1

2

3

Asia-Pacif ic Local Champions ExhibitionDear Guests and Participants,

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Cambodia, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and PROCASUR are pleased to welcome you to the first Asia-Pacific Local Champions Exhibition, bringing together local champions with the public sector, universities, NGOs and cooperation agencies. This groundbreaking event will be a unique opportunity to build personal contacts with outstanding rural women and men, promoting innovations in sustainable rural and agricultural development, with special focus on the involvement of rural youth.

Our three-day gathering receives more than a hundred esteemed guest from eight countries, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Tonga and Vietnam, to combine smart networking and learning tools within an interactive framework. Local champions and members of the public and private sectors are inviting you to visit their 18 Innovation Shops. In their interactive booths filled with products, knowledge and innovations, Outstanding Farmers are ready to share and explain solutions, best practices and technologies born from endurance. As a follow-up, public-private Roundtables provide space to identify concrete collaboration opportunities between local champions, rural youth and other development practitioners. On the second day of the Exhibition, a special Field Training at the Healthy Spirit (Mongkol) Community Learning Center in Takeo Province will offer first-hand experience with a highly successful group of Local Champions. Their Training Stations aim to strengthen the know-how of participants on local knowledge management and on scaling up local solutions.

The Exhibition welcomes all kinds of rural development practitioners, local champions, project directors, knowledge management professionals, civil society and cooperation leaders. It focuses on four critical areas: 1. Natural resource management and climate change; 2. Rural groups for economic and social development; 3. Agriculture and market: high-value products, organic agriculture, value chain development;4. Local knowledge enterprises: community learning centers, farmer field schools, learning routes.

Upon arriving at the Royal University of Agriculture of Phnom Penh, please register at the Front Desk and sign up for the programs you are involved or interested in. A complementary package is prepared for each of our participants and guests, including this booklet, the list of participants, a personal name tag, and a translation headset if required. We wish you a pleasant stay filled with opportunities in learning, networking, building new friendships, and experiencing the cultural and culinary wonders of Cambodia.

Yours faithfully,PROCASUR Team

4

CambodiaThe Kingdom of Cambodia is located in the heart of South-East Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand. Its total landmass of 181,035 square kilometers covers arable plains, fertile mountains and important watersheds. With almost 70% of its population of 15 million engaged in agriculture, Cambodia ranks as one of the most important countries within the ASEAN Community in terms of rural development.Cambodia comprises of four major ecological zones: the central alluvial plains around the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake; the Dangrek Mountains in the north, the coastal zone in the southwest, and the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains in the west. The land is rich in natural resources, in particular freshwater reserves, forests and inland and coastal fisheries.

These rich water systems, however, are subject to high seasonal variability. During the rainy season, water levels are high and flooding is frequent, while droughts are common in the dry season. With 80% of all cultivated land used for rice farming, the major part of the agro-business in Cambodia is facing constant climatic challenges. At this moment, Cambodia and its neighbors are struggling with crippling drought and its devastating effects in agriculture. The high level of vulnerability to disasters affected more than 16 million people in the past three decades.

Sustainable management of agriculture and natural resources is critically important to Cambodia’s national economy. Agriculture represents approximately one-third of Cambodia’s Gross Domestic Product, directly affecting the livelihoods of the Cambodian people, particularly in rural areas. Finding and sharing sustainable solutions in agriculture to tackle climate change, soil depletion and rural poverty is the primary target at forums of international knowledge exchange.

The Royal University of Agriculture of P hnom PenhFounded in 1964 by H.M. King Norodom Sihanouk, the Royal University of Agriculture is a leading public agricultural university in Cambodia. Accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, it is one of the nine royal universities established to improve Cambodian higher education development. Located in the Southwest of Phnom Penh, the Royal University of Agriculture is a leading producer of Cambodia’s human resources in the fields of agriculture and rural development. With around 10,000 students and 150 academic staff, the

University comprises nine faculties, a school, four research centers, and a large Conference Hall to accommodate over 2000 people.

For more information, please visit www.rua.edu.kh

5

Project for Agricultural Development and Economic Empowerment Launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia (MAFF), the Project for Agricultural Development and Economic Empowerment (PADEE) focuses on improving the livelihoods of poor people in the targeted provinces, representing the backbone of Cambodia’s agriculture: Kandal, Kompot, Preyveng, Svayrieng and Takeo. The Project Development Objective (PDO) aims to develop sustainable agricultural productivity, access to financial services,

access to technology and markets and diversify income sources for rural households living in poverty. In addition, the project is set to create other opportunities for rural business development in the target areas.

One of the crucial elements of the project is the facilitation of knowledge exchange, peer-to-peer learning and public-private partnerships within the frameworks of Community Learning Centers. Within the project duration of 2012-2018, MAFF and PADEE join hands with other supporting agencies and organizations such as ASPIRE, IFAD and Procasur to establish these learning centers as hubs of sharing innovations and local knowledge. PADEE’s goal is to reach 246 communes in 33 districts in the five provinces, benefiting 90,000 households in total – approximately 450,000 people – of which 49,000 households are expected to directly benefit from all key interventions.

