Credit: DCA\LWD Rapid Assessment Report May 2016. Photo from Prey Veng village, Prambei Mom commune,
Thpong district, Kampong Speu
Synthesis Report of NGO Drought Assessments
in Cambodia:
by Participant Organisations of the Humanitarian
Response Forum (HRF)
May 2016
2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 2
Acronyms 3
1. Executive Summary 4
2. Objective of the Report 6
3. Methodology and Report Limitations 6
4. Situation Overview 8
5. Findings and Observations 10
5.1 Affected areas and Priority Needs 10
5.2 Snapshot of Sectoral Findings 12
5.3 Coping Strategies 19
6. Response to Date 20
6.1 Government Response 20
6.2 HRF Participant Organisations’ Response 21
7. Conclusion and Recommendations 24
8. Annexes 26
Report compiled by Sharon Moynihan Hill
3
Acronyms
CARE CARE International in Cambodia
CHF Cambodia Humanitarian Forum
CWS Church World Service
DCA Danish Church Aid
DCDM District Committee for Disaster Management
FGM Focused Group Discussions
HEKS Hilfswerk der Evangelischenkirchen
HRF Humanitarian Response Forum
KII Key Informant Interviews
LWD Life with Dignity
MoEYS Ministry of Education Youth and Sport
MRD Ministry of Rural Development
NCDM National Committee for Disaster Management
PCDM Provincial Committee for Disaster Management
PDoA Provincial Department of Agriculture
PDoWRAM Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology
PIN People in Need
PoE Provincial Department of Education
PWD People with Disabilities
RGA Rapid Gender Assessment
WFP World Food Programme
WWH Welthungerhilfe
4
1. Executive Summary
The 2015-16 El Niño weather phenomenon has resulted in significantly less rainfall patterns,
warmer weather and delayed or shorter monsoon rains in Cambodia. The Royal Government
of Cambodia declared that 18 of Cambodia’s 25 provinces have been severely affected by
drought, impacting 2.5 million people1.
In response to the drought, 11 NGO’s that are participants of the Cambodian Humanitarian
Response Forum (HRF) undertook rapid assessments during April and May 2016 across 18
provinces and 59 districts in Cambodia2. 9 assessment reports were submitted from Action
Aid, CARE, CHF, CARE/Save/PIN, DCA/LWD, Plan International (+ WHH), Samaritan’s
Purse, Save the Children and HEKS. Other data/Information was submitted from CWS and
World Vision. This report is a compilation of the NGO assessment reports.
Findings from the assessment reports align with the National Committee for Disaster
Management’s (NCDM) estimation that at least 50% of districts have been affected by the
drought. Localised pockets of need were found that are affecting the most insecure
communities particularly in Banteay Meanchay, Battambang, Koh Kong, Pursat, Prey Veng,
Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang Provinces.
The drought has had a significant impact on communities with crop damage and loss of
livelihoods negatively affecting poor subsistent farmers and small land holders. Low water
supplies have exacerbated poverty for many poor communities who depend on rivers and ponds
for irrigation. In many provinces, migration and debt have increased. Women, especially
pregnant and lactating women, are being particularly affected. Health centres have reported
increases in cases of illnesses to which children are vulnerable including diarrhea, fever, and
upper respiratory infections. The heat and lack of drinking water in schools is posing a threat
to children’s health and wellbeing. Children are also being left behind in the care of relatives
while their parents migrate for work.
The assessment reports demonstrate the urgent need for i) immediate emergency response to
the current drought situation ii) longer term impact assessments of the on-going drought3 iii)
prioritising preparedness response for upcoming La Niña or an extended drought iv)
strengthening of national emergency response mechanisms.
The following recommendations are provided in the final section of the report:
1 National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), April 2016. 2 See Figure 1 and 2 for more information. 3 Further information on longer term impact assessment being undertaken in June 2016 by WFP/FAO and UNICEF can be found
in Section 6.
5
Intervention
Duration Type Interventions
Short-Term
WASH Provide drinking water, water containers, cash to buy water, water filters and
Aqua tabs; Distribution of vouchers for water; Cash grants/vouchers to women to purchase water.
Livelihoods and
Food Security Provide cash grants to families most in need;
Health Provide Health Centres with medication to treat diarrhea with oral rehydration
zinc, skin and eye problems, and to maintain appropriate IV stocks; Provide Health Centres with water sources such as wells, water tanks, pumps,
filters and rain water collection devices, as well as solar power to maintain
service delivery; Provide latrines for men and women; Training to health center staff/pregnant/lactating mothers on hygiene and
breastfeeding during water scarcity.
Education Distribution of water for schools most in need; Provide water filters, purifiers and water containers, and electric fans for
classrooms;
Protection Awareness raising on child protection with communities and schools -
protecting themselves from harm while finding water sources from distant
places and latrines; Awareness raising on gender based violence with
communities for women that have to travel for water and/or work.
Short and Medium Term
Coordination Mechanisms
HRF members to use standard tools and therefore have one single assessment
report which includes qualitative and quantitative data to be able to provide a
comprehensive national picture and compare geographically and sectorally.
HRF Sector leads to continue to regularly exchange sector information in an
open and transparent manner; HRF members to coordinate at the provincial and district level in avoid
overlap and to advocate for increased support to be provided by the
Government for the drought.
