CEDAC’s new project with funding support from EED
With funding support from EED, CEDAC is implementing the Enhancing the participation of farmer associations in local governance and development through capacity building and cooperation with local authorities (EFP) project in five districts of Kampong Speu and Takeo Provinces. Read more...

Cooperation between CEDAC and CRS 2011-2012
CEDAC and the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) have signed a cooperation agreement to implement their Livelihood Pilot Project (LPP) which aims to improve food security in the context of climate change for poor rural households in Kampot province. Read more...

CEDAC hosted a visit from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
January 17-18, 2011,
CEDAC’s Program Director, Mr. Yi Kim Than, hosted a visit for two members of the Mitigation in Climate Change in Agriculture (MICCA) Project of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mrs. Christina Seeberg Elverfeldt and Ms. Marja Liisa Tapio Bistrom, Senior Officer. Read more...

CEDAC Holds Training-of-Trainers Workshop on “Gender and Entrepreneurship Together Ahead for Women in Enterprise”
January 10-14, 2011,
To strengthen the capacity of its trainers/community facilitators who work closely with the community on women’s empowerment and micro-enterprise, CEDAC organized a five-day training workshop on Gender and Entrepreneurship Together Ahead for Women in Enterprise at CEDAC head office, Phnom Penh. Read more...

Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PAN AP’s Keml) Partner Meeting
January 10 - 12, 2011,
Mr. Khorn Sdok and Mr. Keam Makarady, CEDAC staff members, attended the PAN AP’s Keml Partner meeting at Kuming city in China’s Yunnan province. The meeting was organized by PAN AP and hosted by Pesticide Eco-Alternatives Center (PEAC) of China. Read more...

Support mission of Mr. Yi Kim Than, to the ALDI-II project in Ratanakiri province
From 10 - 11 January 2010,
Mr. Yi Kim Than, Director of the CEDAC Field Program, conducted a support mission to the Livelihood and sustainable Development for Indigenous People in Ratanakiri Province (ALDI) project in Ratanakiri province along with a senior staff member of Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) from Phnom Penh. Read more...

Discussion Workshop on the Draft Law on Associations and NGOs in Cambodia
January 10, 2011,
Mr. Khim Sophanna, CEDAC Senior Program Advisor, recently attended a discussion workshop to discuss the recently drafted law aiming to govern domestic associations, NGOs and International Organizations operating in the country. Read more...

CEDAC hosted a field visit from The Asia Foundation (TAF)
On 11 January, 2011, CEDAC hosted a field visit from the Asia Foundation. Mr. Sun Bun Seng, Farmer Community Facilitator of CEDAC, accompanied Mr.Gavin Tritt, Cambodia Country Director of AF, Ms. Erin Velser, Good Governance Advisor of AF, Ms. Prai Van Limpanboon, CSPPM Program Director, and Ms. Moul Somneang, Junior Program Officer of CSPPM, on the visit to Kompong Trach district in Kampot province. Read more...

Dr. Yang Saing Koma’s interview with Radio Australia
On 3rd January 2011, CEDAC President Dr. Yang Saing Koma was interviewed by Radio Australia on Rice Stubble Protection via phone interview. During the 20-minute interview, five people from different provinces, including Koh Kong, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu and Kampot, called in the show and asked many questions regarding the advantages of rice stubble. Read more...

CEDAC Annual Meeting
On 30 December, 2010, CEDAC organized its Annual Meeting at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) in Phnom Penh. The meeting was attended by 170 participants including CEDAC staff, Community-based Field Assistants (CFAs), Young Agri-Entrepreneurs (YAEs), CEDAC SAHAKREAS (CSK) representatives, Farmers and Nature Net (FNN) representatives, participating farmers, and members of the CEDAC advisory board. Read more...

CEDAC announces project results at annual provincial workshop in Prey Veng
December 29, 2010,
Towards the end of 2010, CEDAC organized a provincial workshop to announce the project results and strategy development of its current projects operating in Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces. The workshop was held at the meeting hall of Prey Veng’s Provincial Department of Agriculture.
Read more...

Agriculture Exhibition Trade Show Showcases Indigenous Products and Services
December 28-30, 2010,
In order to promote agri-products and marketing opportunities for indigenous communities, as well as agriculture services based in Ratanakiri, CEDAC, in cooperation with the Provincial Department of Agriculture, ETEA Foundation and CAN-DO, organized a trade fair on “The Products and Services of Agriculture in Ratanakiri Province.” Read more...

