Battambang, KH – The Benefit of a Vegetable Garden for Family Support – Jan 2025

In July 2024, PP started his vegetable garden with the support of school students from UK. This initiative has brought immense benefits to his family by helping to reduce food costs and providing an additional source of income. The garden not only supplies fresh vegetables for daily consumption but also contributes to the well-being of his children by easing the financial burden of school expenses. Seeing its benefits, Pronh has dedicated himself to maintaining and improving his garden to ensure continued productivity.

By working diligently on his garden, Pronh has found a sustainable way to support his family. The success of his vegetable garden has inspired him to put in extra effort to make it thrive. His determination and hard work have proven that a small-scale agricultural initiative can make a significant difference in the livelihood of a family. With the ongoing assistance and encouragement from the student volunteers, Pronh remains motivated to keep his garden flourishing.

One of Pronh’s notable achievements is his commitment to planting vegetables consistently throughout the year. He ensures that there is always something growing so that his family has a continuous supply of fresh produce. By planning his planting cycles carefully, he manages to harvest enough vegetables every month to sustain his household needs and generate some extra income.

His perseverance in maintaining a productive garden has been commendable. Despite facing occasional challenges, he has found ways to optimize his planting and harvesting process. His ability to keep the garden functional and productive over time is a testament to his dedication and strategic farming approach. This achievement highlights his resilience and resourcefulness in maximizing the benefits of his vegetable garden.

Beyond financial support, the garden has also strengthened the sense of community within the neighborhood. By sharing vegetables with others, Pronh fosters goodwill and solidarity among his neighbors. The social and economic benefits of his garden reflect how small-scale farming can contribute positively to both a family’s well-being and the wider community.

One of the main challenges that Pronh faces is water scarcity, particularly during the dry season. In his area, the lack of water supply poses a significant threat to his plants. Many families, including Pronh’s, rely on river water collected during the rainy season, which they store in ponds or wells for future use. However, maintaining an adequate water supply for the garden remains a constant struggle.
Despite this challenge, Pronh has managed to keep his garden productive by utilizing stored water from his jar and pond. His ability to adapt and find solutions to water shortages showcases his determination and creativity in overcoming agricultural obstacles. Nevertheless, securing a more reliable water source would significantly improve his garden’s sustainability and output.

Pronh’s ultimate dream is to see his children complete their education and become self-sufficient individuals. He understands the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, which is why he works tirelessly to generate income to support their schooling. His vegetable garden plays a crucial role in achieving this dream, as it provides a steady source of income to meet his children’s educational needs.
Looking ahead, Pronh aspires to expand his garden and improve his farming techniques to increase productivity. He remains hopeful that through hard work and perseverance, his children will have a brighter future. His story is an inspiring example of how determination, resourcefulness, and community support can help families build a better life for the next generation.