A rural Cambodian leader from Siem Reap province has been recognised as oner of 100 women honoured by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for her contributions to agrifood systems, rural development and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Set Hach received the award from FAO director-general Qu Dongyu during a special ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy on October 15, held as part of the World Food Forum 2026.
She was selected for the inaugural “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems for Rural Development” list, which recognises women whose leadership is helping transform agriculture and rural communities worldwide.
Her journey from housewife and smallholder farmer to community leader began when she started rice farming and livestock production to support her family and three children. Her participation in a women’s savings group helped her develop financial literacy, confidence and leadership skills.
Despite having limited formal education, she later volunteered as a literacy teacher, helping other rural women learn to read and write.
In 2017, she became chairwoman of the Satrey Phouk Phal Meanchey Agricultural Cooperative in Siem Reap. Under her leadership, the cooperative expanded from 82 members in 2016 to 540 by the end of 2025, including 451 women across 30 villages.
The cooperative’s capital also grew from 9.1 million riel to more than 521.7 million riel (approximately $128,000), while 23 self-help groups mobilised more than 216 million riel in community savings.
As vice chairwoman of the Siem Reap Meanchey Farmer Union, Hach supports training in sustainable vegetable production, livestock raising, composting and integrated farming. These activities aim to help rural households improve nutrition, reduce production costs and increase incomes, while encouraging more women to participate in cooperative management, financial decisions and community development.
Hach and her cooperative have also received support through the Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (PEARL) project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, with technical assistance from FAO and funding from the Green Climate Fund.
Her recognition comes during the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, which highlights women’s contributions to food production, rural economies and sustainable agriculture.