6

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, IFAD has provided about USD $15.8 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached 430 million people. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency based in Rome – the UN’s food and agriculture hub. To learn more, visit www.ifad.org

IFAD in CambodiaSince 1996, IFAD has invested US$140.4 million in eight projects in Cambodia, directly benefiting 1,204,300 households. Reducing rural poverty by improving rural livelihoods is the objective of the organization’s efforts to empower Cambodia’s poorest communities to raise their incomes and standards of living. Through its Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP), which supports the government’s poverty reduction initiatives, IFAD strives to be a lead agency in piloting innovation and demonstrating techniques and methodologies to support the livelihoods of the rural poor, especially of rural women and poor indigenous communities.

The current COSOP represents a change of emphasis from IFAD’s previous work in Cambodia. It advocates making transitions: • From emphasizing a livelihoods approach to a clearer focus on expanding poor farmers’

access to market opportunities • From promoting decentralization of public services to a broader concept of pro-poor

rural service delivery that targets not only government agencies but also civil society and the private sector

• Towards a more explicit focus on the resilience of poor rural households.

To ensure that the focus on resilience explicitly factors in climate change, IFAD’s Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) has allocated a US$15 million grant for risk management and resilience-building activities.

The participatory approach toward community development is at the core of IFAD-financed initiatives in the country. It aims to build the capacity of grassroots institutions and to foster direct ownership of investment programmes by the people who benefit from them. IFAD works in partnership with government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia and its projects PADEE and ASPIRE, and with international NGOs active in Cambodia. In agreement with the government, future assistance will target areas where poverty rates are high and where there are opportunities to improve agricultural productivity and develop strategic partnerships with other agencies. In this perspective, future support will be directed at areas where no major externally financed development programmes are ongoing. For more information on IFAD’s activities in Cambodia, visit http://asia.ifad.org/web/cambodia

7

The ROUTASIA ProgrammeIFAD-PROCASUR’s ROUTASIA Programme enhances learning and sharing of knowledge within the Asia-Pacific region, and the scaling-up of practical solutions tested and validated in the field. We do this by harvesting and disseminating innovations, building the capacity of IFAD-supported projects and partner institutions to maximize outcomes of the Learning Routes, and providing space for local champions to become visible partners in development.

PROCASUR’s ten year vision for the Asia-Pacific emphasizes that local champions’ know-how be recognized and valued within the development community. Peer-to-peer exchanges, such as the Learning Routes, are known as reliable and effective tools for knowledge management and the scaling-up of innovation. Over the next five years, PROCASUR and our country partners will work towards the effective appropriation of this vision. We plan to further strengthen the skills and capacities within our operations through the facilitation of networks of private service providers who can deal with the challenges and requirements within the context of each country. PROCASUR hopes to help build a hub for innovations and knowledge management practitioners, in order to connect organizations and individuals throughout the region, with other development processes growing in Africa and Latin America.

Progress ROUTASIA has realized the following achievements so far: • 19 IFAD-funded projects are using the Learning Route toolkit for knowledge management • 400 Local Champions have been trained – 100 of these have been qualified as trainers• Over 400 rural development practitioners from 15 countries have taken part in 18

Learning Routes. • 8500 persons are benefitting from the implementation of 25 Innovation Plans

To learn more, visit www.asia.procasur.org and https://www.facebook.com/procasur.asia

PROCASUR Corporation is a global organization specialized in harvesting and scaling-up homegrown innovations. The Organization’s mission is to foster local knowledge exchange to end rural poverty. By sharing innovations through customized local knowledge-management tools and methodologies, the Organization connects global institutions with local talents, providing the structured learning platforms necessary to spread innovation. PROCASUR has facilitated learning opportunities in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, affecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of rural talents across the globe. Our Learning Routes serve as a capacity-building tool, promoting innovative activities, technologies and approaches that can be applied in eradicating rural poverty. Learning Routes enable learning, advance knowledge management with concrete results, enable efficient dissemination of information, and inspire the scaling-up of the best and field-tested innovations in rural development across regions. To learn more, visit www.procasur.org

8

Asia-Pacif ic Local Champions Exhibitionlocal champions • innovation shops • networking • public-private partnerships

Phnom Penh-Takeo, Kingdom of Cambodia 10 -12 August, 2015

Agenda

Time Activities

Day 1 (August 10, 2015): Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh

07.00-08.00 Hotel pick-up from the Rose Emerald Hotel to the Royal University of Agriculture

08.00-09.00 RegistrationLocation: Front Desk

09.00-10.00

Opening Ceremony Location: University AuditoriumMaster of Ceremony: Ms. Long VIBOL

Speakers:• Welcome remark by H.E. Mam AMNOT, Secretary of State,

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia• Remark by Mr. Ariel HALPERN, Vice-President of

PROCASUR Corporation; Director of PROCASUR Asia-Pacific• Opening Remark by H.E. Dr. Ouk RABUN, Minister of

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia.

