RCE Greater Phnom Penh conducted a project from 2017-2021 to promote sustainable agriculture in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. They provided capacity building workshops and trainings to 1,537 beneficiaries including agricultural extension officers and farmers. The project aimed to increase knowledge of organic fertilizers and sustainable practices. Results included more farmers using organic fertilizers, model farmers disseminating knowledge, and greater involvement of women. Lessons learned include the importance of local stakeholders and economic incentives for changing practices. Remaining challenges are engaging youth and improving food preservation and sustainable consumption awareness.

1. Experiences of
RCE Greater Phnom Penh
on Building Capacities of Educators
in Kampong Cham, Cambodia
RCE Greater Phnom Penh
and Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON)
5 October 2021

2. • Around 1/10 of households in Cambodia apply chemical
fertilizers
• More than half of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and
other agrochemical applied in plain zone of the country
• Low level chemical awareness on using chemicals due to
limited education
• Lack of knowledge related to sustainable or alternative
farming practices
• Number of agricultural extension officers is not enough
• The intervention from change agent such as NGOs, civil
society or education institutes to tackle this problem is
indispensable
Background

3. ▪ RCE GPP had implemented the Project on Promoting
Sustainable Agricultural Conditions for Poverty Reduction
in Kampong Cham Province from October 2017- February
2021
▪ The project promoted sustainable agricultural
through various forms of education for agricultural
extension officers and farmers in the province
▪ The main activities included capacity building of
agricultural extension officers and farmers through a
series of workshops and trainings and providing some
agricultural materials to farmers
▪ The project area covered 10 districts across the province
with the total number of 1,537 beneficiaries (37 officers,
20 model farmers, 480 district group members and 1,000
local farmers)
Our activities
Topic of workshop/training during 3 years
Improvement of soil fertility
Soil conservation practices
Composting, Liquid fertilizer, Multi-cropping,
Pellet compost, Agro-forestry
Technical training in Thailand for agricultural extension
officers
Pest and diseases management
Bio pesticide making
Technical training in Thailand for agricultural extension
officers
Irrigation techniques
Drip irrigation
Mini sprinkle planning and installing
Post harvesting, product handling and marketing
channels

4. • Agricultural officers acquire new
knowledge and techniques
• Technical training in Thailand has
motivated many officers
• The knowledge dissemination design
gives opportunity to junior officers
Results
The number of
farmers who
use organic
fertilizers has
increased
Model farmers play
vital roles to
disseminate
knowledge to other
farmers
Active involvement
from women
ESD→SCP

5. Lessons Learned
• Local stakeholders play a key role during
COVID-19
• Economic incentives motivate farmers to
change agricultural practices
• Women are keen to share their experiences
when they were given a chance
• Outreach and content of training and
workshop should be designed
to fit with the audience
Remaining Challenges
• Involve younger farmers in ESD&SCP
• Match the demand and supply of
organic or low agro-chemical inputs
product
• Enhance food preservation skill and
products from local produce
• Promoting awareness of sustainable
consumption and production to
consumers and connect with broader
stakeholders such as public health
services, restaurant and market
operator to enhance SCP

6. Supporting mechanisms to enhance ESD
during and after COVID-19
Capacity building for key
stakeholders (agriculture extension
officers and model farmers)
Enhancing network among farmers and
farmers with customer
Incorporate sustainable agricultural
production in the provincial agriculture
promotion strategic plan
Connecting farmers with educational institution by using the
farms as research plot and involve good agricultural practices by
farmers as a learning place for students.
Young people who own smart phone are involved to share
project information to elder farmers.

7. • Webinar for educators to share
their experiences
• Video clip/short film of good
practices/lessons learned from
farmers to farmers
• Short online training course for
student in different levels
• Competition on ESD project at
local level
Knowledge sharing and
outreach among RCEs