National reconciliation – the Khmer Rouge Tribunal
In July 2006, the Royal Government of Cambodia in cooperation with the United Nations established the "Extraordinary Chamber in the Courts of Cambodia" (ECCC). The "Khmer Rouge Tribunal" (picture: the site of the tribunal at the outskirts of Phnom Penh) aims to take the main perpetrators of the Khmer Rouge regime to court. German Development Cooperation considers national reconciliation in Cambodia an important task. It supports the tribunal and NGOs in their reconciliation efforts all over the country.

TRIP – Rural Infrastructure for Cambodia
One of the main constraints in rural development is poor connectivity. Since 1996 assistance has been provided totaling to about EUR 37 million for the expansion of rural roads and other rural infrastructures in Cambodia. The Tertiary Road Improvement Programme (TRIP, our picture) is already known as a symbol for German Development Cooperation in Cambodia. Up to now more than 1,600 km of rural roads, more than 60 bridges, 40 primary schools and 5 markets have been rehabilitated and built in different provinces. These new infrastructures promote growth and poverty alleviation by reducing time and costs of transportation. Furthermore they increase access to employment opportunities, markets and other service-providers such as schools, health and administrative centres.

Looking below the surface – training in soil science
Soil Science is an important topic for agronomists as soil fertility represents one of the most limiting factors to crop production. In order to secure and increase agricultural productivity for a growing population producers need skills to identify and eliminate minimizing factors that reduce yield potential. To secure sustainable agriculture and food security for future generations, improved techniques of soil management and better crop selection must be introduced. German experts working at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) organize trainings in soil science and integrated nutrient management. After spending some training days in different provinces (picture: trainees in the field at Chub Rubber Plantation in Kampong Cham) with examination of different soils participants gain more theoretical background in soil science at the RUA soil laboratory. Relationships between parent material and type of soil and their suitability for different crops are discussed. The participants take part in small-scale experimentation to discover soil properties. Furthermore they learn how to use a quick test to analyze their own soil samples taken in the field for major plant nutrients.

Access to land
In Cambodia 80 per cent of the population and 90 per cent of the poor live in rural areas. Therefore the German Development Cooperation focuses on these areas. Land reform and access to land, especially for the poor, are essential. This includes setting up a cadastral system, allocation of land to the landless and the establishment of a efficient planning system.