Posted on April, 02 2025
Rattan is a type of climbing palm that grows abundantly in tropical forests, including those in Cambodia. Unlike traditional hardwoods, rattan is valued for its flexibility, strength and fast growth, making it a good resource for sustainable furniture and handicrafts. However, its thorny exterior and curved shape make processing challenging, leading many to overlook its potential.
In Deum Dong village, Angkor Chey district, Kampot province, rattan was once dismissed as nothing more than a wild, thorny vine. Many thought the plant was too difficult to work with and unsuitable for making furniture. This belief was especially strong for Mr Sim Sem’s wife, who doubted that rattan could ever become a reliable source of income for their family and community.
Mr Sim Sem, 56, is a dedicated member of the Community Forestry Network (CFN) in Kampot province. For years, he relied on farming, rice cultivation, animal raising and collecting non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as rattan and bamboo. Mr Sem has been involved in the Leading the Change (LtC) project – a global programme promoting livelihood development, civil society rights and resource management policy – since its first phase. He joined the first rattan processing training offered to community members in 2016.
Despite the challenges of learning a new craft, Mr Sem eagerly participated. His wife, skeptical at first, watched as he struggled with the curved and thorny rattan canes, waiting to see if anything useful would come from his efforts.
"In the beginning, I found it quite hard to use the tools, and my wife didn’t believe rattan could be turned into furniture," Mr Sem recalled. "But I kept practicing, and by the end of the training, I was able to make my first few pieces."
Seeing the results firsthand, his wife’s skepticism turned into admiration. Over time, Mr Sem refined his skills, crafting products such as tables, chairs, shelves, baskets and cabinets. Today, he earns an average of US$250 per year from selling his handmade rattan and bamboo products, providing additional income for his family.
"I want to tell others who are hesitant: if you get involved in the project, you have the opportunity to improve your skills and create something valuable," he said.
Beyond personal growth, Mr. Sem and other CFN members have benefitted from LtC’s financial and technical support, strengthening their role in natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods. Today, he is not only a skilled craftsman but also an advocate for community-led conservation and sustainable enterprise.
When asked about her husband’s transformation, his wife simply smiled with pride.
Leading the Change 2 (LtC2) is a global civil society programme beginning in July 2023, which aims to support thriving biodiversity and ecosystems where all people can enjoy a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. In Cambodia, the programme has provided subgrants to five organizations that promote civil society rights in biodiversity protection, demonstrate best practices in livelihood development and influencing policies in natural resource development.