Long-term (next 6
months
plus)
WASH Rehabilitate existing water sources and advocate for the development of new
water supply infrastructure (ponds, rain water harvesting systems etc.) for the
most affected villages; Raise awareness among men and women within
communities on maintaining water infrastructure and not letting it deteriorate;
Livelihoods and
Food Security Advocate for stronger focus on government spending for small-holder
agricultural infrastructure and water infrastructure (deep wells, etc.); Enhance
communication of early warning and forecasting to male and female farmers;
Health Raise awareness with men and women about hygiene and sanitation, how to
take care of separate needs during hot weather, and to educate men and
women about conserving water. Education Provide support to schools to increase their water storage capacity (water
tanks or otherwise), with digging wells, and repairing wells. Installing water
catchment will help deal with shortage when rains arrive; Construction of
more latrines for girls and boys and repair of latrines and hand washing
stations. Protection Ongoing monitoring of migration issues – linking long term assessment with
work by IOM; Awareness raising on child protection with communities and schools;
Awareness on gender based violence in households and against women who
travel further for water and/or work.
6
2. Objective of the Report
This report has been prepared at the request of HRF participant organisations with the support
of Save the Children Cambodia (See Consultancy ToR in Annex 1). The objective of the report
is to present an overview of the information submitted from NGO assessment teams in order
to: 1) gain a better understanding of the drought situation for HRF participant member
organisations to plan their individual interventions; and 2) provide HRF members with a
synthesized report to share with stakeholders.
3. Methodology and Report Limitations
The report is a compilation of rapid assessment reports by 11 NGOs collected before 20 May
2016 through their local partners on the drought situation in Cambodia. Assessments were
undertaken in 18 out of the 25 provinces in Cambodia: Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Otdar
Meanchey, Pursat, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Kratie, Battambang,
Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Koh Kong, Kampong Chhnang, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng and Tbong
Khmum, Kampot and Kampong Thom.
Figure 1: Provinces and districts where assessments were undertaken
# Province District Organisation
1 Banteay Meanchey
Svay Chek, ThmaPuok, Au Chrov CHF, Samaratan Purse and World
Vision
2 Battambang
Songke CHF
3 Kampong Chhang
Kampong Leaeng, Sameakki Mean Chey, Tuek Phos
PIN, Save the Children , CHF, HEKS
4 Kampong Speu
Kong Pisey, Boseth Thpong and Phnom Srouch
CHF, DCA/CA and LWD
5 Kampong Cham Korng Meas
Save the Children
6 Kampong Thom Baray, Steung Sen, Kampot Svay
Kg Svay Action Aid, CWS
7 Kampot Chhouk, Teukchou Action Aid
8 Kratie
Chhlong, Chit borey,
Sambo Save the Children, Samaritans Purse,
CHF, Action Aid
9 Koh Kong Koh Kong District KhemaraPhoumin, and Botom Sakor Sre Ambel
Save the Children, CARE and PIN
Action Aid
10 Mondulkiri Pechreada CARE
11 Oddar Meanchey,
Trapeang Prasat, Som Roung, Chong Kal, Krong Samroang Banteay
Ampil
Action Aid, CHF
7
12 Pursat
Bakan, Krakor, Kandieng PIN, Save the Children , CHF, Action
Aid
13 Prey Veng
Kampong Trabaek, Preah Sdach, Ba
Phnum, Svay Antor, Kamchay Mear,
Me Sang
Save the Children, CHF, CARE
14 Preah Vihear Rovieng , Choam Ksant Kuleaen Chhaeb
Save the Children, Action Aid, CWS
15 Ratanakiri
Ou Chum, Andoung Meas Borkeo district, Taveng District
Voeun Sai District
Plan International, WHH,
CHF, CARE
16 Siem Reap
Siem Reap, Krolanh, Varin, Angkor
Chom CHF
17 Stung Treng Siem Pang, Talaborivat, Krong Sturng Treng Siem Bok
Save the Children, Action Aid, Plan
International (WHH)
18 Tboung Khmum
Dambae and Krouch Chhmar
Save the Children
Figure 2: Map of provinces and districts of where NGO assessments were undertaken.
Field observations and findings were gathered from focus group discussions (FGD) with
community members (village chief and community committees). Key Informant Interviews
8
(KII) were undertaken with Provincial and District Departments of Education, Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries and Department of Water Resource and Meteorology, Department of
Rural Development, Health Centre Chiefs, Provincial and District Committee for Disaster
Management (PCDM/DCDM), Commune Committees for Women and Children and school
principals. KII’s were also undertaken with NGO Provincial/District Managers.
HRF standard assessment tools (KII and FGD) were recommended as a guidance for HRF
members undertaking assessments but was fully used by two4 organisations. All other agencies
used their own organisational questionnaires5 in which to collect specific data that reflect the
particular situation in their target province. NGO’s who undertook assessments raised their
own challenges including i) difficulties in identifying problem areas and ii) sample sizes were
quite small. As a variety of methods and tools were used by the participating NGOs for the
assessment reports, this report does not attempt to make geographical or sectoral comparisons.
The report therefore provides a snapshot of the prevailing conditions from NGO’s working on
the ground in some of the worst hit areas of Cambodia.
4. Situation Overview
The impact of the 2015-16 El Niño weather phenomenon in Cambodia and the South East Asia
Region has been one of the most intense and widespread in 50 years. La Niña, a weather
phenomenon that is forecast to follow this year’s El Niño, is expected to bring heavy rainfall
in August and September, which could result in floods in drought-affected areas, where the
dried out soil cannot adequately sustain heavy rainfall. The effects of El Niño include
significantly less rainfall patterns, warmer weather and delayed or shorter monsoon rains.
