Phnom Penh – In a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at contributing to efforts to revolutionize Cambodia’s agricultural sector, the Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA) Grow Asia recently wrapped up a Field Learning and Exchange Visit. Taking place from September 24 to 28, 2023, this event spanned the provinces of Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu.
This tour stands as a testament to the successful collaborations and joint initiatives inked on July 4, 2023, between CPSA-Grow Asia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Among the multifaceted projects under the Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA-Grow Asia) chose to focus on the 18-month “Strengthening Rice Value Chain Project” for this enlightening tour. This initiative targeted the amplification of rice production and the expansion of market opportunities, selecting five agricultural communities in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces.
The project’s core mission was to augment rice productivity, create broader market opportunities, and bolster revenue streams for farmers. Achieving these goals involved rigorous capacity building, mentoring, and coaching activities. Farmers were equipped with knowledge spanning crucial subjects and introduced to climate-smart agricultural technologies, enabling them to tackle challenges posed by climate change.
Additionally, the project provided crucial support to ACs in terms of refining business operations, implementing strategic market interventions, and mastering financial management. The structured business plans and streamlined operations empowered these ACs to manage their rice enterprises efficiently, resulting in augmented profits, localized job opportunities, and reduced migration trends. A significant milestone for the project was the successful implementation of contract farming, indicating its positive impact on the ACs.
Concurrently, the ASEAN Green Recovery through Equity & Empowerment (AGREE) project, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), made significant progress in Cambodia. This initiative, aligned with ASEAN’s COVID-19 Comprehensive Recovery Framework, focused on promoting a low-carbon economy and green employment prospects for women. In Cambodia, the AGREE project conducted extensive gender and climate-responsive analyses with vegetable producer groups/ACs. Thorough case studies were undertaken to evaluate gender-inclusive and low-carbon emission practices. The project also delved into the roles of the private sector in supporting smallholder farmers, emphasizing capacity-building interventions, strategic business operations (including contract farming), and active partnership engagement. Vital policy dialogues and recommendations were initiated among key stakeholders to address crucial issues, fostering collaborations between governments and policymakers.
Mrs. Chim Sophy, Chairperson of the Oversight Committee at Kraing Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative, highlighted the substantial progress made by the cooperative members with the support of the CPSA program. “Our cooperative has significantly enhanced its capabilities and market outreach due to CPSA’s initiatives,” she noted. “Their guidance in areas like business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies has empowered our community, fostering both growth and the creation of new markets. Working with CPSA has been instrumental in our development,” she emphasized.
The recent Field Learning and Exchange Visit played a significant role in advancing these initiatives. Bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Provincial Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu, along with key stakeholders like Amru Rice, Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), and Cambodia Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD), the visit was a platform for vibrant discussions and insightful field visits. The primary objectives included sharing innovative ideas, exchanging knowledge and experiences in business operations and contract farming within the rice value chain, gaining insights into the actual operations and management within the target ACs, and fostering robust relationships and partnerships among the ACs and essential stakeholders.
The participants emerged from this enriching experience armed with valuable knowledge, new perspectives, and practical insights. Their interactions and observations promise to fuel the ongoing initiatives, paving the way for innovative solutions and a more prosperous future for Cambodian agriculture.
