iDE Cambodia, a global nonprofit organisation, is marking 30 years of improving the lives of nearly six million Cambodians since 1994.

The organisation has played a crucial role in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in rural communities through innovation, market-based interventions, and support for local entrepreneurs, according to a December 19 iDE press release.

“Powering local entrepreneurs – especially women and family-run businesses – is the fastest way to move households from poverty to prosperity,” iDE country director Kevin Robbins was quoted as saying.

The release stated that iDE Cambodia has supported more than 450 rural entrepreneurs in agriculture and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives over three decades. Its gender-focused programmes, such as the SHE programme, have provided tailored business support to over 1,500 women entrepreneurs.

When iDE began its sanitation programme, only 20 percent of the rural population had access to a latrine at home. Through its innovative products, including the Easy Latrine and Sky Latrine, the organisation has contributed to increasing sanitation coverage to 90 percent and helped over 2,000 villages achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status.

Since 2002, iDE has also distributed ceramic water filters capable of removing nearly 100 percent of waterborne bacteria. This effort grew into Hydrologic Social Enterprise Ltd, which has delivered more than 500,000 filters, providing millions with access to safe drinking water.

According to the release, these accomplishments have positioned iDE Cambodia as a global leader in scalable and sustainable rural development solutions. Building on its success, the organisation recently launched a 10-year strategy to empower one million women entrepreneurs and positively impact 100 million lives across 12 countries.

“While we celebrate a history of inspiring progress, we are mindful that our mission is far from complete. Challenges abound, yet the future is bright,” Robbins said.