A new initiative aimed at building the capacity of Commune Agriculture Officers (CAOs) and farmers to enhance climate-resilient cashew and pepper production was officially launched by the EU delegation to Cambodia, the German embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, on July 17.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) programme focuses on equipping CAOs with technical expertise and post-harvest management skills to better assist local farmers.
The event, held in Kampong Thom, gathered 169 participants, including CAOs, farmers, government officials, development partners and representatives from the private sector.
The training is tailored to address local crop conditions and provide CAOs with the necessary tools to support farmers effectively in improving productivity and adopting sustainable practices.
“This training will significantly enhance the operational capacity of CAOs to deliver effective agricultural extension services.,” said Yang Saing Koma, ministry secretary of state.
“It will empower them to guide farmers in adopting climate-resilient farming practices that boost productivity and profitability, while also supporting the development of modern agricultural cooperatives,” he added.
Koma noted that these efforts align closely with the government’s priority policies, particularly priority six, which focuses on the deployment of CAOs and the development of modern agricultural cooperatives.
Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Cambodia, also highlighted the training’s role in strengthening Cambodia’s agricultural exports.
“Environmental protection and food safety are essential to accessing the EU and other global markets,” he said.
Fornari noted that strengthening local capacities will enable Cambodia to increase exports of high-quality processed cashew nuts and pepper.
He added that Europe remains committed to supporting rural employment and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth that benefits farming communities across Cambodia.
Additionally, the German embassy, in partnership with the agriculture ministry, continues its commitment to enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Cambodia.
The ToT programme contributes to the government’s broader goal of creating climate-resilient agricultural communities and reinforcing the public agricultural extension system to meet the needs of farmers.
By strengthening CAOs’ capabilities, it aims to address challenges such as access to finance, technical assistance and market connections for farmers.
It also supports the broader Team Europe strategy, which focuses on fostering sustainable, deforestation-free agricultural value chains while contributing to Cambodia’s national development policies and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
