A one year project focused on promotion of technical education, employment, and export by introducing the production of solar dryers and their use for fruit conservation in Cambodia and thus to contribute to sustainable farming by expanding economic opportunities in rural Cambodian communities. The process runs via transfer of Czech technical know-how related to the conservation of mango.

The objective set by the project was achieved with a great result. Three pilot solar dryers were made by Cambodian craftsmen even though the technology is completely new and innovative for them. The local craftsmen were selected and trained in solar dryers production, its operation and maintenance. As a part of the training, the artisans received a wide range of tools, which was a major social spill over and broadened their skills while their employability in the labour market is greatly enhance. The final product - tree solar dryers were hand-over to three agricultural communities so that the local farmers, now skilled in fruit processing, can continue to use them after the end of the project. The local farmers were introduced to this new technology and were trained on the production with packaging and storing. By drying their fruit, the added value of the fruit quality as well as the selling price to the market will be increasing.

For further solar dryers’ promotion and further replication in Cambodia, the implementer organized a roundtable consultation at which some Cambodian NGOs, Czech partners, experts and companies were invited and given the craftsmen’ contact for their consideration in buying this new technology for future projects and cooperation.

Project is part of the Czech-UNDP Challenge Fund, covering the Czech Solutions for SDGs, an bringing effective driver of innovation and change in the region. If you are also interested with the application, please reach to cup.applications@undp.org.