From Minefields to Rice Fields

For decades, landmines have been a deadly legacy in Cambodia, threatening lives and hindering economic progress. APOPO, with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and in collaboration with CordAid, has been working to clear landmines and restore farmland, transforming dangerous fields into thriving agricultural land. Through the Minefields to Rice Fields project, we have not only removed landmines but also provided farming communities with the tools and knowledge to make the most of their newly safe land.

One such beneficiary is Saman, a 46-year-old farmer and mother of five. Her story is a testament to the resilience of Cambodian farming families and the life-changing impact of land clearance. In her own words, she shares how APOPO’s work has helped her family move from fear to prosperity:

Saman’s Story

“My name is Saman, and I am 46 years old. My husband is 48, and we have five children — three of whom are already married. My husband is a farmer like me, and he also trades pigs from time to time. We have four grandchildren so far, and our children who are married are farmers, too. They have their own land, and one of my daughters works at a fuel station.

Even though my children weren’t directly involved in the APOPO Minefields to Rice Fields project, I have been teaching them everything I learned from the CordAid training. They tell me that the advice has been very helpful for improving their harvests. Before, my children used to harvest 130 bags of rice, but now they produce 150 bags. This increase means they have extra rice to sell at the market, which has really helped their livelihood.

My family owns seven hectares of land, and two hectares were cleared by APOPO. We grow rice and cassava on our farm. After APOPO and the HeroRATs cleared our land, my husband and I started producing 100 bags of rice every year from the cleared fields. Out of this, we keep 50 bags for food and for planting the next crop. Before the project, we were producing much less from the same land.

Before APOPO came, I lived in constant fear of the landmines around us. I worried about myself, my husband, and my children working in the fields. The fear was always there, making everything more difficult. But after APOPO cleared my land, I felt safe enough to donate part of the crops to my children. I wasn’t scared anymore about giving them land contaminated with landmines. They were very happy, and so was I, because I knew this would help them build their future.

The first time we harvested after joining the project, we had more rice than ever before. I was able to sell the surplus and use the money to repay a loan we had taken from the bank to buy the land we farm. That was a big moment for us.

The improvements we’ve experienced because of our training and access to premium rice seed have been incredible. The land is now safe, and I was able to give part of it to my children to help secure their future. We produce more rice while using fewer chemicals, and we can sell it for a higher price at the market. Without this project, I would still be worried every day — about landmines, about my children’s safety, and about how to find the money to pay back our loans. Now, I can start dreaming about new projects, like buying a new motorbike or a small tractor.

The new rice we are growing tastes amazing and smells much better than what we used to plant. My grandchildren even asked me why this rice is so good! At the market, I can now sell this rice for 1,250 riel per kilo, compared to 1,100 riel per kilo before. Other people in the community, who weren’t part of the project, have started buying these rice seeds because they see that the quality is higher. The taste is better, and the rice sells for a better price.

Many people in my community come to me asking for advice or tips I learned during the FCDO training, and I am happy to help them. I hope the entire community can improve their quality of life. The most important thing I learned during the training is how to prepare the land properly. It doesn’t take less time, but it’s a different method that gives better results without working harder.

I also had the opportunity to see the APOPO rats and dogs in action when they cleared my fields. I was so surprised by how clever these animals are! We have rats here too, but they are not as smart — they only destroy things inside our houses! I wish our rats were as smart as APOPO’s HeroRATs. I completely trust the work of APOPO and their animals. During a presentation, they explained how the rats detect explosives and stop when they find them. Watching them work made me feel confident in the safety of our land.

I’ve lived surrounded by landmines, fearing for myself and my family, all my life. Now, thanks to APOPO and FCDO, we can work and live freely. I am so grateful for their support and the positive changes they’ve brought to our lives. I hope this project will continue so that more families like mine can benefit.”