Policy Talk

Empowering Resilience: Climate Adaptation Through Cash Transfers – Insights from Coastal Cambodia

On 20 December 2024, Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Partners, the National Institute of Social Affairs in collaboration with Advocacy and Policy Institute and Fisheries Action Coalition Team, concluded their dissemination workshop on their research findings on “Climate Change Adaptation Through A Cash-Transfer Program (CTP) in Cambodia – Empirical Experiences from Coastal Communities” in Phnom Penh.

This workshop has gathered around nearly 70 participants including government officials at the national and subnational level, representatives from Australian Embassy to Cambodia and The Asia Foundation, local communities from Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk, and Koh Kong provinces, teachers and students.

The discussions highlighted that cash transfer programs empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and marginalised communities, by enhancing their financial autonomy and fostering inclusivity. These programs also build adaptive capacity by combining financial support with training and resources, equipping households with the skills needed to address climate challenges. Crucially, community involvement in program design and implementation ensures these initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of beneficiaries, enhancing their effectiveness and relevance.

To enhance cash transfer programs for climate adaptation in coastal Cambodia, key recommendations include providing educational programs on climate risks, empowering households to utilise funds effectively, expanding targeting criteria to include at-risk groups, fostering collaboration among stakeholders for cohesive action, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness.

Stay tuned for what is next after this important research study!

The Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund supports local initiatives by addressing specific local issues through collaboration between civil society organisations and local authorities.

The Ponlok Chomnes Innovation Fund is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian Embassy, Cambodia) and through The Asia Foundation‘s Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia program.