Between December 2015 to May 2016 Cambodia experienced a dry and hot climate,
particularly during April and May, when maximum temperatures reached up to 41 degrees
Celsius - about 1 degree higher than in 2015.
Figures 3: Land Surface Temperatures in April 2015 and April 2016
Figure 3 above show the difference in land surface temperatures from April 2015 to April 2016
as reported by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology at the 2016 Monsoon Forum.
9
WFP advised the HRF in April 2016 that temperatures from March to August 2016 will be
hotter than average by 1-3 degrees Celsius.
Impact of Drought Drought conditions have caused persistently low water levels in the major rivers in Cambodia.
For example, Figure 4 indicates the low water levels in Stung Treng province and Koh Khel
district in Kandal Province.
Figure 4: Stung Treng Province and Koh Khel District, Kandal Province. Figure sources from WFP May
2016
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, low water levels have led to a
loss of 17% in fish production and subsequent increase in fish prices4.
Figure 5 provides an overview of fish production and price fluctuations 2015-2016.
4 WFP Cambodia Presentation to HRF, April 2016
10
Figure 5: Fish Production 2015-2016. Figure Sourced from WFP May 2016
The main wet-season rice crop could be severely impacted if, as predicted, monsoon rains are
delayed until July or August. Figure 6, below, produced by the United Nation’s (UN) Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) reflects an average crop calendar for Cambodia when weather
conditions are consistent. Across the country 83% of farmers are reported to rely only on rain
to irrigate their farms5.
5. Findings and Observations
5.1 Affected areas and Priority Needs
Affected Areas Findings from the NGO reports align with the NCDM’s estimation that at least 50% of districts
have been affected by the drought and highlight that there are localised pockets of need that are
affecting the most insecure communities particularly in Banteay Meanchay, Battambang, Koh
Kong, Pursat, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang. Figure 7 below is an
5 The Cambodia Daily – ‘The Cycle of Rice’ https://www.cambodiadaily.com/cycleofrice9/
Figure 6: FAO Crop Calender Cambodia. Sourced from El Nino induced drought in Cambodia – Rapid Assessment Report (3- 5 May 2016) Save the Children
11
overview of the impact of the Drought in the nine Provinces where Save the Children’s
Assessments took place in May 2016 which highlight Prey Veng and Koh Kong as the most
affected.
Figure 7: Impact of the Drought in nine Provinces. Sourced from El Nino induced drought in Cambodia –
Rapid Assessment Report (3-5 May 2016) Save the Children
Province Total # of
Districts
# and % of Districts
affected Total # of
Communes
# and % of
communes affected
Kampong Cham 10 5 (50%) 109 10 (10%)
Kampong Chhnang 8 5 (63%) 65 18 (28%)
Koh Kong 7 7 (100%) 29 29 (100%)
Kratie 6 4 (66%) 40 14 (35%)
Prey Veng 13 13 (100%) 116 116 (100%)
Pursat 6 3 (50%) 49 20 (40%)
Preah Vihear 8 7 (88%) 49 7 (14%)
Stung Treng 5 4 (80%) 34 NA
Tboung Khmum 7 3 (42%) 64 9 (14%)
Total 70 51 (73%) 555 223 (40%)
Priority Needs Respondents in FGDs and KIIs reported that 2016 is the hottest year in memory with
temperatures reaching 39-40 degrees Centigrade and in some communities the drought
situation is causing severe water shortages. As one community respondent noted: “The weather
is hotter; it is the worst year of dryness and heat that we can remember. There have been some
fires on crops and cashew nut trees. Homes and land have been destroyed and people have no
option but to buy water from a supplier outside of the village.” FGD, 5 April 2016, Koh Kong
Province6. The main concerns raised from respondents in FGDs and KIIs included lack of
water for personal consumption including for drinking and hygiene purposes, and water for
agricultural purposes such as maintaining crops and growing seedlings.
Despite minimal recent rains from mid-May 2016, respondents emphasized that the drought is
still a severe problem as water sources have not replenished and there is still not enough water
to meet all of their personal household and livelihood needs. Immediate priority needs raised
by respondents across the most affected districts include water for drinking, agriculture,
personal hygiene, food preparation and livestock and an immediate need to improve water
sources including wells, and distribute water filters and Aqua tabs. Food assistance was also
proposed by communities and authorities. Medium term priorities include cash grants to
families most in need and income generating activities. Figure 8 provides information from
6 Taken from Rapid Assessment of the Drought in Koh Kong Province (April 2016) PIN, SAVE the Children and CARE
International
12
the DCA/LDA Assessment Report May 2016 in Kampong Speu Province. Respondents were
asked priorities for support over the next few weeks and could provide more than one option.
Figure 8: Request for Support. DCA/LDA
Assessment Report May 2016
5.2 Snapshot of Sectoral Findings
WASH
Respondents indicated that water sources such as wells, ponds and water reservoirs/dams that
normally have year round water supply have dried up or are drying up. The CHF assessment
report included information from eleven local NGO’s that undertook assessments in ten
provinces and found that wells in particular have been badly affected by the drought. Many
NGO assessment reports highlighted that districts have been out of water for a number of
months already, for example in Banteay Meanchey it was reported by CHF that there have been
water shortages for 9 months. In Mondulkiri an assessment carried out by CARE highlighted
that some wells had been empty for 12 months.
