In addition to the bond of similar languages, religions and cultures, they often face similar problems in agriculture and economic production because of shared natural environments. HPI's vision is that these very similar peoples can assist one another across political boundaries, creating good will and helping their brothers and sisters of this great watershed of Southeast Asia. About the Mekong River Watershed Region For all of its beauty and splendor, the Mekong watershed region is one of the poorest areas in the world. Life is extremely difficult for resource-poor families, especially for those living in the rural areas in the Mekong watershed region. Cambodia s infrastructure and roadways are limited and practically nonexistent in rural areas, making it difficult for farm families to transport their goods and receive inputs.
Statistics tell the sad story of lives lived amidst great difficulties.
Life expectancy for women is 49 years, for men, 47. In rural areas, because of disease and a lack of resources, life expectancy is even lower. Subsistence farmers and their families eke their daily survival from marginal lands, using inferior inputs and receiving little compensation for what they do produce. HPI's History in Cambodia Heifer Project International began working in Cambodia in 1986 to help farm families develop sustainable agricultural enterprises that would generate cash income and bolster family nutrition. In 1997, a full-time country representative was hired and an independent country office was established in 1999.