Young Agricultural Entrepreneurs (YAE) Introduction Workshops
In December 2010, CEDAC, in cooperation with Kampuchean Action for Primary Education (KAPE) and Wathnakpheap (WP), organized Young Agricultural Entrepreneurship (YAE) introduction workshops in four target provinces of the CHES project, including Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Pursat and Siem Reap provinces. Read more...

7th National Platform Workshop on "Promoting Local Innovation in Cambodia"
December 22-24, 2010,
CEDAC, in collaboration with Prolinnova Cambodia and the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA), organized the 7th National Platform Workshop on "Promoting Local Innovation in Cambodia." The workshop, which was held at Battambang Provincial Hall, involved 76 participants, 12 of whom were women, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Read more...

FAO Regional Workshop on Analysis of Sustainable Water Resource Use
December 21-22, 2010,
Mr. Khim Sophanna, CEDAC Senior Program Advisor, recently attended FAO’s regional workshop on the analysis of sustainable water use in the Asia Pacific region in Bangkok, Thailand. The study was a Japanese government funded project. Read more...

South and South Exchange Program
December 12-18, 2010,
With funding support by FredsKorpset (FK), Mr. Yi Kim Than, Field Program Director, and Mr. Yim Sok Sophors, Field Program Officer of CEDAC, participated in a Planning Meeting between December 12th and 18th for the South and South Exchange Program. Read more...

CEDAC hosts visit from Japanese Member of Parliament
On 16 December, CEDAC’s President, Dr. Yang Saing Koma, hosted the visit of two members of parliament from the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Mr. Naoto Sakaguchi and Mr. Takahashi Shoichi, at CEDAC’s head office in Phnom Penh. The objective of the visit was to understand and learn about CEDAC’s key achievements and progress working with Cambodian farmers to promote household ecological agriculture practice. Read more...

CEDAC Hosted a Visit from Christian Aid
On December 13, 2010, CEDAC hosted the visit of 20 Christian Aid gap-year volunteers and three staff from the organization’s United Kingdom headquarters. The visit took place in two of CEDAC’s target areas of Choeung Prey and Bateay districts in Kampong Cham province.Today, CEDAC is one of seven partners implementing DCA/CA’s (Dan Church Aid/Christian Aid) Food Security Strategy for 2010-2014. Read more...

CEDAC Hosts Organic Vegetable Farm Visit for Customers and Journalists
On December 10, 2010, SAHAKREAS CEDAC (SKC) organized a trip for its customers and journalists to visit CEDAC’s organic vegetable farms in Roleang Ken of Kandal province and in Kirirum of Kampong Speu province.
In total, 30 people, including customers from seven branches of CEDAC’s shop, one journalist, and CEDAC staff members attended the visit. The objectives of the visit were to Read more...

Monitoring Visit from ACT
December 06, 2010
On 6 December 2010, Miss. Pheng Chandy, Assistant of CEDAC Field Program Director, accompanied Ms. Mari Suzuki, Chief Program Officer of Asian Community Trust (ACT), to visit the ILFARM-KTL&SMC project (Improving the Livelihoods of Rice Farmers in Kampong Tralach and Samaky Meanchey districts, Kampong Chhnang Province). Read more...

Consumer Awareness Workshop on the Impacts of High-Risk Chemicals to Human Health
December 05, 2010
With funding support from the Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP), CEDAC organized a consumer awareness workshop on the High-Risk Chemical Food Impact on The Human Health. The workshop was held at the CEDAC head office in Phnom Penh on December 5. Read more...

CEDAC hosts visit from the SRI International Network and Resources Center
November 17-19, 2010
From November 17 to November 19, 2010, CEDAC hosted the visit of Ms. Erika Styger, Program Director of the SRI International Network and Resources Center (SRI-Rice) from the Cornell University based in the United States of America. The visit was made following her participation in the World Rice Congress held in Hanoi, Vietnam in early November. Read more...

Regional Meeting on Community Education for Pesticide Risk Reduction
November 15-17, 2010
Mr. Keam Makarady, Environment and Health Program Director of CEDAC, participated in the Regional Meeting on Community Education for Pesticide Risk Reduction in Hanoi, Vietnam. The meeting was organized by the FAO Regional IPM Programme in cooperation with the Vietnam Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and in collaboration with the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN AP) and the Field Alliance. Read more...

