Earning a Living at Home, at Last
No one wants to have to emigrate to earn enough money to sustain a much-missed family back home, but sometimes a person has few alternatives. Mr. Sun did that, and after 10 years of hard work and homesickness, he’s home again, this time earning a sustainable income in agriculture.
Because of the lack of jobs in his community and his responsibility to pay for his children’s schooling, he had to leave his home country in his 40s to work in a chemical fertilizer plant in Thailand. Like countless others in his position, his remittances fulfilled his obligations but made for a bleak existence for him so far from home. The last straw was when he realized his strength would eventually give out and so would the income.
Mr. Sun made up his mind to go back home about eight years ago when his family told him about an opportunity, offered by local partner OREDA, to join an agriculture producer group. He started studying farming techniques presented by various sources, like farmer teachers and Community Agriculture Business Advisors. He learned ways to enhance soil fertility, make his own organic fertilizers, and grow vegetables.
Now in his 60s, he’s making a good living selling his produce at village, district and provincial markets thanks to his involvement with producer group leaders and local buyers. He’s always looking for ways to diversify his crops and income stream. Being with his family brings him joy, as does his membership in the producer group that learns and progresses together as a community.
“I have dedicated myself fully to agricultural activities and business. What I earn is comparable to what I made in Thailand. However, I am happier because I am with my family, my physical and mental health are better, and I am involved in the community. I am confident that both my family’s income and our community’s well-being will continue to improve as our market linkages get stronger,” said Mr. Sun. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to live a happy, fulfilling, sustainable life at home.”
Cambodia South Program
Led by World Renew and Local Partners Khmer Angka for Development of Rural Areas (KADRA) and Occupation of Rural Economic Development and Agriculture (OREDA)