Cambodia Pushes Farmer‑Led Food Systems to Boost Climate Resilience

PHNOM PENH, May 28, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is stepping up efforts to promote farmer‑led food systems and climate‑resilient agriculture as part of a broader push to strengthen rural economies and sustainable livelihoods, officials said Wednesday.

At the 2026 Annual Cooperative Summit in Phnom Penh, attended by more than 300 representatives from government agencies, financial institutions, private companies, cooperatives and development partners, stakeholders called for stronger partnerships, investment and policy alignment to improve Cambodia’s agricultural and food systems.

Dr. Nhem Sareth, Country Director of Heifer International Cambodia, said food systems face mounting pressure from climate change, rising production costs, fragmented value chains and limited access to finance. But he pointed to new opportunities through regenerative agriculture, climate‑smart production, digital innovation, inclusive finance and youth entrepreneurship.

Heifer Cambodia reaffirmed its long‑term Cambodia Signature Program 2026–2035, which aims to support 520,000 smallholder households across 14 provinces by promoting inclusive and sustainable food systems.

Agriculture Ministry spokesman Khim Finan stressed that strong cooperatives are essential to improving farmers’ access to markets, finance, technology and business opportunities.

The summit also highlighted the growing role of women and youth in agricultural leadership, climate‑smart farming and rural entrepreneurship, reinforcing Cambodia’s broader goals of food security, climate resilience and sustainable rural development.