Meeting to establish the National Confederation of Rice Business Cooperatives
November 12, 2010
FNN, in cooperation with CEDAC and with funding support from CCA, organized a meeting to establish the national confederation of rice business cooperatives on Friday, November 12, 2010. The meeting was held at the CEDAC head office in Phnom Penh. In total, 37 representatives from eight core cooperatives in four provinces participated, including Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampot and Kampong Chhnang. Read more...

CEDAC Hosted Visit of EED Representative
Between November 1st and 2nd, 2010, CEDAC hosted a representative of Church Development Service (Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst - EED), Ms. Jutta Werdes (Asia & Pacific Desk), on a site visit. Together with CEDAC staff members, Mr. Sim Samoeun (Executive Director of CEDAC), Mr. Bao Vuthy (Program officer), and several other project staff, Ms. Werdes visited CEDAC’s current project Poverty Reduction among Subsistence Rice Farmers through the Promoting of Sustainable Livelihood System (PRS), which receives funding support from the European Union through the EED. Read more...

CEDAC is calling to focus on Rice Seed Selection for improving yield
On november 06, 2010 CEDAC and Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) have been working for years in promoting farmers to improve local rice seeds. As Cambodian farmers are now starting their rice harvest, CEDAC would like ask farmers to select their best panicles from good plants to store as seed to be used during the next season.
Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's President, stated that as a result of good rice seed selection, farmers can increase yields up to 20%.
Now is the right time for farmers to select rice seeds for the next season. CEDAC is therefore calling for urgent technical measures to be taken by farmers so that rice yield can be increased next year.
Read more...

Workshop on Strategic Plan development for the reinforcement and expansion of Saving for Community Prosperity (SoSor)
In order to reinforce and expand the activities of the local network of village-based savings groups (SoSor), CEDAC and FNN organized a two-day workshop on the 3rd and 4th of November 2010.
Read more...

Workshop Aims to Establish a National Network of Teacher Savings Associations
On 30 October, 2010, 45 rural school teachers (of which eight were females) participated in a workshop at Kampong Cham province. The participants were principals, vice principals and teachers representing more than 40 schools and 38 Teacher Savings Associations across seven provinces (Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Takeo, Prey Veng, Kampot, Kampong Cham, and Svay Rieng).
Read more...

Meeting to Support Indigenous People Products
On 28 October 2010, CEDAC organized a meeting on the Indigenous People Products at the CEDAC-Ratanakiri province office. The objective of the meeting was to prepare strategic planning to support indigenous people products in Banlung market.
Read more...

Workshop Helps Finalize the Farmer and Water Net Statute
October 18-19, 2010,
During a two day workshop held at the CEDAC Head Office in Phnom Penh, nineteen leaders representing eleven Farmer Water User Communities (FWUC) participated actively in a discussion aiming to finalize their statute, which has been discussed in workshops over the past several years. Read more...

CEDAC Field Program’s M&E Team Improves Methodologies for Evaluating Social Capital in Tramkak District
October 12, 2010, Mr. Yim Sok Sophors and the internal Monitoring & Evaluation team of CEDAC Field Program organized a meeting with Mr. Scott Ranking to discuss their evaluation efforts of SOCIAL CAPITAL in Tramkak District of Takeo Province. Read more...

CEDAC Hosts a Field Visit for GRET Staff
October 12, 2010, CEDAC hosted a field visit for Ms. Matine Francois, the Program Officer of GRET’s EU-Food Facility project, as well as other GRET staff members. The GRET team was accompanied by Mr. Yi Kimthan, CEDAC’s Field Program Director, to Menong Leu village in Chrey commune of Svay Antor district in Prey Veng province. The objectives of the visit were as follows: Read more...

Training Workshop on Effective Presentation and Communication Skills
October 04-05, 2010 CEDAC organized a training workshop on“Effective Presentation and Communication Skills Phase II” with the participation from 36 staff members (including 10 women) who are Project Coordinators, Project Officers, Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, Trainers, and Field Community Facilitators. The training was held at CEDAC head office in Phnom Penh and facilitated by Mr. Or Thy, Program Advisor, and Mr. Hour Sreng, Program Officer at CEDAC. Read more...