10.00-12.00

H.E. Dr. Ouk RABUN, international and national delegations visit the Innovation Shops

Location: Open Air

**During the visit to the Innovation Shops, refreshments will be served

12.00-13.00

Lunch at the University: Tasting the heritage of Cambodian Cuisine

Location: Conference Hall

Host: Mrs. Chhieu Chhinarath

Press conference

Location: University Auditorium

Moderator: Mr. Gabor TEVELI, PROCASUR Communications

13.00-14.30

Progress, challenges and opportunities for a people-centered rural development.

Location: University Auditorium

Speakers: • Mr. Benoit THIERRY, IFAD Country Programme Manager• Mr. Ariel HALPERN, Vice-President of PROCASUR

Corporation, Director of PROCASUR Asia-Pacific

9

Time Activities

14.30-16.00

Roundtables: Opportunities for local champions’ participation in rural development projects

Location: University Classrooms (Hun Sen Teaching and Learning Building)

Hosts: IFAD and PROCASUR

Roundtables:• Natural resource management and climate change adaptation• Rural groups for economic and social development: cooperatives, associations, SHGs, enterprises, indigenous communities, rural youth and women’s groups• Agriculture and market: high value products, organic agriculture, non-farm based businesses• Local knowledge enterprises: community learning centers, farmer field schools, learning routes

ROUTASIA Programme Steering Committee Session (Part One)

Location: University Classroom

15:30-16:00 Tea, coffee, refreshments self service

16:00-17:30

Multimedia session: Capturing people’s wisdom on videos

Location: University Auditorium

Moderator: Mr. Gabor TEVELI, PROCASUR Communications

Videos:• Indigenous Knowledge in Northern Thailand• Medium Term Cooperation Programme• Nepali Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation• A Learning Routes story in Nepal

17:30-19:00Cultural evening

Location: Open Air

Day 2 (August 11, 2015): Field Visit to the Healthy Spirit (Mongkol) Community Learning Center, Takeo Province

06:00-09:00Hotel pick-up and transport from Phnom Penh to Takeo Province Stop for tea and coffee on the way** Breakfast will be served on the bus.

10

Time Activities

09:00-10:00

Official opening of the Healthy Spirit (Mongkol) Community Learning CenterLocation: Trapeang Kchao Village, O’saray Commune, Tram Kak District, Takeo Province

Host: Mr. Sary SENG, PROCASUR in Cambodia

Speakers:• Mr. Daek DOL, Director of the Mongkol Community Learning Center and his team of Local Champions• Mr. Sary SENG, PROCASUR in Cambodia• Mr. Yuos RASY, Deputy Governor and Provincial Project Coordinator, Takeo Province• H.E Mam AMNOT, Secretary of State and Project Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

**Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Official Opening of the Mongkol Community Learning Center

10:00-12:00

Demonstration of Training Services of the Healthy Spirit (Mongkol) Community Learning CenterLocation: Different Learning Stations at the farm

Visitors will participate in one of the following training modules:

1. Production and use of Effective Microorganism (EM)2. Organic washing liquids3. Compost processing4. Organic pesticides5. Rice parachuting6. Natural hormones

12.00-13.00Healthy and tasty organic lunch prepared by families of Local Champions from five provinces (Kandal, Kompot, Preyveng, Svayrieng, Takeo)

13.00-14.00

Exchange in opportunities for local champions to act as trainers and technical assistance service providers in rural development projectsLocation: Mongkol Community Learning Center

Host: PROCASUR

**Drinks and refreshments provided.

14.00-15.00Blessing Ceremony by Buddhist monks

Location: O’saray Temple15.00-18.00 Travel back to Phnom Penh

11

Time ActivitiesDay 3 (12 August, 2015), Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh

Participative training on Local Champions and Learning Routes

07.00-08.00 Bus Pick Up from the Rose Emerald Hotel to the Royal University of Agriculture

TrainingLocation: Conference Hall

08:00-10:00

Chapter 1: Basic concepts and tools• What is local knowledge?• How to capture people’s know-how?• What is the role of Local Champions in the dissemination of innovations and good practices? • How to involve rural youth in the process?

10:00-12:00

Chapter 2: Organizing effective peer-to-peer learning• How to organize learning modules?• How to organize peer-to-peer learning?

ROUTASIA Programme Steering Committee Session (Part Two)

Location: University Classroom

12:00-13:30 Lunch at University, organized by University Service

13:30-15:30

Chapter 3: Follow up on peer-to-peer learning • How to support innovations after the training?• How to monitor the results of peer-to-peer learning?• How to communicate the results of peer-to-peer learning?

