Partnering with companies for agri-food transformation
As Cambodia advances its development, collaboration between the private sector and civil society is expected to drive growth and value addition.
Over the past 20 years, Cambodia's agricultural development has been driven primarily by primary crop production. New agricultural practices - better inputs, increased mechanisation, better technical know-how - have gone a long way to improve local livelihoods and increase climate resilience through adaptation initiatives. As Cambodia continues its development transformation, innovative practices and collaboration between the private sector and civil society are expected to drive further growth and value addition in the country.
This collaboration can take many forms. For example, companies can integrate local communities and small-scale producers into larger market systems and value chains, creating sustainable economic opportunities. Partnerships can focus on developing sustainable and ethical supply chains that benefit communities and meet global standards. The private sector can introduce new technologies and innovative approaches to address development challenges, while civil society ensures that these solutions are adapted to local contexts. Civil society has a role to play in helping companies develop inclusive business models that create opportunities for vulnerable communities while being commercially viable.
SNV is supporting two such initiatives in Cambodia with Kofi, a local coffee supplier, and Amru, a rice exporter. These two initiatives are good examples of grassroots collaboration between the private sector and civil society, while promoting sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices.
Sustainable rice production through regenerative agricultural practices
Cultivating change in sustainable coffee
Mondulkiri, in northeastern Cambodia, offers a promising prospect for expanding the country's coffee production. The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD), implemented by a consortium that includes SNV, has supported Kofi Company in its mission to increase Cambodia's domestic coffee supply while supporting local livelihoods. The initiative focuses on developing a sustainable, climate-resilient coffee production model through activities such as contract farming, agroforestry practices and the establishment of coffee processing facilities. By the second quarter of 2024, Kofi had successfully contracted 83 farmers, established a milling facility and identified suitable areas for coffee expansion.
Commenting on the progress made, Chhay Mony, Kofi's CFO, said: 'We believe in the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and the positive impact it can have on communities. Our partnership with the DFCD project has been instrumental in catalysing positive change in Mondulkiri, and we are committed to promoting a sustainable coffee supply chain that will improve farmers' livelihoods and contribute to broader climate adaptation efforts.'
Regenerative agriculture for sustainable rice production
Another company supported by the DFCD project, Amru Rice Exporter, has been promoting regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and farmer productivity. Working in three provinces - Battambang, Preah Vihear and Mondulkiri - the company has conducted a baseline study on soil carbon, trained farmers in regenerative farming methods and developed a robust business plan to scale up these practices.
Reflecting on the journey to sustainable rice farming, Prak Sim, a community farming leader in Battambang, says: 'The climate-resilient techniques have helped a lot. We plant according to the right seasons, which helps us maintain the quality of the rice. We also plant cover crops after the rice harvest, which helps control weeds and improve soil health. Water management is crucial in rice farming, and Amru's support has helped us use water more efficiently, improving both crop quality and yield.'
Towards greater climate resilience
Through these strategic partnerships with companies, SNV is helping to demonstrate the potential of innovative agricultural methods and climate-resilient practices. Private sector actors like Kofi and Amru Rice can work with communities to adopt new practices and connect farmers to new markets and opportunities, in line with Cambodia's growth potential and plans for the coming years.
