Pursat, and Siem Reap), by working with communities, civil society and local governments to provide sustainable income for 9,525 families in 2005. In two provinces, as many as 10% of participants reported fewer food shortages as a result of various activities, including raising pigs and chickens, growing vegetables, and starting small businesses and building wells.