15:30-16:00 Refreshments16:00 – 16:30 Agreement on the next steps

16:30 – 17:00

Closing Ceremony

Speakers• Remark by Mr. Ariel HALPERN, Vice-President of PROCASUR Corporation, Director of PROCASUR Asia-Pacific • Remark by Mr. Sakphouseth MENG, IFAD Country Programme Officer• Closing Remark by H.E. Mam AMNOT, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia

*** The agenda may change without previous notice; all announcements will be communicated through the Message Board and the Focal Points.

12

The Healthy Spirit ( Mongkol ) C ommunity Learning Center in Takeo

In Takeo province, the ancient cradle of Khmer civilization, the forerunners of a new era laid the foundations of a sustainable future. Eight outstanding farmers from this remarkably fertile land with high development potentials are preparing to show an outstanding example in organic production, healthy lifestyle and financial security. They named their initiative Mongkol (Healthy Spirit) Community Learning Center to promote the much needed changes in Cambodia’s agriculture. With dedication and hard work they are attempting to revive and spread the good practices in organic farming that were once inherent characteristics of Cambodia.

As one of the most successful examples of grass-root knowledge exchange in Cambodia, the Healthy Spirit (Mongkol) Community Learning Center in Takeo Province shows remarkable achievements in knowledge sharing, organizing local people to access the market, and building networks and cooperation towards a successful public-private partnership. Their curriculum to train other farmers includes a combination of adopted and local techniques, such as EM fertilizers, composting methods, integrated farming and financial management. Their innovative methods in integrated farming, fish raising, EM fertilizers and organic pesticides are presented in their Innovation Shop on the first day of the Local Champions Exhibition. On the second day of the Exhibition, a most anticipated Field Visit to Takeo Province will offer a unique opportunity to witness this process of change. At the base of the Mongkol CLC in Trapeang Kchao Village, Takeo province, eight Learning Stations welcome visitors to participate in one of the following training modules:

13

1.Production and use of Effective Microorganism (EM) and organic washing liquids. 2.Rice seed selection, rice seedling growth, rice parachuting technique. 3.Adding value through post-harvesting techniques and better access to markets. 4.Organic chicken and pig rearing and marketing. 5.Production and marketing of organic vegetables.

Using and sharing these innovations and local wisdom, the once poor and vulnerable farmers of the Mongkol CLC show exemplary ways that directly changed the life of more than a hundred families around them. Within a couple of years, they were able adopt, adapt and promote good practices acquired and shared through trainings, learning routes and other knowledge exchange programs. Thanks to their self-growing network, their determination and innovative mind, these trained leaders, experienced farmers and their followers can contribute to the restoration of Cambodia’s rich heritage in organic farming.

“My neighbours can see our progress, but they are reluctant to follow our example. We don’t want to convert anybody by force. But those who are interested in our organic methods will receive a warm welcome and lots of benefits from our group”. - Mr. Samouen, Financial Director of the Mongkol CLC, host and owner of the farm at the learning site

“My life has changed a lot in the past five years, and I feel very satisfied since we have moved to organic farming. Organic farming needs more work, but I accept this and I am very happy with the changes in my life. I want the people to see how far we got, and I would like to share my success with them, so they can follow our example”. - Mrs. San Thorn, trainer of the Mongkol CLC, host and owner of the farm at the learning site

Location: Trapeang Kchao Village, O’saray Commune, Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia

Main organizations involved in the Community Learning Centers ProjectMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia (MAFF), Project for Agricultural Development and Economic Empowerment of Cambodia (PADEE), Agricultural Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), PROCASUR Corporation

Outstanding Farmers of the Mongkol CLCMr. Daek Dol, Director Mr. Chhin Chhorn, Deputy DirectorMr. Nget Samouen, Financial DirectorMr. Paet Savouen, SecretaryMrs. San Thorn, MemberMr. Toem Toeung, MemberMr. Prom Soeun, MemberMr. Bounna Sun, Member

14

15

Asia Pacif ic Farmers’ Forum (supported by the Medium Term C ooperation Programme P hase II - MTCP2)The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Forum aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations (FOs) in the Asia-Pacific to deliver improved and inclusive services to their members, and to engage in effective dialogues with governments. As a result, farmer organizations become more viable, responsive and accountable to their members, more respected by their partners and more involved in policy-making. Supported by the MTCP2 program funded by IFAD, SDC and the EU for a period of 5 years, the Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Forum will engage smallholder farmers who are current or potential members of 150 FOs representing 20 small-scale farming families in 25 countries in Southeast and South Asia and the Pacific.The Asia-Pacific Famers’ Forum’s Innovation Shop, through some of its members from Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Pacific, will show ways to achieve farmers’ empowerment.

