A Story of Botveng in Cambodia: Village-scale AT Applications Project

Abstract

SEWB (Scientists and Engineers Without Border) carried out a three-year village-scale appropriate technology package project in Botveng, an isolated village located in the northern part of Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia, from January 2019 to December 2021. The project was supported by the Sharing and Dream program administered by the Community Chest of Korea, with the goal of improving the quality of life of local residents and enhancing their sustainable income. To overcome the village’s geographical isolation, a reinforced concrete bridge capable of supporting 2.5-ton trucks was successfully constructed. In addition, groundwater that had previously been undrinkable due to its high salinity was converted into safe drinking water through the installation of a reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system. Solar Cow panels were also installed to provide a portion of the electricity needed by the village. Furthermore, to increase household income, two 1,000-bird poultry houses were constructed during the second and third years of the project in close collaboration with the local community. By operating two specialized poultry farms, one dedicated to egg production and the other to broiler production, the project successfully established a village development fund exceeding USD 10,000 by the end of the project in December 2021, laying a solid foundation for the village’s sustainable development. Ultimately, beyond the successful application of appropriate technologies, the project became a sustainable model for village-based appropriate technology development, distinguished by the friendship and hope shared with the local community and the heartfelt response and trust shown by the villagers in return. It is widely regarded as a successful example of a sustainable, community-centered appropriate technology project.