Clearing for Result (CfR III): Mine Action for Human Development (2016-2019)

Project completed

Although over the past 20 years Cambodia has cleared nationwide 1,412km2 of land from mines, an area of 1,640km2 still remains contaminated. Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) will clear over 27km² of heavily contaminated land ensuring safe access to productive land and improving poor rural communities’ livelihoods. SDC’s support to Cambodia’s mine action aligns with the Maputo Declaration 15+ commitment to declare Cambodia mine-free by 2025 and with the Swiss Humanitarian Mine Action Strategy (2016 – 2019).

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Cambodia
Agriculture & food security
Conflict & fragility
Agricultural land resources
Removal of land mines
01.11.2016 - 31.12.2019
CHF  3’450’000
Background

As a result of past internal and regional conflicts Cambodia is still one of the most mine affected countries in the world, which poses serious adverse socio-economic impacts on rural communities including human loss and disabilities as well as restrictions on access to agricultural land, pasture land, forests, and water resources. Poor people and women are particularly affected. The complete clearing of all areas will take another 10 years at estimated cost of approximately USD 350 million.

SDC support to this multi-donor project is consistent with the priority of mine clearing for the Cambodian Government laid down in the National Mine Action Strategy 2010-2019. It is also consistent with the Swiss Humanitarian Mine Action Strategy 2016-2019 and with SDC Mekong Region Strategy 2013-2017.

Objectives

National and sub national capacities strengthened to develop more diversified, sustainable and equitable economy.

Target groups

Primary beneficiaries are vulnerable families (approx. 487,000 individuals) living in heavily contaminated areas of the most mine-affected provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Pailin, in particular landless families, women headed households and individuals with disabilities. The project will assure safe access to farm land and other livelihoods. It is implemented by CMAA, main action operators and authorities at national, sub-national and commune levels.

Medium-term outcomes

Two key outcomes of the project are

a) Reduced number of civilian causalities caused by land mines and ERW

b) Increased area of land available for food production, income generation and other livelihood activities of  marginalized women and men in rural communities

Results

Expected results:  

  • Mine action policies and strategic frameworks are aligned to national and sub-national sectorial policies and planning strategies and attached to pro-poor facilities.
  • A CMAA mine action programme performance monitoring system is set up that delivers quality evidence on sustainable development   outcome/impact.
  • A minimum of 27km2 of the total mine/ERW contaminated areas located in the most affected and poorest provinces are impact-free.


Results from previous phases:  

  • 145 km2 contaminated land cleared since 2011 benefiting 391,626 people (50% females) and 787 students and 1% PWD.
  • Over 80% of the released land is used for agriculture and 20% for infrastructure development.
  • CMAA established and supervised application land release standards and guidelines that increased operational effectiveness and efficiency of mine action.
  • Gender Mainstreaming in Mine Action Plan (GAPMA) 2013-2015 formulated and its implementation supported 10% female headed households.
  • Extensive capacity building on land release at national and subnational level has supported clearance priorities based on community needs.
  • CMAA successfully applies the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Development Programme


Other partners

CMAA (implementer), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT Australia and UNDP.

Coordination with other projects and actors

  • SDC: Local governance (Sub-national          Democratization and Decentralization reform)
  • UNDP Linking Policy to Practices project

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    3’450’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    3’433’000
Project phases Phase 3 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025   (Current phase) Phase 2 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2022   (Completed)

Phase 1 01.11.2016 - 31.12.2019   (Completed)