CEDAC Granted Approval to Provide Capacity-Building Support to Cambodian Correctional Facilities
October 01, 2010, Thanks to approval from the UNHCR’s Prison Reform Support Program, CEDAC will commence pilot training on agriculture production improvement in November 2010. For the duration of six months, CEDAC will work in three correctional canters, including CC1 in Prey Sar, CC3 in Kampong Cham province, and CC4 in Pursat province. Read more...

CEDAC Forms New Partnership with Winrock International
October 01, 2010, In October, CEDAC will commence its partnership with Winrock International and begin implementing a project entitled Children's Empowerment through Education Services (CHES), "Towards the improvement of CHES livelihood strategy for targeted children ages 15 to 17 years old and parents of withdrawn children.” Read more...

Training Workshop for Stakeholders on Regional Management
September 28-30, 2010
In cooperation with Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), CEDAC organized a three-day training workshop on Regional Management from the 28 to 30 of September 2010 in Dang Tung district of Kampot province. In total, 26 representatives attended, including six women. Read more...

CEDAC Shares Ecological Agriculture Experiences with LNGOs and CBOs
Between the 27 and 29 September 2010, CEDAC organized a training and exchange visit for 22 representatives, including three women, of 12 LNGOs and CBOs . The three day training took place at CEDAC-Kampong Speu sub-office under the facilitation of Mr. Nov Sarath and Mr. Cheng Sopheak, CEDAC staff members. Three topics were raised during the training including multi-purpose farming, System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and fish raising.
Read more...

CEDAC ORGANIZES A SUCCESSFUL PROVINCIAL COORDINATION MEETING IN MUNDULKIRI PROVINCE
September 23, 2010
With funding support from the European Union (EU), CEDAC organized the second Provincial Coordination Meeting, at the meeting hall of the Provincial Department of Agriculture in Mundulkiri Province on September 23, 2010.
Read more...

Mekong CSOs Dialogue on Climate Change Adaptation and Good Environmental Governance in Chiang Rai, Thailand
September 23-24, 2010
Mr. Yi Kim Than, Field Program Director of CEDAC, participated in the Mekong CSOs Dialogue on Climate Change Adaptation and Good Environmental Governance at the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The workshop was organized by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) with support from the Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia (SENSA). Read more...

Second Meeting Held for Building a Network of Farmer Researcher Groups
September 22-23, 2010
CEDAC, in cooperation with Prolinnova Cambodia (Promoting Local Innovation), organized its second meeting with farmer researcher groups to promote local innovation and develop an experimentation plan for the up-coming rainy season. The meeting was held at CEDAC’s head office in Phnom Penh from September 22-23, 2010. Read more...

CEDAC in Attendance at the First Annual Development Ideas Forum in Cambodia
On 21-22 September 2010, Mr. Yi Kim Than, Program Director of CEDAC, Mr. Huot Dok and Mr. Khath Bora, Project Coordinators of CEDAC, and Mrs. Moeu Sokchea, Project Officer of CEDAC, participated in the Forum for Development Ideas, which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Phnom Penh. The DI Forum was organized by The Asia Foundation (TAF) in cooperation with The Ministry of Interior of The Royal Government of Cambodia under the Demand for Good Governance (DFGG) project funded by the World Bank. Read more...

Prolinnova Hosts “National Working Group toward Local Innovation”
September 15-16, 2010, With funding support from DGIS, PROLINNOVA Cambodia organized the two day workshop “National Working Group toward Local Innovation” at Seaside Hotel in Sihanouk province. The workshop was presided over by Mr. Ith Nody, who is the under secretary of state for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and was facilitated by Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC’s president and Prolinnova Cambodia’s country coordinator. In total, there were 41 participants attending the workshop, 12 of whom were women. Read more...

workshop of the Joint Climate Change Project
September 15-16, 2010, Mr. Yim Sok Sophors, Program Officer, Mr. Lang Chanthea, Project Officer, and Mr. Yi Kim Than, Field Program Director, participated in the meeting as representatives for CEDAC. The meeting was organized by CORD, DCA/CA and ForumSyd with the purpose of finalizing project proposals, presenting proposals to donors, as well as sharing the achievements of the Joint Climate Change Project (Phase I). Read more...

