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Empowering Communities: Fostering Engagement through Meaningful Dialogue
By Dr. Sam Chanthy, NISA and Mr. Sim Oeurn, API
The National Institute of Social Affairs (NISA), the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API), and the Fisheries Coalition Action Team (FACT) organised a community engagement event to validate the findings of the research titled “Climate Change Adaptation Through Cash Transfer Program (CTP) – Empirical Evidence from Coastal Cambodia.” This initiative, funded by The Asia Foundation through the Ponlok Chomnes II: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program, took place in Kampot Province on October 10, 2024. The validation process involved reviewing and evaluating several key aspects of the research report, including the research design and methodology, data quality and accuracy, analysis and interpretation, results and findings, sources of information and references, as well as ethical considerations. Validating the research report is an essential step to ensure that the findings and conclusions are trustworthy, reliable, and valuable for decision-making, policy development, and further research.
This validation meeting served as an effective model for community dialogue within the social research process. It was a crucial opportunity for community members, local authorities, and other stakeholders to come together and share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences. This platform allowed them to provide feedback and personal stories, amplifying their voices and demands for action. By sharing their challenges, community members could hold stakeholders accountable for addressing climate change impacts and to voice their economic needs. The gathering fostered a sense of ownership among community members, as they helped validate research findings and provided their stamp of approval. This promoted a more inclusive system where community concerns were heard and acknowledged. Community members who had been interviewed during the field data collection were invited back to hear the researchers’ consolidated findings based on their input. Participants confirmed the study results through both plenary and group discussions, and the feedback on the process was overwhelmingly positive. For example, during the discussion and plenary sessions, participants unanimously agreed that 100 percent of the research findings were accurate and expressed that the presentation was both useful and informative.
In addition to community stakeholders, provincial officials involved in the CTP and climate change initiatives also attended. They had the opportunity to hear the findings and contribute their perspectives. Feedback helped to ground the findings with the realities of what is happening in the communities. For example, an official from the provincial disaster management committee noted that the study could not conclude that the Early Warning System (EWS) was ineffective, as the system itself functions well. He pointed out that the main challenge is the low number of subscribers, which limits community awareness of its benefits. This feedback was deemed valid, and the research team incorporated it into their final report.
Despite the successful organization of the engagement, there were notable lessons learned from this dialogue model. To improve on this model in the future, more time should be allocated to discussions. Additionally, more intentionality should be placed on ensuring that community participants can share their thoughts. The aim was to create a space where they felt comfortable to express themselves. However, many participants came from poor households and were not accustomed to formal gatherings, which made it challenging for them to speak up. The dialogue was designed with the thought that the community members would speak freely, but the model did not always encourage free and open discussion. Nevertheless, during small group discussions, some participants engaged well and shared their insights.
In light of the challenges mentioned, it is recommended that organizers extend the meeting to a full day, dedicating the afternoon session for participants to actively share and exchange their stories. Additionally, incorporating more energizers or icebreakers can help keep participants engaged and create a sense of community.
The validation of the research findings provided a unique opportunity for disadvantaged groups, particularly those from ID Poor I and II households, to engage in dialogue. These individuals often have limited access to formal gatherings, making this event a vital platform for them to hear, learn, and share their experiences with others. Overall, the engagement not only validated the research but also fostered community involvement and empowerment.
Mr. Tola Maen, a 34-year-old fisherman from Trapaeng Sangkaer village, Toek Chhou district, Kampot province, vividly recalls the day his family was classified as ID Poor I in 2016. He noticed that the validation session was useful for him to learn and gain a better understanding from the researcher and other participants. “I am very happy to be invited to this meeting. I learned a lot and met new people who have similar climate and livelihood challenges,” he said. With his ID Poor Card, he has been receiving regular cash transfers through Cambodia’s CTP via Wing Bank. These funds have been critical in supporting his family’s daily needs, especially as they face increasing challenges posed by climate change.
“The Cash Transfer Program has improved my livelihood significantly,” Mr. Tola shared during an interview. “With the money, I’ve been able to pay for my three children’s education, buy food, and even purchase fishing nets, which have helped me continue working despite erratic weather patterns.” His story is echoed by many in Cambodia’s coastal provinces, where the CTP has been a vital safety net for poor households. According to a study by the National Institute of Social Affairs (NISA), the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API), and FACT, 96% of beneficiaries use the funds to meet their daily food needs, and 43% invest part of the money in their children’s education.
Living in a region highly vulnerable to climate impacts, Mr. Tola explained how the cash transfers have allowed his family to adapt. “I used the funds to buy a fishing net, which helped us maintain our income even as storms and droughts became more frequent. The cash also covered medical expenses, ensuring my family’s health is looked after,” he added. The study highlights how the CTP supports households in coastal communities to build resilience against climate shocks by providing a stable source of income for essential needs like healthcare and livelihood investments.
Similarly, Mrs. Mab Soeurn, a 52-year-old resident of Damnak Chambok village, Ou Krasa commune, Kep municipality, in Kep province, has found relief through the CTP since she became eligible for ID Poor I status in 2021. “The cash transfers have helped my family tremendously. We’ve been able to buy food, pay for my children’s English classes, and access health services without charge,” Mrs. Mab shared. The study reports that 46% of beneficiaries use the funds for healthcare, illustrating the program’s role in improving access to essential services for Cambodia’s most vulnerable families.
The community engagement was a successful event, particularly in allowing the most marginalized groups, specifically Poor I and II households, to hear the results of their interviews and validate the stories collected from their communities. These households that are experiencing the effects of climate change, are able to address some of their most pressing needs through the cash transfer program in Cambodia. All expected participants attended and actively engaged during the presentations, group discussions, and plenaries.
As a follow-up, the final report will be sent back to the commune offices where the selected households are located, ensuring that key findings and insights are shared with the community.
Key lessons learned from this dialogue are the importance of inviting the right audience, including both community members and relevant provincial officials; and the need for community-friendly presentations and discussions to ensure everyone can understand the information and findings, empowering them to voice their thoughts and concerns.