CASIC and Nurture Project sign MoA to boost CA/SI in Cambodia

On July 31st, 2023, the Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification Consortium (CASIC) and the Nurture Project, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to strengthen their collaboration and cooperation in promoting Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification (CA/SI) in Cambodia. The signing ceremony took place at the CASIC office, located at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Nurture Project a four-year project that aims to strengthen climate resilience of smallholder farmers in Battambang, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey Banteay Meanchey. The MOA signing event also shows CASIC’s expanding networks and facilitating collaborations to improve the CA/SI landscape of Cambodia and facilitate the transition of Cambodia’s agriculture sector away from conventional farming practices.

The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Chan Saruth, Undersecretary of State, MAFF and the Chair of CASIC Executive Board, and Mr. Norng Sivouthan, the Country Director of the HEKS in Cambodia, as well as representatives from CASIC’s implementing partners and other stakeholders.

“The continuation of this partnership marks an important milestone for both parties in the implementation of CA/SI practices in Cambodia, as well as the better coordination with all relevant stakeholders. This MoA will ensure long-term cooperation and partnership, I can envision that both parties will contribute to the best of their ability in the promotion and implementation of CA/SI in Cambodia.”

H.E. Dr. Chan Saruth welcomed the Nurture Project’s representative and expressed his appreciation for their support and partnership with CASIC. He said that the MoA will further enhance CASIC’s activities and impact in advancing CA/SI practices among farmers, private sector actors, and public institutions in Cambodia.

“I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to H.E. Dr. Chan Saruth for his unwavering commitment for his efforts and commitment towards the promotion and coordination of CA/SI activities in Cambodia. The signing of the MoA will surely enhances CASIC activities and making huge impacts among relevant stakeholders, public-private institution, and farmers.”

Mr. Norng Sivouthan, Country Director of HEKS in Cambodia, delivered the opening remark and commended CASIC for its achievements and innovations in CA/SI. He said that the Nurture Projects committed to working with CASIC to improve the productivity, profitability, resilience, and nutritional outcomes of smallholder farmers through CA/SI.

The signing of the MoA was followed by a discussion on the scope of activities implementation of CASIC, especially those that are planned within the budget line agreed with the Nurture Project. The discussion focused on how to align CASIC’s objectives and indicators with the Nurture Project’s framework and reporting requirements, as well as how to ensure effective coordination and communication among the partners.

The event concluded with a photo session. Both parties expressed their optimism and enthusiasm for their future collaboration and cooperation in CA/SI.

‍