Impact of Ecological Chicken Raising Shared on CTN’s “Internet Talk” TV Show
On September 6, 2010, Mr. Him Noeun, a CEDAC staff member, appeared live on CTN’s TV show “Internet Talk” to promote ecological chicken raising. He discussed why he sees ecological chicken raising as a suitable and sustainable activity that will enable farmers to generate a greater family income as well as serve as food for family consumption. He described how CEDAC has assisted and given support to many rural farmers in chicken raising.
Read more...

International Training Course on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E)in Ethiopia-Africa
24 August – 4 September 2010: Mr. YIM Sok Sophors, Program Officer of CEDAC, and Miss. SAY Sopheaktra, Secretariat of PROLINNOVA Cambodia, participated in an international training course on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) for PROLINNOVA Partners at Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA) in Ethiopia, Africa. The purpose of the training can be encompassed in the following two concepts: Read more...

CEDAC hosted the Fieldwork for the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Graduate Students
On August 19-22, 2010, CEDAC hosted a fieldwork visit to Takeo province organized for the Royal University of Phnom Penh Graduate Programme in Development Studies. Forty masters degree candidates, including 6 women, participated in the fieldwork. The project, titled Fieldwork for Rural Development in Theory and Practice, aims to familiarize graduate students with various rural development projects conducted by NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) so that they can see how these projects are effective or ineffective. Read more...

Vietnam NGO SPERI Visits YAE Project in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Cham
From the 16 to 20 August 2010, the Vietnam NGO Social Policy Ecology Research Institute (SPERI) team visited CEDAC. The SPERI team was composed of staff member Mr. Nguyen Cong Huan and two students from the Mong minority in central Vietnam, Mr. Giang A Su and Mr. Vang Sin Min. The main aims of the visit were to learn from and share with each other about CEDAC’s project implementation of the Young Agri-Entrepreneur program and some other related activities of CEDAC such as organic vegetable production and business. Read more...

CEDAC Accompanies UDNP Representatives on a Field Visit to Develop Best-Practice Documentation
Between August 11 and 13, 2010, CEDAC hosted UNDP representative Mr. Liam Fee, International Intern of GEF Small Grants Program, and Mr. Hou Serey Vanthana, National Project Manager of Building Capacity and Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management in Cambodia project (SLM) and representative of MAFF. Together with CEDAC staff members Mr. Bao Vuthy, Mr. Him Noeun, and Mr. To Soriya, the two men conducted in-depth interviews with key farmers of CEDAC’s current project Integrated Commercial Farms for Small Farmers in Takeo’s Samrong District. Read more...

CEDAC CELEBRATES 13 YEARS AT ANNIVERSARY MEETING (1997-2010)
August 09, 2010, CEDAC celebrated its 13 year anniversary at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) in Phnom Penh on August 9, 2010. One-hundred sixty-one participants (of which 56 were women) attended, including CEDAC staff members, FNN representatives, CEDAC volunteers and ALDA (Association for Local Development in Agriculture) representatives. Read more...

Field Program Meeting
August 05-06, 2010, The CEDAC Field Program organized a staff meeting in Pailin province to review progresses and achievements of the program during the first semester of 2010.
During the meeting, the updates from different provinces and projects were shared, with special focus given to the results of rice cultivation during the wet season. From the discussion, it was determined that about 30 percent of rice fields are now transplanted, whilst 60 percent are not yet transplanted due to drought and the remaining 10 percent of rice fields will be changed to crop growing. Read more...

CEDAC achieves success with it’s savings work in rural communities
August 06, 2010, CEDAC organized a meeting with the SoSor (Saving Community for Prosperity) team at CEDAC’s central office in Phnom Penh. Nineteen people (including ten women) from nine different provinces (Kampot, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Pursat and Kampong Chhnang) attended with the goal of sharing experiences and updating the group on the results of savings work being done within the communities.
As of August 2010, SoSor has been actively working in 9 provinces, 38 districts, 149 communes and 425 villages with 744 groups and 20,000 individual saving members. The total saving capital for this project is 8,000,000,000 Riel, with 208,000,000 Riel saving capital at the inter-village level.

