Phnom Penh, 5 August 2022 (TDI): U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced a $25 million USAID (U.S Agency for International Development) award in Cambodia to improve food security and nutrition.
At the Agribusiness Showcase, I announced a new $25 million food security program in Cambodia. This new program showcases our continued efforts, through @FeedTheFuture and @USAID programming, to address the food insecurity crisis threatening Southeast Asia. pic.twitter.com/fvPf6gDQ4K
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 4, 2022
At a crucial time when a food insecurity crisis confronts Southeast Asia, Antony Blinken announced a new USAID-led Feed the Future project called “Harvest III” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Through the involvement of the private sector, the initiative will assist Cambodia’s economic development and food security. It will work on generating greater employment opportunities, diversifying diets, and enhancing the well-being of Cambodians, particularly women, young people, and marginalized groups.
In addition, more than 60% of Cambodians reside in rural areas and rely on forestry, agriculture, and fishing for a living. These rural Cambodians are especially vulnerable to climatic shocks, such as temperature shifts, modifications to rainfall patterns, and extreme weather occurrences
Henceforth, 45 percent of Cambodians, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, experience moderate to severe food insecurity.
Objectives of the Harvest III project
Harvest III is a five-year up to $25 million project that promotes inclusive, sustainable development growth by aiming to modernize and diversify Cambodia’s agricultural industry.
While also assisting farmers in growing and marketing their products more effectively, the initiative will connect them to new buyers and markets that were previously inaccessible to rural communities.
Additionally, the activity will support families in strengthening their resistance to the current global food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis and escalating climate risks.
Climate change is ravaging communities in Cambodia that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. This new funding will support farmers with innovative techniques for growing food – helping build a more resilient future in the face of climate shocks. https://t.co/yDet8MNtJk
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) August 4, 2022
Demographics of the preceding food security initiatives
Previously, Harvest II (2017-2022) generated $28 million in new private sector investments. Also, it produced more than 2,500 new jobs and assisted in developing 140 new agricultural products for domestic and international markets, resulting in over $75 million in additional sales.
Likewise, Harvest III will bud on these successes, as it is built on its predecessor’s results.
Demographically, through the USAID-led Feed the Future Initiative, U.S. agricultural investments have helped 200,000 farmers in Cambodia. The assistance has increased the output and sales of fruits, vegetables, rice, and fish since 2010.
Along with that, improved, diversified diets have resulted in a 10% decrease in childhood stunting over the past eight years.
Subsequently, Harvest III underscores the U.S commitment to enhancing food security and fostering economic growth with the assistance of the private sector. It will further promote climate-smart, sustainable farming techniques that will enhance the lives of rural Cambodians for many years to come.
 award in Cambodia...See more){kind=link}