Only 360€ per week!
Agriculture Development Project
Samraong - Cambodia
Be part of an Agri-Tech learning center, engaging in locals about the importance of sustainable alternative technologies and farming practices.
With a strong focus on rural entrepreneurship, the goal of this program is to allow young people of rural communities to reverse the general trend in agriculture and show them that a rural economy can be thriving and help them provide for their families.
Program
Living
Samraong
Cambodia
Program Description
Cambodia is predominantly an agricultural country in which the majority of people are farmers. However, there is very little knowledge when it comes to the science and art of cultivating plants and livestock. As such, it is important for locals to seek and develop agricultural partnerships that increases their resources available to them more efficiently.
Green Shoots Foundation (an international NGO) in collaboration with CIDO (Community-Based Integrated Development Organisation) are spear-heading an agricultural skills training program at a local agricultural training center in Samraog, Cambodia.
This center will provide a free training course on not only the importance of how agriculture plays a vital role in the backbone of this country, but also the use of sustainable farming practices as a way of bettering both current and future generations. The center is also the place to show all trainees and other farmers all vegetables or crops they would like to plant. For the locals, the central aim they would like to benefit from attending these training lessons will be the opportunity to continue sustainable farming practices on their own. With renewed experiences and knowledge, the villagers will be able to start planting their own vegetables at home.
This project takes place in a dedicated project site 5 -6 km outside of our accommodation building. As such, you will need to cycle (15 – 20 mins) to and from our accommodation in order to join the week-long program. The main activities are training local farmers and youth on agriculture from Monday to Friday from 0:800 till 17:00 in the afternoon. You will be expected to have a keen interest in outdoor gardening and basic building work. You must also be willing to work in the sun, not be too scared of insects and bugs and engage in some heavy lifting. For most tasks you shall be with a local person. These key people who have extensive background in agriculture and project management will be your guide in deciding tasks or a project to complete.
All meals are provided at our accommodation. During your lunch break, you have the option to consume your packed-lunch on site or go by bike back to the accommodation site.
Additionally, this program will give you the chance to experience the authentic countryside of Cambodia by living amongst locals and helping out the villagers on their farms.
Aims & Objectives
- Provide access to vocational training in horticulture, integrated farming and other sustainable farming practices and sustainable technology
- Improve practical application of rural development skills in-line with environmental preservation
- Enhance the capacity of young farmers for enterprise development
Schedule
Monday to Friday
A typical day during this program may look like this:
- Breakfast
- Join the training session with an introduction to integrated farming
- Join the construction at the center and engage in land preparation
- Engage in a personal project: workshop and group work
- Lunch
- Make a model of crops or vegetable beds
- Visit some local families who are working with vegetables
- Help the families with their daily vegetable work
- Prepare Earth block mixture (clay) and materials for binding
- Dinner
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: 18
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
- A certain level of fitness
- Must know how to ride a bike
Additional Equipment
- Modest clothing (long sleeves and long pants offer the best protection when working outdoors, at the minimum- clothing should cover knees and shoulders)
- Please bring work gloves, work shoes or boots, water bottle, hat and sun protection.
Location
Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. You will be located in a small, rural village located in the outskirts of town. This remote location will give you a taste of what rural Cambodia looks and feels like, while at the same time allowing you to explore some of Cambodia’s highlights, as Siem Reap is located only two hours away.
About the Accommodation
The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost.
All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed.
There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!
For participants desiring more comfort and/or privacy, families, couples, and more mature participants, we recommend upgrading to a comfort room. These rooms have more amenities and may be in a different location than the standard rooms, which means that it may be noticeably quieter.
Food Arrangements
Prepare your palate! During your stay the meals will be typical Cambodian style, which includes plenty of rice and noodle dishes. On a few occasions there may be meat, but generally speaking there is no western food served. Vegetarian options are available..
Facilities
There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank. There are numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 – 15 minute bike ride or walk.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
There is a nearby park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time.
Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Participants often opt to head there during the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat and more!
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Siem Reap
- Kampot
- Banteay Chhmar
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Population: 15.14
Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Time zone: UTC +7
Country Information
Once known as the Khmer empire, Cambodia is perhaps best known for its monumental temples, especially that of Angkor Wat – finalist in the election of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2006. It is without doubt a country of incredible beauty, scattered with these temples, fertile rice fields and a rich and interesting history. For this reason it is unsurprising that Cambodia has taken a firm place on the tourist map. Having been a protectorate of France for almost 100 years, the country gained its independence in 1953. Following this however, Cambodia experienced years of civil war, turmoil and political corruption, as well as suffering from its involvement in the Vietnam war.
Despite holding this dark history, Cambodia really is an extraordinary country and has prevailed due to what has been described as the unbreakable spirit of the Cambodian people. The people here are known for their friendliness and their smiles.
Climate
Cambodia has monsoon climate with temperatures ranging from 21°C – 35°C (The average year-round temperature is 27.7°C). Its monsoon season spans from May – October, whilst dry season lasts from November to December . Dry season is the most popular time to visit however rainy season can be incredibly beautiful in Cambodia due to the richer colours that it causes. The rain also can help to make temperatures more pleasant. Post-monsoon season is also a favourite time to visit because of the stunning green countryside
Whilst temperatures do not vary hugely, during the winter the northern parts of the country can be colder.
Culture
Buddhism is an important aspect of Khmer cultural and is practiced by 95% of the Cambodian population.
Gastronomy
In true Asian style, the staple food in Cambodia is rice whilst fish from the Mekong river plays another major part in Khmer cuisine. You can also expect to find use of noodles, soups, stir-fries, curries and salads and so there is something to suit everyone’s taste. The french colonial influence can even be seen in the use of toasted baguette with Cambodian red curry.
It has to be said that the Cambodian cuisine is relatively unknown compared to that of Thailand and Vietnam.
Transportation
Taxi
Taxis are becoming increasingly popular in Cambodia however there are still very few metered taxis, especially anywhere outside of Phnom penh.
Cyclo
This are a cheap and practical way to get around in towns/cities. In Phnom Penh, drivers can be flagged down on main roads or found waiting around markets and hotels. You should expect to bargain and set a price before the journey.
Moto
Motorcycle taxis are a quick and cheap way to get around in a city. Prices may rise at night and like the cyclo, you should expect to bargain and agree on a price before the journey. It should be noted that Cyclo/moto drivers may speak little to no English.
Rotei Ses
Cart rides are common in the more remote/rural parts of Cambodia
Bus
Whilst Cambodia has no train service, buses provide a good alternative for the longer distance journeys/ travel into neighbouring countries.
Flight
Commercial flights connect the main tourist areas in Cambodia