An example of a
well which is near
dry and
contaminated yet
still being used by
the community. This
well is located at
Bak Ronous Village,
Ta Noun Commune,
Koh Kong Province.
(CARE, Save the
Children, PIN)
Many families harvest rainwater for household use, but in many provinces these water sources
are low or are currently exhausted. Many of these jars are unclean and unsustainable as they
break easily when villagers have attempted to clean them.
Request for support (next few weeks) Percentage (%)
Water for home consumption 60
More job or income generation 50
Others (medicine and food) 50
Animal vaccinations 30
Water for agriculture 10
Crop seeds 10
Agricultural equipment 10
13
Figure 9 taken from a CARE, PIN, and Save the Children assessment report in Koh Kong
province in April 2016 represents the main community source of water used by households in
a typical year, as reported by FGDs. The two main types are open wells and rain water
harvesting – and in a usual year (including during the dry season) there is generally some water
available from these sources. However, this year due to the lack of rain there has been little to
no water available from the open wells and rain harvesting systems which has led to water
shortages for the villages.
Figure 9: Household Main Water Supply Sources. Sources from PIN, Save the Children and
CARE International Rapid Assessment Report, April 2016.
Credit:
CARE Rapid
Gender
Assessment,
Prey Veng
Province,
May 2016
0 200 400 600 800
1000
Open
well
Pond Rain
harvest
Water
fall
Borehole Pipe Other
( buy
from
supplier
478 181
848
46 16
333
5
Water Sources
Household Main Water Supply Sources
14
Figure 10: Litres of Water Collected per Household. PIN, Save the Children and CARE International
Rapid Assessment Report, April 2016.
Respondents from across the provinces assessed indicated that they now have to travel to buy
water from private companies, which previously they did not have to do. Figure 11 from Action
Aid indicates the percentages of Households that are now have to buy water for domestic
consumption.
Figure 11: Action Aid Interview Results % HH Buying Water
Province District Commune Village % HH
Water
Buy
Preah
Vihear
Kuleaen Kuleaen
Chhaeb
Phnum Penh
Kulean Tbong
Chhaeb Mouy
Pnov
Kroboa
Chhaeb Mouy
40%
80%
80%
Stung
Treng
Krong Sturng Tren
Thalaborivath Samaky
Preah Rumkel
Koh Khorndin
Kralapeas
47%
22%
Kratie Sambo Sambo Ou Krieng
Kbal Damrey Ou Preah
Ou Tanoeng
90%
37%
There is growing concern from respondents regarding the increasing price of water. The HEKS
rapid assessment in Kampong Chhnang province noted that the average price of water in 2016
had risen from 2015. In Kampong Leng district for example in 2015 people spent around 7.5
riel per liter of river water and 12.5 riel per liter for water from a well. In 2016, the price of
water reached 10 riel per liter of river water and 15 riel per liter for water from well. The
Samaritan’s Purse assessment indicated that in their target areas in Bantey Meanchey the price
of water increased from 3$ to 5$ or 10$.
1210
500
2140
200 150 303 290
448
0 60 120
350
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Open well Pond Rain harvest Water fall Borehole Pipe
Litres of Water Collected per all Households in the six villages in r sus March 2016 March 2015 ve
Litres collected in March 2015
Litres collected in March 2016 (drought year)
15
Canal at Kloeng village, Svay Chek
commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay
Meanchey. Photo sourced from CHF
Assessment Report April 2016.
Informants across many districts raised their
concerns about bathing in dirty water, reduced bathing10 or are not bathing at all. They are
worried about sanitation issues and communicable and water-borne diseases7.
A Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) undertaken by CARE in Koh Kong noted that women, and in
particular pregnant women, have more hygiene needs and require more water for hygiene
which is a challenge given the lack of water and toilets in villages. The RGA also highlighted
that there is not enough water for women to maintain adequate hygiene whilst breastfeeding.
Photo sourced from CHF
Assessment Report April 2016.
Livelihoods and Food Security Interviews revealed that due to the impact of the drought, rice cultivation has been reduced and
cash crops such as maize, cassava, chilli, mung bean, yard long bean, and lotus have been
damaged leaving poor farmers without livelihoods. In one village in Koh Kong province it was
reported that rice yields were reduced by up to 90%8. Respondents indicated that food prices
have increased particularly fish. Food shortages and access to food is a major concern for
communities for the future.
Family pond at Banteay Traok village,
Srae Sdok commune, Kandieng
district, Pursat province (CHF)
7 Further information on health impacts provided in Health Section below.
8 CARE International Cambodia Rapid Gender Assessment, June 2016
16
There were numerous cases in the assessment reports of livestock dyeing due to hot weather
and insufficient water. Assessments from Action Aid highlighted that in three different villages
in Sambo District, Kratie Province the number of livestock that had dies was in the range of
61-65 due to drought conditions.
The drought is resulting in a loss of income from home gardens, livestock raising and declines
in fishing yields. Households have begun to sell assets to cover costs and have taken out
microfinance loans to purchase water and extra livelihood equipment. According to a recent
news article, “… [MFI] loan requests have surged on the back of poor agriculture yields and
prolonged drought…Farmers say the drought has increased their expenses on seeds and water,
while decreasing their incomes. Many are relying increasingly on family members working
abroad to cover their loan payments.”9 Farmers are also borrowing money from local money
lenders, banks with high interest, savings groups, CBOs and/or agricultural cooperatives for
farming paddy rice10.
