Together for the better life

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future"

The potential for sustainable agriculture in Cambodia

By: Mr. Winfried Scheewe GIZ Advisor to the Cambodian Organic Agricultural Association (COrAA) 21-22 November 2011 Hotel Intercontinental, Phnom Penh

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

Current Situation:
Increased harvests
Most soils are low in fertility Low use of N-fertilizers Amounts of organic manure not sufficient Serious problem: Pesticide use Low productivity low yields low incomes Farming - not attractive to young people

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

Threat Climate Change:

Droughts, compounded by low soil fertility Risk of floods
Higher Temperatures: effect on crop growth

Incidences of pests & diseases likely to increase

Cut worms destroy rice seedlings, Kg Thom province, May 2010

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

Promotion of sustainable practices so far:

Several NGOs and programs promote SRI & organic rice production Organic cashew nut production
Chemical-free vegetable production Fruits and black pepper

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

Sustainable Agriculture mitigates climate change:

Reduces greenhouse gases, especially nitrous oxide Prevents nutrient and water loss Water management less methane Stores carbon in soil and plant biomass Preserves diversity Encouraging agro-forestry and avoiding the clearance of primary ecosystems Minimizing energy use

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

What needs to be done?

Soil fertility improvement
Green manure Cover crops

Zero- (or minimum) tillage Seeds

Safeguard genetic resources

Diversification (following natures principles) Enhance resilience of farms

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

What needs to be done? (2)

Market linkages needs to be done What
o Farmers mustSoil sure of improvement, be fertility crucial markets in order to Education improve farms Market linkages o Land titling essential

Security of tenure

Education:
o providing rural young people a perspective

EU-Funded Projects Workshop "Towards a Green and Inclusive Future Phnom Penh, 21-22 November 2011

Potentials:
Organic rice production Chemical-free vegetable Organic fruits & cashew nuts Livestock & many other crops

Conclusion:
Drastic changes in land use are necessary Basic environmental literacy of farmers (and the whole society) will be vital

What will the future hold for him?