CDC - Second Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum

2^nd Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum

SESSION III

Agriculture Productivity and Diversification

Thinking about future directions for agriculture in Cambodia

Development Partners’ Overview

Presented by Mr. Eric Beugnot
AFD

3rd – 5th December 2008 - Phnom Penh

An unevenly population distribution
on the national territory

Population is concentrated in main rice growing areas,
with increasing growth in peripheral regions

“Rice & central Cambodia”
vs
“Forest & peripheral Cambodia”

Peripheral Cambodia … A large “public land reserve”

Where and how to plan for sustainable, equitable development ?

How this area can support smallholders agriculture and contribute to poverty reduction ?

Which direction for agriculture in peripheral areas ?

Perennial crops

Species/ sector

Constraints

Agro-industrial sector

Annual crops and livestock

Species / sector

Opportunities

Agro-industrial sector

Major national / regional infrastructures (transport, energy)
already planned

How to adjust Productivity and Diversification ?

Main issues

Strengthening the RGC ownership of the strategy for agriculture and water (SAW) and coordination of the TWG AW works
Need to evolve from a project to program approach to align all supports
Need to explore the current RGC reforms to implement the programs with efficiency
Need to develop an enabling environment for private sector involvement and PPP (in relation with Trade SWAp)
Need to engage a fruitful dialogue on land planning in peripheral area with line Ministries
Need to increase public investment

How to combine efficient and pro-poor agriculture
with country planning

Today
2008: 13,4 mill. inhab.

Tomorrow
2020: 16,0 mill. inhab.

Strategic policy