Water Resource Management and Agro-Ecological Transition in Cambodia (WAT4CAM)

The project, funded by AFD, aims at enhancing Cambodia’s irrigation infrastructure, water management, and climate-resilient agriculture, fostering sustainability and improving farmer livelihoods.

The WAT4CAM program, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) with a €55 million loan and an additional €11.5 million grant from the European Commission, aims to strengthen Cambodia’s agricultural resilience and water management in the face of climate change. AFD, under a delegation agreement with the European Commission, oversees the financial management of the project.

Phase 1 of the program is designed to support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) investment in irrigation infrastructure, ensuring farmers secure access to water while improving climate resilience. The program also assists the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM) with capacity building in Irrigation and Social Water Management (ISWM) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), leveraging satellite-based hydro-meteorological technology.

Additionally, the initiative supports the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) in promoting sustainable agricultural intensification, using modern irrigation infrastructure to disseminate climate-smart practices that enhance soil fertility, crop yields, and carbon storage.

The WAT4CAM program is divided into four components:

Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructures
Improvement of Irrigation Management
Support to Water Resources Monitoring and Management
Promotion of Innovative Farming Practices and Strengthening the Rice Value Chain

This multifaceted approach aims to increase agricultural productivity, improve water management, and support Cambodia’s adaptation to climate change.

Learn more about WAT4CAM project here.