Cambodia’s agriculture sector is a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. However, in recent decades, agricultural intensification has led to the destruction of natural assets, resulting in soil degradation and loss of fertility. Consequently, farmers are facing low and declining productivity and income. And although new agricultural technologies are available and help to improve productivity, many of these solutions are not sufficiently commercialised to reach broad numbers of farmers. Moreover, the capacities of public agricultural extension services that play an important role in raising awareness are limited and coordination among stakeholders is lacking.
ISA seeks to support the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices in Cambodia, by facilitating access to and use of agricultural inputs such as machinery, cover crop seeds and extension services for at least 12 000 smallholder farmers (40% women). In addition, financial reward mechanisms such as premiums for sustainably grown products are explored as incentives for farmers to transition from conventional to more sustainable agricultural practices.
The project therefore
The goal of the project is to promote appropriate technologies and extension services for a sustainable agricultural production. This leads to an improved soil health that allows smallholder farmers to increase their productivity and income. Private sector actors providing agricultural products and services such as seeds and machinery are supported in establishing self-sustaining business models in order to increase farmer’s access to farm inputs. Moreover, improved coordination among public and private sector actors leads to stronger collaboration, supporting the implementation of the Cambodia’s roadmap for conservation agriculture and sustainable intensification.
This project is co-financed by the Leopold Bachmann Foundation. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.