Health Interviews indicated that Health Centres across a number of provinces are seeing an increase
in heat and water related illnesses due to the drought. Illnesses in children under five years old
include diarrhea, fever, skin and eye conditions, upper respiratory infections, and feeding
problems, heat exhaustion and skin rashes as a result of the drought. Health Centre staff indicate
that the consumption of untreated water and poor hygiene during food preparation and feeding
are likely to be the causes of the increases in diarrhea.
Figure 12 Illnesses in Children under Five Years old reported from nine Provinces. Sourced from El Nino
induced drought in Cambodia – Rapid Assessment Report (3-5 May 2016) Save the Children
Province Diarrhoea Fever Upper Respiratory
Infections Incidence of Skin
or Eye Problems Feeding
Problems Malnutrition
Kampong
Cham Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Kampong
Chhnang Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Koh Kong Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Kratie No No No No No No
Preah Vihear No No No No No No
Prey Veng Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Pursat 10% increase 15% increase 10% increase No Yes No
Stung Treng Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Tboung
Khmum No Yes No No No No
9 http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/mfis-tackle-drought-concerns
10 Taken from World Vision Response Strategy ‘’Dry Spell in Banteay Meanchey Response Strategy’’
17
Many Health Centres reported declining water volume, with several reporting water shortages.
This is having an impact on the ability of the Health Centres to provide appropriate services
and maintain hygiene standards. Health Centres reported that water prices have increased.
Many Health Centres do not have electric fans or air conditioners, which staff and patients
indicate makes it difficult to work or comfortably receive services, particularly inpatient
services.
The RGA conducted by CARE revealed that the drought is particularly affecting pregnant
women who face a range of infections and problems. Female respondents estimated that 70 to
95 per cent of people in their villages have had their health adversely affected because of the
drought and around 80% of children have been sick due to the drought. The elderly were
reported to be affected by the drought being continuously sick with colds and coughs and
diarrhea (because of less water consumption and contamination). Impacts on health are being
felt by People with Disabilities (PWD) due to less water consumption and poor water quality
including heat stroke and diarrhea.
Education
Many of the surveyed schools by Save the Children reported water shortages - water sources
such as ponds, rivers, canals and wells have run dry or have very low water volume. Some
schools have no water storage capacity. In the majority of schools there is not enough drinking
water, latrines cannot be flushed or cleaned, and there is no water for hand washing.
Samaritan’s Purse assessment in Bantey Meanchey noted that there is a lack of drinking water
for students and in some schools teachers’ pay for water for the children with their own money.
Many schools have no equipment to purify water. This has major impacts on the hygiene and
health of the students and teachers, and many have fallen ill with fever, diarrhea, and
dehydration.
Figure 13: Most common problems in 34 surveyed drought affected schools across 9 provinces (Save the
Children assessment, May 2016)
Lack of water 36 %
Classroom temperature
20 %
Students' absence 17 %
Students' illness 16 %
No drinking water 11 %
Most common problems in assessed drought- affected schools
18
The high temperatures make many classrooms too hot for students and teachers to pay attention
or concentrate on their work.. Children become dehydrated, get headaches and fall sick because
of the lack of drinking water and the heat. Many children are absent, do not come to school
regularly, arrive late or leave early. In different regions of Mondulkiri, Prey Veng and
Ratanakiri it was estimated that around 40% to 70% of adolescents have stopped attending
school. Classes that take place during the afternoon are particularly affected.
Protection Increased migration to cope with livelihood losses has been reported, with recent news reports
of significant amounts of undocumented migration to Thailand as a direct consequence of
drought11. Reports from Save the Children and World Vision indicated that some families are
migrating with their children, but many parents who migrate are leaving their children in the
care of grandparents. Many grandparents face challenges in taking proper care of their
grandchildren because of old age, poor health and lack of means. Children are also fetching
water far away or in the middle of the night which raises issues of protection. Interviews
revealed that some are not going to school in order to be able to look after younger siblings.
Children are also highly vulnerable to trafficking or if left at home are vulnerable to abusive
and exploitative relationship.
Thong Sroy, 13, has dropped out of school and
instead spends time fetching water, finding food
and cooking for her mother, grandmother and
younger sister. Her father moved away six years
ago and her mother is too unwell to work. . Photo
sourced from Save the Children
11 See, for example, ‘Thais arrest 81 fleeing drought’, 11th May 2016 ;
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/24864/thais-arrest-81-fleeing-drought/
Children carry water to use in the
school latrine at Kiri Akphiwat
primary school, Samaki
Meanchey, Kampong Chhnang
province. Photo sourced from
Save the Children Assessment
Report, May 2016.
19
Respondents of the CARE RGA noted that women are dependent on water to fulfill their roles
and responsibilities within the household. Due to the drought they are now spending more time
collecting water. Women fear sexual harassment because of the longer distances needed to
walk to get water as well as increased health concerns due to the extreme heat. Women from
ethnic minority communities who cannot speak Khmer, expressed safety concerns in being
forced to leave their villages into unknown property in search for water. Women respondents
also expressed that going to the toilet in the forest or field is not safe and that they feel scared
that people will see them or harass them as there is no privacy. Furthermore, whilst there are
no reported cases, there is a widely perceived fear of gender based violence, particularly if
women need to go to the toilet at night.