To learn more, visit our website www.asiapacificfarmersforum.comLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiaPacificFarmersForumFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtcp2

Mr. Phoutthasinh PHIMMACHANHGeneral Manager, Lao Farmers Network, Laos Contact: phoutthasinh@yahoo.com

Mr. Keshab RAJ KHADKAProgram Coordinator, MTCP2 South Asia/MTCP2 NepalResearch Department Head, All Nepal Peasants FederationContact: keshab@anpfa.org.np

Mr. Seu RANYChairperson, Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), Cambodia Contact: ranyseu@gmail.com

Mr. Marciano T. VIROLA Jr.KM and Communications Officer, MTCP2 Asia-PacificAsian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA)Contact: afajun@asianfarmers.org

Ms. Sinaitakala TU’ITAHI Corporate Executive, CEO of Growers Federation of TongaContact: tavanagroup@kalianet.to

Mr. Thoeurn YAP Project Coordinator, Cambodian Farmers Association Federation of Agricultural Producers (CFAP Cambodia) Contact: ythoeurn@cfap-cambodia.org

16

Bangladesh: We grow f lowers to bring happiness The Jhikargacha Upazila of Jessore District in Bangladesh is well-known for its pioneering role in commercial flower production. In the early 1980s, the major occupation in the area was agriculture. In recent years, flower cultivation has expanded to the extent that each household in the area is involved in floriculture.

The Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF), with the support of FEDEC Project implemented by PKSF with the support of IFAD, took the initiative in 2009 to address the existing challenges in floriculture, and designed a project to increase farmers’ income by introducing environment-friendly scientific methods and to create employment through value-chain development. Due to the initiative, cultivation of high value flowers like gerbera, karneshan, china rose and chrysanthemum become widespread, along with the traditional flowers such as marigold, local rose varieties, tuberose, and winter gladiolas.

In their Innovation Shop, outstanding farmers share their skills sharpened by trainings and exposure visits, in cultivation of both traditional and high value flowers, as well as in harvest and post-harvest management. They show the steps of their value-chain development that improved product quality while lowered production costs resulting in increased profitability. For more information: http://www.pksf-bd.org/

Ms.Tasnova FARHEEMProgramme Officer, INAFI BangladeshContact: inafibd@inafiasia.net

Mr. MD Musharrof HOSSAINManager (Operations) & Value Chain Project Supervisor, Promoting Agricultural Commercialization and Enterprises (PACE) Project, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)Contact: musharrof@pksf-bd.org

Mr. MD Ismail HOSSAINMicro-enterprise client, Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF)Contact: shahnaz@rrf-bd.org

Mrs. MST Hafiza KHATUNMicro-enterprise client, Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF)Contact: shahnaz@rrf-bd.org

17

Cambodia: National Adaptation Programme of ActionWith the UNDP as implementing agency, the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) facilitate in-country processes for the identification of priority actions that respond to immediate needs to adapt to climate change, reducing economic and social costs. Under the executive supervision of the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, NAPA provides a coordination framework in the implementation of climate change adaptation projects in critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, coastal zones and human health. Using a participatory approach, Cambodia NAPA is building synergies with other relevant environment and development programmes. To learn more, visit http://undp-alm.org/projects/naps-ldcs

Mr. Edmund JACKSONProject Coordinator, UNDPContact: svgenv@vincysurf.com

Mr. Gernot LAGANDARegional Technical Advisor, UNDPContact: gernot.laganda@undp.org

Mr. Reynold MURRAYCountry Officer, UNDPContact: reynold.murray@undp.ord

Cambodia: Ministry of Women’s Affairs - Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in CambodiaThe Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and the Cambodian National Council for Women (CNCW) embody the national mechanisms for the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Cambodia. MoWA acts as a catalyst and encourages public institutions, civil society and the private sector to integrate gender equality into their policies and programs. As a coordinator and facilitator for gender mainstreaming across governments, MoWA is responsible for monitoring and evaluating policies and programs to assess their contribution in achieving the Government’s goals: promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mowa.gov.kh

18

Cambodia: Spreading knowledge through C ommunity Learning CentersCambodia presents five provinces in separate Innovation Shops, where Local Champions share successful methods and good practices in organic agriculture, integrated farming, solutions for climate change, and income generating opportunities for small-farmers. Using innovations combined with their own knowledge, Outstanding Farmers form the five provinces, Kandal, Kompot, Preyveng, Svayrieng and Takeo are eager to show and tell their journey from poverty to a safe and healthy life they have achieved in a couple of years. Thanks to new knowledge from the Learning Routes, forums and trainings, Outstanding Farmers from Cambodia are now able to share these innovations to a growing group of followers and fellow innovators. For this purpose, Community Learning Centers (CLCs) were established in the five provinces, with the help of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, its projects PADEE and ASIPRE, IFAD and PROCASUR.

Kandal Province CLC• Innovative methods and clean techniques in cabbage and vegetable farming; household

and income benefits of clean vegetable gardens• Mushroom farming as a successful business method for small-farmers; market linkages

in backyard mushroom farming and related products such as mushroom compost, mushroom substrate, etc.

