Improving Agricultural Practices in Cambodia
Future Food Together‘s approach is to work along the entire food value chain – from agricultural production all the way to consumption. In order to shift agricultural production to sustainability several production variables were examined and monitored in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia, and tailored training was offered to the farmers to help them in their transition.
GHG emission study and recording tool
Study findings indicate that among the activities investigated, the use of organic fertilizers, particularly cow dung on vegetable plots, as well as high fuel use in both cocoa and vegetable production, are the leading drivers of GHG emissions.
Vegetable plantations produced significant emissions due to the use of enormous amounts of organic fertilizers, which emit methane and nitrous oxide during decomposition.
Cocoa plantations also contributed significantly to emissions, mainly through irrigation, fuel use for machinery, and crop maintenance operations.
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Based on the findings the project is conducting a targeted training program to (1) share the study findings with key stakeholders/ farmers, (2) teach effective counter strategies and practices, and (3) train participants on how to accurately measure, monitor, and report GHG emissions.
The findings showed partly excessive nitrogen levels, though on other farms means to promote plant growth needed to be promoted. Some farms needed a boosting of soil organic carbon and organic matter by using organic fertilizers or compost materials. Others needed a correction of soil pH to avoid future acidity problems, also assessing lime requirements. Compostable materials include charcoal, vegetable waste, kitchen waste, native plants, and soil cover plants like sunhemp and stylo grass.
Soil and water quality laboratory testing
Soil and water contamination in agriculture endangers both long-term productivity and environmental health. This research tested and assessed the physical and chemical qualities of water and soil samples utilized in agriculture in Mondulkiri province. By identifying contaminants and understanding their effects on crop output and soil health, targeted suggestions could be made to farmers.
Based on the findings, the project is offering assistance, advice and training, encouraging knowledge transfer, and giving farmers the essential information and tools to reduce pollution and promote sustainable farming practices.
Download the report hereTraining on sustainable farming and food standards
As part of FFT’s interaction with agricultural producers in Mondulkiri Province, trainings on environmentally sound production techniques, input factors and farm management were provided, including techniques of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), CamGAP (Cambodian Good Agricultural Practice), regenerative agriculture and sustainable (wild) honey collection, packaging and storing.
The targeted farmers included producers of cocoa, vegetables, and wild honey, as well as agricultural cooperative members.
Download the report hereTelling the farmers’ stories
In order to better understand the farmers’s situation in our piloted project sites, we are here telling their stories. They are inspiration and have moved others to join, and the project is relying strongly on these engaged frontrunners and multipliers. Read the stories of Se Seang who is applying integrated farming, composting and pig raising, and of Morn Samean who has taken on the role of a middleman, connecting vegetable farmers to local markets.
These are just some aspects of our project approach and tools, more resources can be found here. You can read more on our interventions, vision and partners in Cambodia on this page. And in our news, we are reporting on new project approaches or achievements, go to news.