Leopold Bachmann Foundation visits Sustainable Agriculture Project in Cambodia

Cambodian farmers face significant challenges in adopting sustainable agricultural practices due to limited access to appropriate tools and resources. Without appropriate machinery and technology, smallholder farmers struggle to effectively implement conservation agriculture techniques, with effects productivity and long-term sustainability. Through the Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture (ISA) project, Swisscontact is working with public and private partners to bridge the gaps in agricultural development by providing farmers with access to appropriate agroecological tools. These efforts will ensure the long-term success of sustainable agricultural practices and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The delegation met with key stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, and private sector partners, to observe the ongoing efforts and explore future opportunities. The visit began with an introduction to Cambodia and Swisscontact’s projects in the country. The first visit was to Angkor Green, a prominent private sector partner of ISA, where they met with company manager, Mr. Sopha Bou and learned about Angkor Green’s contributions to sustainable agricultural solutions. A Key highlight of the visit was seeing Cambodia’s first no-till maize planter, which is designed to improve soil health and increase farming efficiency.

The delegation also visited the Cambodian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), one of ISA’s main public partners. Conservation agriculture researchers presented their findings on soil testing demonstrations, and the benefits of cover crop. Provincial officers and farmers explained key issues including how conservation agriculture techniques are promoted and applied.

Swisscontact in Cambodia is grateful to the delegation for their visit, as the discussions and exchanges are expected to further strengthen partnerships and inspire new opportunities for impactful initiatives in Cambodian agricultural. Going forward, Swisscontact in Cambodia looks forward to the successful implementation of the second phase of the Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture project.