19

Kompot Province CLC• Organic methods in chicken farming • Product diversification with production of fruit wine and fermented mango• Mushroom farming as a successful business method for small-farmers; market

linkages in backyard mushroom farming and related products such as mushroom compost, mushroom substrate, etc.

Preyveng Province CLC• Innovative techniques in making and using hormone fertilizers• Planning, planting and maintaining orange orchards, with the use of organic pesticides

and an outlook to market opportunities.

Svayrieng Province CLC• High yield methods in low-water organic rice farming using System of Rice

Intensification (SRI) as a possible answer for droughts and climate change• Product diversification with production of Chinese rice noodle

Takeo Province (Mongkol) CLC• Organic fish farming as an example of a fast growing rural enterprise; making and

using organic fish fertilizer and fish food; integrated methods in fish farming; market opportunities

• Parachuting rice technique: the journey of an ingenious innovation from China through Thailand to Cambodia

Kandal Province CLCMr. Chuk KHENG, PresidentContact: (+855) 17 919 882

Kompot Province CLCMr. Nam TIT, President

Preyveng Province CLC Mr. Ou EOUN, Vice-President

Svayrieng Province CLC Mr. Nov SARETH, President

Takeo Province (Mongkol) CLC Mr. Daek DOL, President Contact: (+855) 885391477

20

Nepal High Value Agricultural Project : Jumla’s Apple keeps Poverty AwayThe Laxmi Saving and Credit Farmers Group in Jumla District was established in 2001 by five women apple farmers; today their group accounts for 170 members. With the support of HVAP Project, executed by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD) and co-financed by IFAD and SNV, the Laxmi Group is actively involved in the development of the apple value-chain, with a focus on gender equality. In their Innovation Shop, members of the group are ready to show how strengthening existing value-chains and building farmers’ capacities help improve the livelihood of apple producing families in Jumla.

While improving production and post-harvesting techniques, the group follows grading-based pricing standards and secures access to markets. Members’ access to credits and new income opportunities is facilitated by the advance payment support from traders, bonuses based on the total sales, and seasonal employment of local people. In contrast with the situation before, when more than 80% of the produced apple was dumped because of overproduction, latest figures show an almost twofold rise of market price in the last year.

Ms. Khummeni MAHTARASecretary of the Laxmi Saving and Credit Farmers Group, Jumla DistrictContact: (+977) 9848439656

Ms. Meekha TULADHARValue Chain Development Advisor, High Value Agriculture Project, SNV Netherlands Development OrganisationContact: tuladhar.meekha@gmail.com

21

Nepali Agriculture C ooperative Central Federation: building grassroots level institution to reduce povertyThe Nepali Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited (NACCFL) together with the Small Farmer Development Bank (SFDB) are supporting the formation of Small Farmer Agricultural Cooperatives (SFACL) as expansion services to the poor people. The NACCFL Innovation Shop shows the methods in integrated farming as well as the means to replicate this successful model of cooperation. Their booth shares other activities of their cooperatives in rural savings and credits, cooperative shops, livestock security programs, livestock veterinary services, remittance services, member security programs, milk collection centers, seed industries and social activities. They also spread the message that women-led cooperatives are more viable in rural areas. Rural women are trustworthy, honest and farsighted in comparison to their male counterparts. Women with appropriate knowledge, skills and experiences show their tools to replicate cooperatives following the SFACL model. As an example, the women-only cooperative of the Maharanijhoda SFACL was established in 1999, within the NACCFL network, and now boasts 1531 all-female members. The cooperative has been involved in a variety of agro-business activities, such as integrated farming, seed production, milk production and marketing, providing financial and non-financial services to its members. Up to now, 49 households in Maharanijhoda have been involved in the innovative method of integrated farming, which gives full time employment to 15 people and part time employment to further 50 people. Those involved in integrated farming benefit from good irrigation, mechanization, collective marketing and improved production.

Mr. Chiranjibi BHANDARIManager, Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Limited (SFACL), Maharanijhoda, Jhapa District Contact: (+977) 9852676827

Ms. Mina KUMARI DHAKAL Chairperson, Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Limited (SFACL), Maharanijhoda, Jhapa DistrictContact: (+977) 9842686533

Mr. Tirtha RAJ OJHA Manager, Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Limited (SFACL), Maheshpur, Jhapa DistrictContact: (+977) 9852620203

Mr. Trijan SINGHAssistant Program Manager, Nepali Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited (NACCFL), KathmanduContact: (+977) 9841350142

22

Thailand: Northern Thailand Indigenous peoples

One good example of grassroots cooperation is when marginalized ethnic groups join hands for a common goal. In this case, three indigenous communities in the mountain jungles of Northern Thailand are leading successful cooperation in three main areas: sustainable management of communal forests, economic empowerment for both women and men, and access to financial services. Within two years, the Karen, Lahu and Akha communities achieved financial stability, secured the protection of watersheds, and now enjoy a better and sustainable life. The plan for sustainable forest management keeps and revives many aspects of their traditional lifestyle,

including backyard gardening, community land management, and sufficient economy. Now their vegetable gardens secure self-sufficiency and product diversity, while herbal gardens supply traditional medicine, showing good opportunities for a profitable business. Backyard gardens also function as learning sites for children and youth, where village elders and local champions transfer their knowledge to the younger generations. To find out more please watch this video: https://youtu.be/YisN_OEmdYs

