The work of our members and their local partners isn’t only about helping people to fill their plates but restoring their ability to take part in life’s most meaningful celebrations without financial burden.
This is the story of Keo Sophal, a 65-year-old Cambodian widow living in Prey Veng province, where agriculture is the main livelihood for households. To provide for her older sister and two grandchildren in her care, Keo grew vegetables and raised fish on her home farm, but struggled to produce enough food for their daily consumption.
In early 2020, Keo joined a five-year agriculture and livelihoods project implemented by Organization to Develop our Villages (ODOV) to enhance food security for 5,729 households in Prey Veng, with support from Mennonite Central Committee Canada.
She completed sustainable agriculture training, increased her farm production, and was able to send her grandchildren to school, also now affording to participate in important social events in her community. “I am very happy that my family has a better living condition,” Keo says. “My family has self-produced vegetables and fish to eat enough all year round and earn a daily income… this income is utilized to buy household items, clothes, and cover the expenses of attending various social events such as weddings [and] ceremonies.”
This story was originally published in the 2025 summer edition of Breaking Bread.
