Pov, 42, and his elderly aunt welcomed us into their home the other day. His wife, Sovann, was away for the day running errands, but he was more than happy to sit and answer our questions about the impact the loan has had on their lives. Like his parents before him, and their parents, Pov is a farmer. He's been doing it all his life. Actually, he's a jack-of-all-trades as we were soon to discover. Besides farming, Pov also works as a moto-taxi driver in the off-season. Even more impressively, he's skilled at playing a traditional instrument called "Ta Khe", and drums, both of which he makes himself! He has a regular gig, with a few other village men, playing at a lunch for tourists that visit the island in addition to playing for various local festivals and events. Pov and Sovann have four children, ages 12-28, three of whom are attending the local school. Their oldest daughter is married and lives at home with her young daughter. His aunt also lives with them and helps with cooking and taking care of the home.
Sovann's loan of $700 is being repaid on schedule as of December. This is the third time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled them to pay for the plowing and preparation of their fields for planting. The cost of plowing is 6,000 Riel ($1.50 USD) per square meter, which adds up quickly for a sizable plot of land. Now, they own two of the three plots that they farm and rent a third for $300 - 500 per year. Throughout the year they are able to plant three different cycles of tomatoes and corn. They also grow bananas. They have a local buyer who comes to their farm every day during picking time to purchase the produce. Though prices are constantly fluctuating due to supply and demand, they estimate they make about 50% profit for the money spent on the farm.
In the future, Pov hopes to save enough money so that they can purchase additional land (instead of renting) and to expand his crops to include papaya, which is a more costly item to grow, but reaps higher profits. He and Sovann also hope to save enough money to rent an apartment for their oldest daughter to live in Phnom Penh and sell the produce directly. As for their young sons, they're pushing them to stay in school and get good grades so that they can eventually attend university and have the opportunity to be whatever they want. (Photo: Pov playing the Ta Khe)
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia
Dec 2, 2007
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Comments
This brings joy to me heart to see the difference we can make to help people out.
Posted by billnewcomer from portland, oregon
Dec 3, 2007
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