5.3 Coping Strategies
There were a wide range of coping strategies being used by communities including: sharing
water between families and in communities, buying water from private sources or from a
different commune, taking loans from micro finance institutions, not replanting crops,
migration in province and out of province, undocumented migration to Thailand, changes in
diet and selling equipment, livestock and land. Others indicated engaging children in water
collection, men assisting women to go to the forest in search of food and assisting with cooking
if women are unwell, men searching for labour outside of the village to earn an income, women
walking extra distances in search of other water sources and praying and frequent visits to the
Pagoda to ask for rain (especially in ethnic minority communities).
Figure 14: Sourced from DCA/LDA Assessment Report May 2016
Figure 14 provides an overview of Coping Strategies that are being used by communities taken
from the DCA/LDA Assessment Report May 2016 in Koh Kong Province. This localised
quantitative data suggests that communities are in particular not replanting crops and taking
out loans and selling off livestock earlier than expected to cope with the drought situation.
30 50
70
20 30 40
30
50
10 30 20
Coping Strategy Selling off or produce early than expected Selling off of livestock earlier than expected Not replanting of crops
Selling off of equipment ) productive assets (
Sell off of assets (not productive assets) Migration in Kampong Speu
Migration out of Kampong Speu Take a loan
Take children out of school for additional labor due to heat Change daily diet
Charcoal production
20
6. Response to Date
6.1 Government Response According to the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), at least 18 of
Cambodia’s 25 provinces are currently affected by the drought, with
2.5 million people from 625,000 households severely affected particularly in Banteay
Mancheay, Battambang, Pursat and Kampong Speu. The Prime Minister, Hun Sen, has called
this drought the worst natural disaster to hit Cambodia in 100 years. Nhim Vanda, the
permanent Secretary of the National Committee for Disaster Management, has called the
drought “one of the worst events ever to happen in this country”.
Prime Minister Hun Sen launched a water campaign on April 26 and made KhR 500 million
(about $125,000) available for immediate response (fuel, transportation, water containers,
pumps etc) on water distribution to about 100 districts nationwide. The Government also
deployed one hundred military transport trucks to distribute water to the areas worst hit by the
heat. The National Committee for Disaster Management committee’s first vice president, Nhim
Vanda, stated that the government was assisting 80 per cent of the estimated 2.5 million people
(about 600,000 families) affected by the ongoing water crisis12. Provincial, District, and
Communes Committees for Disaster Management have collaborated with relevant departments
at the provincial and districts levels by providing water, water containers, water storage tanks,
and pure drinking water, by rehabilitating community ponds and canals, by constructing new
wells and by conducting medical checks-up for affected families. For example, the Government
has worked to provide drinking water in Otdar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and
Battambang13.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), relevant institutions and local authorities have
urged the public to pay more attention to preserving water for daily use as well as for
agricultural fields. 14 The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) released an
instruction on water use and school flexible learning schedules which is being actively
supported by Provincial Offices of Education. They also provide awareness to schools on water
use and hygiene. The MoEYS issued instructions to all Education Provincial authorities on 2nd
May for all schools affected by water shortage to re-direct budgets already allocated for extra-
curriculum activities to transporting or buying water. The Government has not declared a state
12 Phnom Penh Post, 6 May 2016 13 Letter from NCDM to UN Resident Coordinator to Cambodia dated 2nd May 14 Cambodia Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) Report - No. 2, 2015; Families affected by the dry spell, as
identified by key informants in 7 provinces, December 2015
“Drought this year is among the worst events to
happen in this country…if rain does not come
soon, the remaining water resources will soon be
exhausted”.
Nhim Vanda, Permanent Secretary of NCDM.
21
of emergency, but has called upon national and local authorities, UN agencies and civil society
to respond to the crisis.
6.2 HRF Participant Organisations’ Response HRF participant organisations are actively responding to the drought crisis across the country.
INGOs and NGO are already responding on both the short and long term drought. Interventions
include water distribution, rehabilitation of pump wells, ring wells and community ponds;
providing relief supplies to the hardest-hit communities in order to prevent children from
dropping out of school, ensure that they are protected from dangerous situations and that they
have the healthcare and nutrition that they need to survive and thrive. INGO’s and NGO’s are
also building the resilience and preparedness of communities, enabling them to respond not
only to this year’s drought and flood season, but also future drought and flood cycles
exacerbated by climate change.
WFP and UNICEF have reprogrammed resources from current development projects to most
affected areas. UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) through provision of water
to Health Centres and WFP is continuing school hot meals and cash /food transfers for 300,000
primary students plus 200,000 selected family members for a total of 500,000 people in 11
provinces as well as targeting over 70,000 community workers through food-for-work
activities, especially water assets in drought affected provinces. National Red Cross branches
are focusing on the water distribution in collaboration with local authorities as well as
rehabilitation of pump wells, ring wells and community ponds.
Figure 15: UNICEF WASH Supplies provided 6 May 2016
22
WFP, UNICEF and FAO are undertaking a joint El Nino impact survey on the medium/long
term needs (the survey involves 2400 households across all the four agro ecological zones of
the country. Key findings will be made available in the first week of June 2016. The impact
survey will be repeated in November/December this year, after the rainy season, and in
May/June 2017 so as to capture the cumulative effects on people livelihoods and vulnerability
from both drought and rains / flood. Figure 16 provides an overview of HRF Member
Responses to the Drought15.