Provincial Business Forum on Rice Market Chain
July 28, 2010, With funding support by DANIDA, DFID and nzaid, the Civil Society and Pro-Poor Markets (CSPPM) Project in partnership with Catholic Relief Service and it’s local NGO partners (including CEDAC, FLD, PNKS and WOSO) organized a business forum on Rice Market Chain. The one-day forum took place on July 28, 2010 at Angkor Khemara University in Kampot province. Ninety-one participants attended the forum, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), local government officials, traders, farmers, NGO staff members, students and media representatives. The objectives of the forum were to: Read more...

Training workshop on DRR-Livelihood in Kompong Chhnang Proivnce
On July 26, 2010, CEDAC staff members Mr. Yim Sok Sophors, Mr. Yi Kim Than, and Mr. Lang Chanthea participated in a training workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction/DRR-Livelihood at the Asia Hotel in Kompong Chhnang Province. The three-day training workshop was organized by CORD. Fifteen participants, including staff from other partner NGOs, attended to learn about the linkages between DRR/climate change and livelihood activities. Five principle elements of livelihood framework were discussed in order to analyze risks, hazard and vulnerabilities. Mr. Bob, who is the external consultant for CORD, acted as the trainer. Read more...

CEDAC is providing opportunities for foreign students to learn about rural development in Cambodia
July 19, 2010, Five student trainees (2 women) from the Ecole Supérieure d’Agro-Développement International/College of International Agro-Development (ISTOM) University, France, are now doing internships with CEDAC for three months from July 1 to September 29, 2010. During this internship period, the students will spend most of their time learning from different development projects of CEDAC including the Community Business Support Program (CBSP), Improving Food Security for Women and the Rural Poor in Mondulkiri Province (IFWP-MP), Read more...

CEDAC’s Meeting with its Core Staff
July 16-18, 2010, CEDAC organized a three-day Core Team Meeting with core staff from its different departments including the CEDAC Field Program, CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD), Health and Environment (H&E), CEDAC Reseach and Development (CRD), Publication and Communication(P&C), Saving for Prosperity (SoSor), Community Business Support Program (CBSP), CEDAC Biodigester Program (CBP), Human Resource and Financial Management, Sahakreas CEDAC (SKC) and Farmer and Nature Net (FNN). Read more...

CEDAC Staff Member Attend Investment Forum for Food Security in Asia and Pacific
July 04-10, 2010,
From July 7-9, 2010, Mr. Lim Sokun Darun, CEDAC staff member and FNN President Mr. Uon Sophal and FNN Managing Director Mr. Pan Sopheap attended the Investment Forum for Food Security in Asia and Pacific, which was held at the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. Hundreds of policymakers, development experts, and public and private sector representatives participated in this forum. Read more...

Training workshop on Effective Presentation and Communication Skills
July 07-08, 2010,
CEDAC organized a training workshop on Effective Presentation and Communication Skills with their 34 staff members (including 8 women) who are working as project officers, project coordinators, and trainers. The objective of the training workshop was to enhance effective facilitation, presentation and communication skills among its staff member. Read more...

Workshop with Journalists on Rural Youth and Local Development
July 03-04, 2010,
CEDAC, with funding support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), organized a workshop with Cambodian journalists on Rural Youth and Local Development on July 3-4, 2010 at Golden Sand Hotel, Sihanouk Ville. Forty journalists (14 women) representing TV, radio, newspapers and magazines participated in the workshop. Read more...

Campaign on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Svay Rieng Province
July 03, 2010,
CEDAC is implementing a development project titled “Development of food production, farming income, nutrition and resilience in Cambodia”. The duration of the project is from January 2010 to June 2011, and covers 75 villages in 5 districts of Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces. The specific objectives of the project are to: Read more...

CEDAC recommends of a simple farming practice to achieve higher rice yields
July 01, 2010,
As Cambodian farmers are now busy with their rice farming during this wet season, CEDAC is encouraging farmers to apply simple farming practices to improve rice productivity by.
CEDAC President, Dr. Yang Saing Koma, said that farmers can easily get a higher yield and lots of benefits within their small plot of land by applying the principles and practices of System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which is a series of 14 steps or simple ideas. These ideas include: Read more...