Mr. Manop BUNYUENKUNVillage headman, Pa Kia Village, Akha Indigenous PeopleContact: (+66) 0861157008

Ms. Ratree WETCHAKITMember of the Women’s Savings and Credit Group, Huay Hin Lad Nai Village, Karen Indigenous People

23

Thailand: “Grow what you eat, eat what you grow”, the self-reliant farming motto of Thai C ommunity Learning CentersIs there market development with social inclusion? Yes, even though it seems like an elusive goal in many developing countries. Thailand is among the least urbanized countries in Asia: almost twice as many Thais live in the countryside as in the cities. This is one main reason for Thailand to become a fertile ground for innovation in rural development. There are remarkable proofs of success in the Thai strategy for rural development, such as network of high-speed railways connecting its four main regions. But there are also significant examples of valuable knowledge supply from the institutional grassroots level, such as the One Tambon One Product Program (OTOP) and the Pratch Chao Baan Community Learning Centers Program (CLC), which are considered very efficient tools for capacity building and market development with social inclusion.

The Community Learning Centers, farmer-managed rural knowledge sharing enterprises add a threefold value to rural areas’ overall capacity: i) valueing of grassroots assets, such as talents, knowledge and organizations; ii) increased networking and business opportunities for farmers; and iii) innovation and practical knowledge to carry out sustainable rural changes. Innovation Shop from Thailand show how diverse this landscape is, and how each Pratch Chao Baan’s interests and background — as individuals and as part of organizations — determine their business model and the ways of managing and sharing knowledge.

24

Ajarn Amnaj Maiyodklang: Founder and Director of Wang Nam Keaw Farm

Ajarn Amnaj Maiyodklang’s commitment with rural development started in 1994, when he decided to start an “Organic Farming Project” in Wang Nam Keaw District, near the city of Korat, in the surrounding areas of the small land he had bought back in 1986. Along with Ajarn Bhamorn Navaratanakorn, he managed to gain farmers’ access to neighboring lands, to create an organic vegetable cooperative, and to build an open training school — now called Wang Nam Keaw District Community Learning Center — where farmers come and learn by experience and engage in a community-centered business and development environment. Ajarn Amnaj and Ajarn Bhamorn succeeded in their effort. Today 200 families live in the lands neighboring the Organic Farming Project. And around 300 farmers own a dynamic organic-certified vegetable cooperative, whose niche is focused on Bangkok’s leading supermarkets. Ajarn Ahmnaj also leads and networks pro-small-farmer projects in other regions and abroad.

Wang Nam Keaw Farm, Wang Nam Keaw CLCAddress: 14 moo 11, Namsab Village, T. Wang Nam Keaw, A. Wang Nam Keaw,Nakhon Rachasima 30370Contact: (+66) 44249107

25

Ajarn Sutham Chan-orn, Founder and Director of Plakmaylay Learning Center, Nakhon Pathom CLC

Ajarn Sutham Chan-orn is a living example of the program expansion process: the moment in which new talented leaders were to be found and new CLCs were to be built. His path in the program began as a beneficiary of a Kasetsart University-MOAC collaborative project in 1997 to enhance a productive association for organic production involving rice, vegetables and livestock. Ajarn Sutham displayed New Theory oriented personal values, as well as skills and talents to be selected as Pratch Chao Baans, leaders of CLCs.

In his case, CLC and the organization run together as close partners. The association has an innovative approach and encourages every farmer to attempt new products and innovative processes. They collaborate with the CLC in logistical aspects and use their best practices as means for peer-to-peer exchange examples. Interestingly, graduate and undergraduate students from Kasetsart and other universities frequently come seeking training and internships.

Plakmaylay Learning Center, Nakhon Pathom CLCAddress: 54 moo 10, Nong Khai Ka Village, T. Thung Khwang, A. Kampheng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140Contact: (+66) 08 13 84 5352

26

Tonga: Innovations for climate change resilience and food securityThe Innovation Shop from Tonga is a much appreciated addition to our Exhibition, with their local experiences in building resilience to climate change. Outstanding farmers and experts from the islands of Tonga share the outcomes of their communal efforts to fight natural disasters and to establish food security. Their quest to overcome rural poverty involves all sections of society, women, men and children who share the benefits of their achievements: climate resilient infrastructures, vegetable nurseries, and high-value agricultural products such as vanilla production.Community efforts in the islands of Tonga are supported by The Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP). Funded by IFAD, this ongoing project aims to improve sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities in rural areas of Tonga, reaching approximately 16,900 people in 60 communities. The main objective of the project is to implement Local Community Development Plans, and to help commercial banks promote financing for business development.

