Action for Development (AFD) was founded by the late Mr. Mao Morn in 2004 in response to the need of the poorest communities in Kampong Thom. His founding vision was to alleviate poverty, especially of the families and households dependent on natural resources.
AFD registered with the Ministry of Interior on 3 May 2006 and is a non- government, independent organization, not affiliated to any religious, political or individual ideology. In 2010, under the direction of Mr. Rith BunRoeun, AFD has continued working with vulnerable households and communities reliant on natural resources as their main source of livelihood in natural resource and environment management, climate change adaptation and disaster resilience. The themes of gender equity and good governance are integral to all projects.
AFD works in partnership with civil society groups and local authorities, specializing in providing grass-roots education, training, practical skills and building capacity within the communities to increase democratic influence on decision making and improving family livelihoods.
The AFD team consists of a core group of committed paid and volunteer staff from diverse backgrounds with many years of practical experience working on developmental issues facing Cambodians. The AFD Board provides oversight and guidance for the effective operation of the organization and continuous improvement.
Vision
Communities are empowered to protect biodiversity and use natural resources sustainably
Mission
To work in partnership with communities to strengthen knowledge on natural resource management, biodiversity and improve livelihoods
Values
Transparency, Accountability, Participation, Equality and Honesty
Geographic Focus:
AFD currently works in 7 districts in Kampong Thom, including: Prasat Balang, Kampong Svay, Steung Sen, Santuk, Baray, Stueng and Sandan.
Beneficiaries
AFD's beneficiaries are the poorest households in natural resource dependent communities from the seasonally flooded Tonle Sap inundation zone to the communities vulnerable to disasters in Sandan district. AFD integrates inclusive gender and minority groups within all program planning and activities. Increasing women's participation in natural resource community based organisations and improving small business networks is a particular focus in program design and implementation activities.
In supporting our beneficiaries, AFD partners with community based organizations and in co-operation with local government structures.
Organisational Structure
AFD's Board of Directors meet quarterly to monitor the organisations progress, provide strategic guidance to the Executive Director and identify opportunities for improvement. The AFD Program Management Committee (comprising managers at AFD) meet monthly to track progress on activities to work plans and budgets.
AFD has partnered with Scope Global, the Australian government program, to deliver training and capacity building opportunities for staff, and support for organizational improvements. The advisor is based in Kampong Thom.
The team in Kampong Thom includes: Executive Director, Project Managers (3); Project-based staff (25); Administration/Finance Manager and local volunteers
AFD's Strengths
AFD has over 10 years' experience in natural resource and environment management, disaster preparedness, climate change responses, livelihood support and good governance. The team has extensive knowledge of the challenges confronting the community based organisations, development and management of natural resources in the province.
AFD actively engages with stakeholders, and builds relationships between communities and local authorities to improve livelihoods and environemental protection.
Focus:
