Cambodhrra Cambodian Partnership for Development Human Resource in Rural Area Association
Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia | 21 October 2023
CamboDHRRA welcomed representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Cambodia and technical representatives from agricultural development projects, including ASPIRE-AT, AIMS, SAAMBAT, and CAISAR, for a learning visit to Krang Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative in Kampong Chhnang Province.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to explore the implementation experiences, achievements, and lessons learned from the Smallholders Economic Empowerment through Digital Solution (SEEDS) Project, supported by IFAD and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, with coordination support from AsiaDHRRA.
Key Achievements of the SEEDS Project
Through its interventions across eight agricultural cooperatives in three provinces, the SEEDS project has made significant progress in strengthening farmers’ digital knowledge, cooperative capacities, and access to market opportunities. Key achievements include:
• Capacity development: Conducted 168 training sessions across eight agricultural cooperatives in three provinces.
• Farmer outreach: Reached 4,354 participants, including 3,021 women and 1,468 young people, through various capacity-building activities.
• Cooperative-level achievements: Delivered 31 training sessions to 1,045 participants from Krang Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative.
• Digital marketing and communication: Increased the use of Facebook and Telegram to promote agricultural products, share market information, communicate with buyers, and expand market connections.
• Improved business performance: Krang Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative reported an approximately 40% increase in sales compared with the previous year, alongside expanded market opportunities in other provinces and Phnom Penh.
From Digital Knowledge to New Business Opportunities
During the learning visit, the delegation engaged directly with farmers and cooperative leaders to hear their experiences, observe demonstrations of digital applications, and learn how digital tools are being integrated into cooperative operations and agricultural marketing.
Through discussions and interviews, participants explored practical good practices, implementation challenges, and lessons that could inform the design and implementation of other agricultural development initiatives.
The experience also highlighted several ongoing challenges, including limited access to digital devices, internet connectivity constraints, low levels of digital literacy, and the need to strengthen youth participation in digital agriculture initiatives.
Nevertheless, the experience of Krang Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative demonstrates the potential of targeted digital capacity development and appropriate technologies to strengthen cooperative management, improve communication, facilitate market access, and create new business opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Promoting Digital Transformation in Agricultural Cooperatives
The learning visit reinforced the importance of integrating digital solutions into agricultural cooperative development. Beyond introducing digital tools, sustainable digital transformation requires continuous capacity development, practical applications, institutional commitment, and collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, government institutions, and development partners.
CamboDHRRA remains committed to promoting farmer-centred digital solutions and strengthening the institutional, technical, and business capacities of agricultural cooperatives to help smallholder farmers participate more effectively in agricultural value chains and emerging market opportunities.
Appreciation
CamboDHRRA sincerely appreciates IFAD Cambodia, representatives of ASPIRE-AT, AIMS, SAAMBAT and CAISAR, and Krang Leav Samaki Agricultural Cooperative for their active participation, cooperation, and valuable knowledge sharing during the learning visit.
Bringing digital solutions closer to farmers. Expanding market opportunities. Empowering agricultural cooperatives and smallholders for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