Mr. Soane PATOLOGeneral Manager, Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI TT) Tonga Trust; Project Manager, Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP); Project Manager, Pacific Risk Resilience ProgrammeSpecializations: Project design, management, implementation and evaluationContact: soanejr@morditonga.to

Ms. ‘Asela SAUAKISenior Programme Officer, Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI TT); Team Leader, Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP) Specializations: Training, capacity building and team leading in community development plansContact: asela@morditonga.to

Mr. Ulaiasi VAISIMASmallholder farmer, Fisherman, District Officer, Government of Tonga; Facilitator, Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP)Specializations: Strengthening grassroots groups, key facilitator for the TRIP ProjectContact: ulaiasi.vaisima@gmail.com

27

V ietnam: Natural resource management, climate change and market accessWithin the frameworks of the SRDP in Quang Binh and the PACMD in Ben Tre provinces, both supported by IFAD and the Spanish Fund, Vietnam opens two Innovation Shops at the Exhibition. Both present valuable lessons on the creation of high-value products to answer the challenges in natural resource management, climate change, job creation and market access. More information at http://operations.ifad.org/web/ifad/operations/country/home/tags/viet_nam

BEN TRE PROVINCERambutan Producer Group In Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre Province, rambutan is one of the major agricultural products. With supplies exceeding the demand, rambutan is also one of cheapest fruits on the market. As means to alleviate poverty and to fight market challenges, Local Champions from the Rambutan Producer Group share their experience in applying advanced technologies in the production of off-season rambutan, and techniques to achieve safe and certified products for export. Their model of known-origin, VietGAP-certified rambutan products reduce poverty while establishing sustainable farming in the local area. They are actively seeking cooperation opportunities with regional buyers and partners, and provide knowledge in organic production techniques developed by outstanding farmers.

Coconut Broom Making Group Ben Tre Province is known as the home of coconut in Vietnam, with the highest yield and land-use in coconut production. In their Innovation Shop, representatives of the group show traditional know-how in creating high-value products from coconut, and their understanding of the domestic market. The Common Interest Group manufactures coconut brooms, creating employment and income for local people, especially poor women. Moreover, the group shares their skills in group building and management.

Ms. Truong THI MONGGroup Leader, Coconut Broom Making Group Contact: (+84) 0982003454

Mr. Phung VAN HIENGroup Leader, Rambutan Producer Group Contact: (+84) 0943127739

28

QUANG BINH PROVINCENon La CooperativeThe Non La Production and Business Cooperative of My Trach Commune took its name from “non la”, the conical hat, the symbol of Vietnamese people since ancient times. With decades of experience in production and trading, the Non La Cooperative have researched and innovated designs and techniques to make superior quality hats and embroidery, ready for domestic and foreign markets. These products represent added value in tourism in the province, create jobs and increase the income of villagers.The Innovation Shop shows techniques developed by Outstanding Farmers in the production process, such as handling and preservation of raw materials. Members of the Cooperative also share organization and management methods of good practices, while seeking partners and opportunities to expand their market in Vietnam and abroad.

Quang Phuong Rattan CooperativeThe Quang Phuong Rattan Cooperative applies traditional and modern technologies in producing and dyeing rattan products. Rattan is processed and knitted into beautiful designs by local artisans using rice straw, rice husk and coloring agents from insects. These handcrafts are of high durability, quality and esthetics. The little negative impact on environment is also part of the added value, securing better position on the market. Already 200 families are members of the Cooperative, which is positively contributing to poverty reduction in the territory.The Innovation Shop shows the process of creating high-value rattan products and the creation of public-private partnerships for expanding markets in a sustainable way.

Ms. Pham THI DIEU HA Deputy Head of Value Chain Development, Sustainable Rural Development for the Poor (SRDP), Quang Binh ProvinceContact: dieuhaxhh@yahoo.com

Ms. Phan THI THUYDirector, Quang Phuong Rattan Cooperative, Quang Binh ProvinceContact: htxmayxienquangphuong@gmail.com

Ms. Nguyen THI VANDirector, My Trach Cooperative of Non La Production and Business, Quang Binh ProvinceContact: (+84) 01654713732

29

30

PROCASUR Contacts:

Mr. Ariel HALPERN (PROCASUR Asia) ahalpern@procasur.org; (+66) 832083728

Mr. Sary SENG (PROCASUR Cambodia) sary@procasur.org; (+85) 595959495

Ms. Xuan PHUNG (PROCASUR Vietnam) xphung@procasur.org (+84) 988 767987

Mr. Trijan SINGH (SANA KISAN Nepal) trijan.singh@gmail.com; (+977) 9841350142

Ms. Tasnova FARHEEN (INAFI Bangladesh) inafidb@inafiasia.net; (+88) 01762937342

Mr. Gabor TEVELI (PROCASUR Communications) phototeveli.net@gmail.com (+66) 881067695