PHNOM PENH: Tuesday, 12nd of February BBC Media Action the team behind hit TV series Loy9, Love9, and Klahan9 was launched new TV Show “Don’t Wait for Rain”. The show focuses on a different region of Cambodia each week and will showcase easily replicable and affordable techniques that people can use to protect themselves
against the effects of extreme weather events. It will also explore some of the reasons that may prevent people from planning for extreme weather in the first place such as financial worries or a lack of confidence in trying something new.
The programme presented by Dy Chan Sreymom and Jimmy Kiss pairs local ‘experts’ with those experiencing problems to explain how simple steps can lead to life changing results. Topics covered include early warning flood systems for flash flooding, rain water storage for coastal areas and grafting plants together to make them more resilient to drought and pests. The programme also meets a female farmer whose crops have been periodically washed away by flood waters and who learns how to build a raised vegetable garden to grow food for herself and family undisturbed by flood water.
Alex Baxter, Head of Production of BBC Media Action Cambodia said “By showcasing people who are struggling because of the weather and introducing them to those who have an answer, I hope we will not only encourage people to adapt themselves to build their resilience in the face of a changing climate.”
The TV show was developed following extensive research carried out by BBC Media Action generate a nationally representative picture of how people in Cambodia live and deal with change. This Large scale research told us about the barriers that were preventing people in Cambodia from taking action to reduce their risks from extreme weather conditions including a reliance on external support lack of resources and crucially a lack of information and gaps in knowledge about how to best prepare.
Khuon Chandore, Research Manager of BBC Media Action said “Based on research conducted by BBC Media Action 43% of people in Cambodia have reported to taking some level of action to address challenges as result of weather and environment change, yet interestingly 75% are willing to make changes. Therefore a key driver of Don’t Wait for Rain was to inspire people to take action for themselves. We hope that by providing information, showcasing people who have already taken some action as ‘role models’ and who have seen an economic benefit from this action, we can then take steps towards this.”
The project is funded by the Government of Sweden.
Maria Sargren, Swedish Ambassador to Cambodia said “If we can increase understanding about why it is important for people to prepare for extreme weather conditions, and provide realistic and relevant adaptations for people we can support our goals of contributing to greater resilience to climate change at local level.”
By getting people talking about climate change and how it affects them both individually and in their communities BBC Media Action hopes to encourage people to take small steps towards preparing for the effects of climate change so that they can thrive, whatever the weather.
“Don’t’ Wait for Rain” is on CTN, every Sunday from 17th February 2019, 4:30-5:00pm, and every Thursday on MYTV from 21st February 2019 at 8:30 -9:00pm and repeated on Saturday on CTN from 10:00-10:30am and on Friday on MyTV from 4:30-5:00pm.
Viewers are also invited to learn more about the “Don’t Wait for Rain” TV show through the official social media channels:
Facebook: fb.com/klahan9
YouTube: youtube.com/klahan9cambodia
