Joint Press Release: National Dialogue Calls for Stronger Support for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 29 June 2026 – Around 120 representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and farmer groups gathered today for a national policy dialogue to promote farmer-led innovation and agroecology as key pathways toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
The Policy Dialogue on Farmer-Led Innovation Research for Sustainable Transformation of Agroecology, Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems showcased evidence and lessons learned from farmer-led participatory action research. The event also generated policy recommendations aimed at strengthening support for agroecological transitions and fostering more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems in Cambodia.
Co-organized by CamboDHRRA, Action for Development Organization (AFD), World Vision International Cambodia (WVI-C), ALiSEA, DPA and Uni4Coop with support from the Agroecology Fund (AEF) and partners, the dialogue created a platform for farmers, particularly women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, to directly share their innovations, challenges, and recommendations with policymakers and development stakeholders.
Agriculture remains central to Cambodia’s rural economy. However, farmers continue to face increasing pressures from climate change, declining soil health, and rising production costs. Throughout the dialogue, participants emphasized agroecology as a practical and sustainable approach to addressing these interconnected challenges.
Mr. Him Noeun, Secretary General of CamboDHRRA, underscored the importance of farmer-led solutions, “Today’s dialogue clearly demonstrates that farmers are at the forefront of innovation. Through participatory research, farmers have identified their own challenges, experimented with local relevant solutions, and generated evidence together. This process highlights that farmers are not merely adopters of innovations, but are co-creators of knowledge and solutions. Farmer-led participatory research is not only about promoting agroecological practices; it is also about recognizing farmers as innovators who contribute valuable evidence and insights for transforming sustainable food systems.”
Mr. Som Sopheak, Executive Director of Action for Development Organization (AFD), highlighted the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration, “This dialogue has strengthened the connection between farmers, youth research initiative, and policymakers. The insights shared today will help inform more inclusive and responsive policies that support sustainable food systems and scale up proven agroecological innovations.”
Participants engaged in interactive discussions to identify key policy gaps and opportunities to expand agroecology across Cambodia. Key recommendations included increasing investment in farmer-led research, strengthening agricultural extension services, and ensuring the meaningful participation of women, youth, and Indigenous communities in decision-making processes.
Ms. Sok Chanraksmey, National Secretary of ALiSEA in Cambodia, emphasized that, “farmers are not just beneficiaries; they are the primary knowledge holders whose experiences, innovations, and insights are essential to shaping effective solutions. Their direct participation ensures that their real needs are addressed. Through this dialogue, farmer-led discussions foster ownership, strengthen local commitment, and enhance the long-term sustainability of interventions by ensuring that actions respond to local realities.”
“It is the time to accelerate investment in sustainable agriculture. We encourage all stakeholders to join forces in empowering farmers with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to adapt to climate change and thrive. Together, we can create a future where every farming family is resilient, every community is food secure, and agricultural development contributes to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all," said Mr. Chap Vibol, Programme Quality and Development Director of World Vision International in Cambodia.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, integrate agroecology into national agricultural strategies, and scale up farmer-led innovations that contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system in Cambodia.