Figure 16: Overview of HRF Member Responses to the Drought (May 2016)
Organisation Province Response
Action Aid (Proposal) Stung Treng, Kratie, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear
• Provision of 700 ceramic water filters
• Provision of 186 jerry cans (Water
storage containers) • Water tankering for 1000 beneficiaries
for 1 month until wells are functional
again • Construction of 9 new hand pump
wells
• Construction of 1 rainwater harvesting
system • Water pumping for irrigation purposes
for ~170 farmers
CARE International
with PIN
Koh Kong
Province
Distribution of NFI package consisting of:
• Three 200 liter water tanks (total
holding capacity of 600liter) • 1 ceramic water filter system (filter,
water container, warranty) • 600 liter of water delivered to each
household
• IEC materials (information on
improved rainwater harvesting,
hygiene promotion)
CWS Kampong Thom
and Preah Vihear
From Apr-May 2016, CWS supported 55
villages with:
• 14 new hand pump wells
• 3 new ring wells
• 2 community ponds
• 2 canal repaired
• Awareness raising events on
Household Water Treatment and Safe
Storage
Plan International Ratanakiri and Steung
Treng • WASH including distribute water filters,
water containers and water purification
sachets and tablets to drought affected
households
15 This list does not represent all HRF members involved in response. It is information provided by agencies for compilation
of this report. For detailed information please contact the HRF Secretariat at [email protected]
23
Save the Children Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Koh Kong, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Prey
Veng, Pursat,Stung
Treng, and
Tboung
KhmumProvinces
• Procurement of immediate drought
relief items for the schools identified as
being hardest hit by drought; • Distribution of water to 55 schools
started on May 18th, and distribution of
other items (water filters, water bottles,
soap) started on May 23rd to the same
55 schools. The distribution will be
finished by May 27th.
• Distribution of WASH IEC materials.
UNICEF
Kratie, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Stung
Treng
Kampong Speu, Kampong Channang, Bantey Meanchey, Siem Reap
•
•
Providing financial support to MOH to
purchase water for 30 Health Centers affected by severe water shortages serving an
estimated 365,933 population including 37,342 children under five years.
2500 schools have been reported by the
MOEYS as affected at varying degrees.
UNICEF is providing financial support to
MOEYS Provincial Offices of education to
purchase water for 113 schools severely
affected by water shortages (expected to
benefit 45,000 girls and boys).
World Vision Banteay Meanchey Siem Reap,
Preah Vihea, Kampong Thom,
Takeo, Battembang,
Kampong Chhang
•
•
•
WASH including construction of commune ponds and water treatments stations and distribution of purifiers;
Support to livelihoods;
Promotion/training on safe migration
WFP PreahVihar,
StungTreng, Odtar
Manchey,Bantey Manchey,
SiemReap,
Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, Prey Veng
• WFP is continuing school hot meals and cash
/food transfers for 300,000 primary students plus 200,000 family members ( BPL
category) as well as targeting some 70,000 people through food-for-work activities,
especially water assets, in drought affected provinces
HEKS/EPER
SOFDEC
& Kampong Chhnang • In process of selecting beneficiaries to make
response to 1,070 families in 2 districts, 3
communes. Each families will get support 1
water tank (200 liter) and one gutter ( 5
meters). The project also support culverts to
renovate 54 open wells in Kampong Leng
district.
24
7. Conclusion and Recommendations
The ongoing drought has exacerbated poverty for many poor communities across Cambodia
and is having a negative impact on water resources, health and agriculture including livestock
and fish production16. The drought has been particularly harsh on the livelihoods and assets of
the poorest of the poor including subsistence farmers and small land holders. These households
have sold assets and livestock and are borrowing money to purchase water and to buy livelihood
equipment. Women, particularly pregnant and lactating women and children are the most
vulnerable to the drought.
The assessment reports from the 11 NGO’s demonstrate the need for i) immediate emergency
response to the current drought situation ii) longer term impact assessment of the drought iii)
prioritising preparedness response for upcoming La Niña or extended drought and iv)
strengthening of national emergency response mechanisms.
Below is a list of recommendations as provided by HRF Participant Organisations:
Figure 17: List of Recommendations
Intervention
Duration
Type Interventions
Short-Term
WASH Provide drinking water, water containers, cash to buy water, water filters and aquatabs;
Distribution of vouchers for water;
Cash grants/vouchers to women to purchase water.
Livelihoods
and Food Security
Provide cash grants to families most in need;
Health Provide Health Centres with medication to treat diarrhea with oral
rehydration zinc, skin and eye problems, and to maintain appropriate IV stocks;
Provide Health Centres with water sources such as wells, water
tanks, pumps, filters and rain water collection devices, as well as solar power to maintain service delivery;
Provide latrines for men and women;
Training to health center staff/pregnant/lactating mothers on
hygiene and breastfeeding during water scarcity.
Education Distribution of water for schools most in need;
Provide water filters, purifiers and water containers, and electric
fans for classrooms;
Protection Awareness raising on child protection with communities and schools - protecting themselves from harm while finding water sources from distant places and latrines;
Awareness raising on gender based violence with communities for
women that have to travel for water and/or work.
