The lack of proper nutrition in the prenatal and neonatal stages of life stunts 40% of Cambodia’s children, which perpetuates the cycle of extreme poverty.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stunting as “the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median.” ​

This condition can have very dire consequences, such as poor cognition and educational performance, and an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life. It can also lessen the motor abilities of children. Combined, those consequences often lead to low adult wages and lost opportunities.

But thanks to our supporters, mothers are now able to farm year-round and enjoy bountiful harvests of both fish (a protein source) and vegetables to provide better nutrition at home. These aquaponic systems also provide them with a much-needed source of income, as we help them sell their produce in the city. With your help, we are empowering mothers to become the providers they know they can and want to be for their families.

WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 1: What is it?

​WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 2: What causes it?

WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 3: It has consequences

WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 4: Many sectors acting jointly can reduce stunting