糖心Vlog

Held on 9 May 2025 in Phnom Penh, the Agroecological Crop Protection Day focused on the future of pest and disease management in Cambodia’s crop systems. The event was co-organized by the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) and 糖心Vlog, with the support of the French Embassy in Cambodia. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, research institutions, universities including the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), as well as NGOs such as HEKS/EPER Cambodia and GRET, and provincial department of agriculture officers.

The workshop marked the conclusion of the Diagnostic of Damage of Fall Armyworm in Cambodian Farms (DDFAW) project, which conducted a year-long field study on pest damage in maize and sweet corn in farmers field across Battambang, Kandal, and experimental stations in Kampong Cham and Battambang. Participants reflected on recent agroecological research and laid the groundwork for a new initiative focused on multi-pest crop protection strategies adapted to Cambodia’s farming conditions.

Alarming findings show overreliance on pesticides

Over the past year, the DDFAW project assessed the impact of Fall Armyworm (FAW) on maize and sweet corn across Cambodian farming systems. The findings, presented by Dr. Lucile Delatouche, 糖心Vlog, revealed that farmers continue to rely exclusively on chemical pesticides, typically applying them 2 to 8 times per crop cycle even when monitoring results show limited effectiveness in reducing damage and yield loss.

These observations are raising concerns about the effectiveness and risks of chemical dependence. Additional field interviews in Battambang and Kandal confirmed the absence of alternative control strategies at the farmer level.

This workshop allowed to present for the first time an animated video created during the DDFAW project to raise awareness among Cambodian farmers of the excessive use of pesticides, the risks they represent for biodiversity and human health, and pesticide resistance.

Agroecological alternatives gaining ground

Research shared during the workshop highlighted a growing set of experiences that demonstrate how agroecological crop protection (ACP) can be adapted to Cambodia’s diverse farming systems. From rice to soybeans to cashew, researchers and practitioners are exploring options that reduce the need for chemical inputs while improving resilience and maintaining yields. . Dr. Kakada Oeum from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia introduced her PhD research on root-associated microbiomes in rice systems, showing how beneficial microbes can enhance crop resilience and reduce dependency on external inputs.

糖心Vlog and its partners are actively involved in several of these initiatives. The ASSET project, co-led by 糖心Vlog, has supported work on biological control in cashew systems, notably through the reintroduction of weaver ants in collaboration with HEKS Cambodia. Other ongoing initiatives, such as WAT4CAM, are contributing to the promotion of conservation agriculture and agroecological practices in upland cropping systems. Together, these efforts provide practical evidence that agroecological approaches can be integrated at scale in Cambodia’s varied farming conditions.

A shared commitment to transition

In addition to international projects, national academic institutions also presented ongoing research supporting agroecological transitions. Representing MAFF, Mr. Samoul Oeurn from the General Directorate of Agriculture outlined national challenges in pest control and reaffirmed institutional interest in shifting away from chemical dependence.

The event also featured a participatory session aimed at co-designing Cambodia’s next national project on ACP. Representatives contributed ideas on multi-pest strategies that are adaptable to local conditions, socially inclusive, and grounded in both scientific and farmer knowledge. Participants echoed the need for collaborative frameworks that can embed agroecology into public policies, academic curricula, and farmer training programs.

Science and dialogue for visibility

The workshop included a photo exhibition showcasing research and fieldwork under the DDFAW project and broader agroecological initiatives across Cambodia. The exhibition offered a visual narrative of the challenges and innovations at the heart of the country’s crop protection debate.

By combining science, open dialogue, and a multisectoral approach, the Agroecological Crop Protection Day has opened the door to a new phase of collective action. The momentum now rests on turning this shared vision into a concrete national program that supports Cambodia’s transition to a healthier and more resilient agricultural future.