16 As presented by the World Food Programme, Cambodia, April 2016.
25
Short and
Medium
Term
Coordination
Mechanisms
HRF members to use standard tools and therefore have one single assessment report which includes qualitative and quantitative data to be able to provide a comprehensive national picture and compare geographically and sectorally.
HRF Sector leads to continue to regularly exchange sector information in an open and transparent manner;
HRF members to coordinate at the provincial and district level in
avoid overlap and to advocate for increased support to be provided
by the Government for the drought.
Long-term
(next 6
months plus)
WASH Rehabilitate existing water sources and advocate for the
development of new water supply infrastructure (ponds, rain
water harvesting systems etc.) for the most affected villages;
Raise awareness among men and women within communities on
maintaining water infrastructure and not letting it deteriorate;
Livelihoods
and Food
Security
Advocate for stronger focus on government spending for smallholder agricultural infrastructure and water infrastructure (deep wells, etc.);
Enhance communication of early warning and forecasting to
male and female farmers;
Health Raise awareness with men and women about hygiene and
sanitation, how to take care of separate needs during hot weather,
and to educate men and women about conserving water.
Education Provide support to schools to increase their water storage capacity (water tanks or otherwise), with digging wells, and repairing wells. Installing water catchment will help deal with shortage when rains arrive;
Construction of more latrines for girls and boys and repair of
latrines and hand washing stations.
Protection Ongoing monitoring of migration issues – linking long term assessment with work by IOM;
Awareness raising on child protection with communities and
schools; Awareness on gender based violence in households and
against women who travel further for water and/or work.
26
8. Annexes
Annex 1: Terms of Reference: Cambodia HRF Drought Assessment Report
Type of assignment: Short term consultancy
Purpose: Produce consolidated report of Drought Assessment findings in Cambodia Country of assignment: Cambodia Contract issuing organization: Save the Children Timeframe: Estimated 12 days starting from 16 of May 2016
Background:
Cambodia is affected by the El Niño triggered drought that led to water shortages for both human
consumption and agriculture across the country. The National Committee for Disaster Management
(NCDM) has estimated that about 2.5 million people in Cambodia are affected across all provinces of
the country. The Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) consists of NGOs and UN agencies working on disaster
response in Cambodia, and works in close collaboration with the Government, most notably the NCDM,
to facilitate a coordinated and effective approach in support of people affected by humanitarian crises
and disasters. Individual HRF members are currently planning various rapid and/or in-depths assessment in drought
affected provinces of Cambodia. These assessments may or may not use the approved HRF rapid
assessment tool, and may be in the form of narratives or data tables. Based on the assessments, each
agency will determine the adequate response for the prevailing needs in their area of operation and
planned interventions will be shared with the HRF in order to avoid duplication and waste of resources.
Objective of the consultancy:
The consultant shall support the HRF in compiling a consolidated drought assessment report, with the
aim of covering the whole of Cambodia. HRF members shall use this report to better plan their
individual interventions, make informed decisions, and approach potential donors with concrete data
based on a credible survey.
Scope of work:
• Receive and review drought assessment reports from a range of NGOs and Development Partners
• Draft a framework/outline for consolidate HRF Drought Assessment Report • Analyse and consolidate key findings from across agencies, with an effort to show the maximum
geographic diversity and to present information consistently
• Convene HRF members for information sharing and verification of key findings
• Compile a comprehensive report, including a summary of recommendations across agencies. • Present final consolidated results and recommendations to HRF members
27
Annex 2: List of Submitted Documents for Synthesis Report
# Organisation Document Provinces Covered
1 Action Aid Excel spreadsheets with Data from AA
questionnaire Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Oddar
Meanchey, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Koh Kong, Kampot
2 CARE Rapid Gender Assessment Ratanakiri, Prey Veng. Mondulkiri
3 CHF
Cambodia Humanitarian Forum (CHF) Cambodia Drought Assessment Report 18-22 April 2016
Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Oddar
Meanchey, Pursat, Prey Veng, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kratie, Battambang, Ratanakiri
4 CWS CWS Brief Report on Drought
Assessment in Kampong Thom and
Preah Vihear – Powepoint Only
Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear
5 DCA and LWD Rapid Assessment by DCA and LWD
Kampong Speu province
6 HEKS First Sitrep Report HEKS ( 04 May 2016)
HEKS/EPER Drought Impact Rapid Assessment Report (10- 12 May)
Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Kampong
Speu, Prey Veng, Tbong Khmum
Kampong Chhnang
7 PIN, CARE Cambodia and Save the Children Cambodia
Rapid Assessment of the Drought in
Koh Kong Province (April 2016)
Koh Kong Province
8 Plan International
Assessment Reports Ratanakiri and Stung Treng Provinces
9 Samaritan’s
Purse HRF Assessment Template Bantey Meanchey
Kratie
10 Save the Children Cambodia
El Nino induced drought in Cambodia
– Rapid Assessment Report (3-5 May 2016)
Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Koh Kong, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Pursat,Stung Treng, and Tboung Khmum Provinces
11 WHH Email Ratanakiri (with Plan International)
12 World Vision Report from Banteay Meanchey
‘Response Strategy’ Summary Drought Response March –
April 2016 (response not assessment)
Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kampong
Thom, Takeo, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang
13 UNICEF Powerpoint Presentation as 19 May
2016 focus on water National
14 WFP 4 Powerpoint Presentations September 2015-May 2016
National
