Soil Doctors Training of Trainers

The workshop was part of the Global Soil Doctors Programme, a farmer-to-farmer training initiative to improve sustainable soil management practices. By training local trainers to teach farmers about soil analysis, fertility, and management, the programme promotes sustainable land resource management and agricultural productivity.

The main objective of the workshop in Cambodia was to train trainers who will teach farmers to become soil doctors within their communities. These soil doctors will then promote soil conservation and sustainable land resource management through practices like agroecology, supporting agricultural productivity and socio-economic development.

The Soil Doctor Workshop was a crucial step in promoting the Soil Doctor Programme to smallholder farmers, in line with the requirements of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It was delivered by accredited trainers and soil science experts from the Thailand’s Land Development Department (LDD).

The workshop was opened with welcome speeches by the Deputy Director of PDAFF-Tboung Khmum Mr. Yu Tanghy and Dr. Pat Taranet, Director of LDD, and with the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Seng Vang, Director of DALRM/GDA. The workshop also included nine sessions and field exercises covering topics such as the soil doctor programme, how to become one, soil basics, enhancing soil organic matter, understanding soil pH levels, managing soil nutrition, etc. Field activities were conducted on the third and fourth days to apply theoretical knowledge.

Following the workshop, the trained trainers are now supporting farmers in Battambang, equipping them to become soil doctors. Each trainer aims to train 20-30 farmers in their communities on soil management and fertility. In addition, HUSK Venture, a private organic fertiliser company, has also initiated training programmes for potential soil doctors in their targeted areas.

This workshop and the training series demonstrated the commitment of DALRM, in collaboration with CIRAD and Dei Meas, to support PDAFF in Tboung Khmum and Battambang provinces to develop soil doctors and marked a significant step towards sustainable soil management in Cambodia. By equipping local trainers and farmers with essential knowledge and skills, the programme aims to create a network of soil doctors dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and agroecology to improve the livelihoods of rural communities.