Empowering Youth in Cambodia’s Horticulture Sector

Young Cambodians see greater opportunities for sustainable livelihoods

Cambodia is one of the “youngest” countries in Southeast Asia. With nearly two thirds of the population under the age of 30, youth play an increasingly vital role in driving Cambodia’s economic and social development.

Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II works to accelerate growth in Cambodia’s horticulture sector. Over the past year, Harvest II partnered with over 400 horticulture buyers and producers – 12 percent of whom are youth – as part of Harvest II’s efforts to catalyze progress towards a stronger and more robust market system.

Mr. Pok Pich, 24, is one such young entrepreneur. Based in Siem Reap province, Pich started out managing his parents’ 20-hectare cashew farms. When he had trouble finding reliable buyers, however, he decided to create his own business collecting cashews from other growers, in addition to growing his own. At first, Pich had trouble sourcing cashews of adequate quality and quantity for export markets. “The main challenge,” he said, “is increasing cashew yield and quality, as harvests are affected by climate change causing pest and disease outbreaks.”

Pich prunes trees on his cashew farm to improve the quality and quantity of his cashews.

©Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II/2018/Solina Kong

Then, Harvest II worked with Pich to expand his supply network, introducing him to new producers and helping him negotiate buying conditions. Harvest II partnered with Angkor Green Co., an agro-input company, to provide technical trainings and follow-up visits for Pich’s producers, helping them improve their cashews’ quality and quantity.  “Since we received trainings and on-farm demonstration from Harvest II,” Pich said, “and applied the techniques on our farms, we noticed significant improvements, especially concerning the trees’ health and roots.”

As a result, Pich was able to collect 1,000 metric tons of raw and dried cashew last year, and is currently working with Harvest II to connect his suppliers to specialized input companies for additional technical guidance and quality inputs. Harvest II is also helping Pich connect to new buyers who can offer better prices.

Three hundred kilometers away in Battambang Province, Mr. Meas Pheaktra, 28, is also eager to expand his business. Pheaktra began growing mango and longan six years ago, but his technical capacity was lacking. With help from Harvest II, Pheaktra connected with a specialized input company, who provided him with technical knowledge and on-farm demonstrations on pruning, fertilizing, hormone treatment, and other practices to improve mango quality. Harvest II also connected Pheaktra to several buyers, including a processing company and an exporter, to ensure a secure market for his fruits.

After working with Harvest II, Pheaktra began implementing improved growing practices in his orchards, increasing his yield by two thirds.

©Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II/2018/Solina Kong

“I planted mango six years ago, but I didn’t use proper techniques,” he said. “Now, I feel confident, as I am connected to a trusted input company and several buyers who offer me a competitive price.”

By working with youth in the horticulture sector, Harvest II is building the capacity of young Cambodians like Pich and Pheaktra to take part in and drive progress towards a stronger Cambodian economy.