Advancing Early Warning Systems in Cambodia

Project Overview:

Cambodia faces a high risk of climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, posing significant challenges to communities. To address these risks, ActionAid Cambodia launched the “Advancing Early Warning Systems in Cambodia” project, funded by the GSMA Innovative Fund (GSMAIF). The project, spanning 18 months starting in October 2023, aims to strengthen disaster resilience in 11 provinces, including Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Koh Kong, Kampong Thom, Svay Rieng, and Prey Veng.

The project’s primary goal is to enhance early warning systems (EWS) and raise community awareness to improve disaster preparedness and response while fostering better coordination among stakeholders.

Our Solution:

To meet the project’s objectives, we developed a comprehensive social media and broadcasting campaign strategy aimed at educating and engaging communities on disaster risk reduction.

Key Steps Taken:

1. Pre-Broadcasting Preparation:
   • Conducted meetings with ActionAid Cambodia to align on work plans and finalize content for live radio talk shows.
   • Identified stakeholders and crafted content tailored to local needs.
   • Submitted drafts for review and incorporated feedback for finalization.
2. During Broadcasting:
   • Facilitated discussions with technical experts and guest speakers.
   • Conducted live broadcasts via a dedicated Facebook page, ensuring engaging and informative content.
   • Promoted recorded sessions on social media to extend reach.
3. Post-Broadcasting:
   • Delivered recorded broadcasts to ActionAid Cambodia.
   • Compiled a comprehensive report detailing audience engagement and viewership metrics across platforms.

Key Features:

• Live Radio Shows: Interactive discussions with disaster management experts and stakeholders to build awareness of EWS.
• Social Media Integration: Strategic promotion of live and recorded sessions to maximize outreach and engagement on Facebook.
• Community-Focused Content: Culturally relevant and practical information tailored to the needs of disaster-prone communities.

Results: 

1. Enhanced Awareness: The live broadcasts reached a wide audience across 11 provinces, increasing knowledge of disaster risk reduction practices.
2. Improved Engagement: High levels of interaction on the Facebook page, including comments and shares, indicated strong community involvement.
3. Effective Coordination: Strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders and streamlined the dissemination of critical information through coordinated efforts. 

Quantitative Achievements

• Total Engagement:
  • 749,796 total reactions from online platforms.
  • 1,570 likes and 206 shares, showcasing strong online community involvement.

Conclusion:

Through effective partnerships, tailored communication strategies, and data-driven insights, the “Advancing Early Warning Systems in Cambodia” project successfully enhanced disaster preparedness and community resilience. The project’s significant achievements in engagement and sustainability underscore its impact and potential for replication in other disaster-prone regions.