The Integrated Community Development Project in Chumkiri district of Kampot province (ICD-KP) is one of four ICD projects in provincial target areas which have been ongoing since 1994. There are various project activities taking place which contribute to the improvement of people’s livelihood and living conditions in 37 villages of the target areas in seven respective communes and these include capacity building, food security, non-formal education, health and sanitation, natural resources management and coordination between the commune council (CC) and the civil society organization (CSO).

According to results of external evaluations of ICD-KP project, it was found that the communities in Chumkiri district have enough capacity and knowledge to lead and manage their community by themselves. Therefore, on 23rd December 2011, DPA-KP celebrated a ceremony of handing over its project to two CBOs (Community Based Organisation) and five community agriculture cooperatives in Chhumkiri district. The ceremony was attended by the governor of board governor of Chumkiri district, deputy-director of provincial agriculture department, district council, director of district agriculture office, DPA staff and communities from Chumkiri district, totaling 202 participants (62 women).

Mr. Khiev Rithphorn, a governor of  board governor of Chumkiri district said “All the resources and budget which DPA directed to Chumkiri district have been extremely very valuable and our villagers have greatly benefitted from them. The most significant contribution, however, is the knowledge which DPA provided to us during its development work in 17 years ago and this will never be forgotten.”

Mr. Mam Sambath, Executive Director of DPA said “It is not easy to build the capacity of community leaders and members but their willingness to learn as well as their commitment and solidarity has been a key factor in their success. I am very proud of this achievement.

“The establishment of CBOs and community agricultural cooperatives is a challenging problem but the biggest challenge is continuity In the past, the community has only managed small projects in the village but they have now become an institution with high responsibilities.”

Although, DPA-KP has phased out from Chumkiri district, DPA will still continue to help and support those CBOs and community agricultural cooperatives.