Integrated Water Resources Management Project
The first project, valued at $88 million, focuses on the Integrated Water Resources Management in the river basins of Battambang and Pursat provinces within the Tonle Sap basin. This initiative aims to enhance integrated, climate-adaptive, and eco-friendly water resources management, modernize irrigation systems, and mitigate flood risks. A $4.3 million grant from the Asian Development Fund is included to bolster community capacity in climate-resilient water management. Additionally, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will cofinance an $80 million loan, partially administered by ADB. Technical assistance for climate-mitigative irrigation water management will be supported by a grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.
Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project
The second project involves an $85 million additional financing for the ongoing Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project. This funding will assist the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology in enhancing water delivery efficiency and climate resilience across four irrigation systems in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, and Takeo provinces. The project will disseminate best practices to farmers, support operational capacity development for Cambodia's National Water Resources Management Data Center, and prepare for future investments in flood and drought management.
Commitment to Climate Resilience
Jyotsana Varma, ADB Country Director for Cambodia, emphasized the bank's commitment to supporting Cambodia in building resilience against climate challenges and ensuring sustainable water management. "These projects will modernize critical irrigation and flood management systems in regions facing severe drought and flood risks, empowering farmers with climate-smart irrigation practices to secure their livelihoods and enhance food security," she stated.
Addressing Climate Vulnerabilities
Cambodia's updated nationally determined contributions highlight agriculture and water resources as the most vulnerable sectors to climate change impacts. Frequent floods during the wet season affect nearly one-fourth of the population, with annual losses estimated at $250 million, over 1% of the country's GDP. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events necessitate urgent action to protect agricultural lands from rising drought risks and flooding.
For more information:
Cambodia: Integrated Water Resources Management Project
Cambodia: Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project - Additional Financing
