A New Dawn for Agriculture in Ratanakiri: Mrs. Thung Phoeurn’s Journey to Safety
After 25 years of living with the constant threat of unexploded ordnance, Mrs. Thung Phoeurn and her community in Ban Pong Village, Ratanakiri in Cambodia, can finally expand their agricultural activities without fear. This remarkable transformation is thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), which has been working tirelessly in the region since 2013.
Mrs. Phoeurn moved to Ban Pong Village 25 years ago, relying on agriculture for her family’s income. They planted cashew, cassava, and rice, but their farming efforts were fraught with danger. In the early years, while clearing land, they often heard the terrifying explosions of unexploded ordnance. Mrs. Phoeurn recalls finding cluster munitions three to four times over the years, each time reporting them to the village chief and avoiding any contact.
Cluster munitions are particularly dangerous because they scatter smaller bombs, or submunitions, over a wide area. These submunitions often fail to detonate immediately, posing a long-term threat to civilians. The presence of unexploded cluster bombs can make land highly dangerous or impossible to cultivate, hindering local economic and social development.
In 2021, NPA’s efforts culminated in the release of over 3 million square meters of land in Ratanakiri for agricultural use. This land, previously contaminated by cluster munitions, is now safe for farming. The clearance has directly benefited 51 people, including 15 women, 9 girls, 9 boys, and 18 men, who can now confidently use their land to produce more agricultural products and support their livelihoods.
Cluster munitions have been a persistent problem since the Vietnam war. They can be delivered by aircraft, artillery, and missiles, and their wide-area effects and high failure rates have caused numerous civilian casualties. Unexploded submunitions often explode when handled or disturbed, posing a danger to civilians.
Mrs. Phoeurn’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of demining efforts. Thanks to Norwegian People’s Aid, she and her community can now look forward to a safer, more prosperous future. The successful clearance of their land not only enhances their agricultural productivity but also brings peace of mind, knowing that their fields are free from hidden dangers.