Support mission to the Improving Food Security Project in Mondulkiri
June 22-25, 2010, CEDAC President Dr. Yang Saing Koma, along with Field Program Director Mr. Yi Kim Than and Project Coordinator, Mr. Yim Sok Sophors, recently took part in a field mission to support the project “Improving Food Security for Women and the Rural Poor in Mondulkiri Province (IFWP-MP)”. During the mission, Dr. Koma trained the project staff members, community-based field assistants, and the provincial Department of Agriculture officers in Mondulkiri province on SAMCHOL (Health, Friendship, Knowledge and Money) philosophy, facilitation, and strength analysis. Read more...

Workshop on Trade Research
June 21-25, 2010,
CEDAC staff member, Mr Sok Thea, attended the WTO/ESCAP sixth The Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT) capacity building workshop on trade research in Vientiane, Lao PDR, which was jointly organized by the Secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the National University of Lao. Read more...

New Cambodian Wild Honey (Khmum Prey) in now available in the market
June 22, 2010, SAHAKREAS CEDAC, in cooperation with the Non-Timber Forest Product Exchange Program (NTFP-EP) for South and Southeast Asia, organized a ceremony launching Cambodian Wild Honey (Khmum Prey) at SAHAKREAS CEDAC’s head office, Phnom Penh. Around 50 participant including community wild honey collector groups from 4 provinces, Mondulkiri, Koh Kong, Kratie and Preah Vihear and local authority representatives presented their experiences and works in collecting honey within their communities to the participant, especially the journalist. Read more...

ASEAN FOOD SECURITY CONFERENCE
June 16-18, 2010, CEDAC staff member Mr. Hour Sreng participated in the ASEAN FOOD SECURITY CONFERENCE on “The Role of the Private Sector” at the Holiday Inn Atrium Hotel, Singapore. Attending the conference were 103 people representing the public and private sectors and civil society of ASEAN country members. The goal of the conference was to provide an opportunity for government officials and private sector representatives to explore how they can collaborate and cooperate on food security. Specifically, the conference aimed to reach the following outcomes: Read more...

CEDAC: Rice Selection Important in Improving Yields
June 14, 2010,
As Cambodian farmers are starting their rice farming this rainy season, CEDAC is calling for farmers and stakeholders to focus on rice seed selection for improving yield. In its experiences, CEDAC has found that farmers still do not yet understand well the importance of rice seed selection before starting farming. Read more...

CEDAC Field Program Discusses Its Achievement and Key Activities for the Next Implementation
June 11, 2010,
More than 100 CEDAC Field Program staff met for their general assembly at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Phnom Penh. The general assembly is conducted every six months to sum up the progress, achievements, lessons learned, and key strategies to be implemented for the next semester. Read more...

CEDAC held a meeting with NGOs partner on Linking Small Farmers to Market
June 07, 2010, The network of Linking Small Farmers to Market organized a meeting with local NGOs who are partners of Oxfam-GB at CEDAC’s Institute for Local Development (CILD) office, Phnom Penh. This meeting was led by CEDAC with participation from six local NGOs such as Apiwat Strey (AS) based in Battambong province, Chom Roeng Cheat Khmer (CCK) based in Takeo province, Vigilance based in Kampong Cham province and three other partners based in Kratie province including Kafdoc, CCD and CRDT. Read more...

Workshop of Federation of Organic Rice Producer Group
June 04, 2010, With funding support from the Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED), CEDAC organized a workshop of the Federation of Organic Rice Producers Group at CEDAC’s office in Phnom Penh. Forty-six farmer representatives (five women) from six provinces including Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and Prey Veng attended this workshop. Read more...

Building Network of Farmer researcher groups
June 01-02, 2010,
CEDAC, in cooperation with Prolinnova Cambodia (Promoting Local Innovation), organized a meeting to promote local innovation and develop an experimentation plan for the upcoming rainy season. The goal is also to support the development of a network of farmer researchers. Held at CEDAC’s Institute for Local Development (CILD) office, Phnom Penh, the meeting was attended by 45 key farmer researchers (7 women) from 11 provinces including Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambong, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampong Speu and Kampot provinces. Read more...

Organic Rice Promotion Campaign in Phnom Penh
June 01, 2010,
On June 1, the CEDAC shop in Phnom Penh started its promotional campaign on Organic Rice. The campaign, which will last for three months, is promoting improved understanding about the benefits of organic rice among Phnom Penh residents, to encourage them to change from eating conventional to organic rice. Read more...

Workshop on Harmonization and Equivalence for Organic Agriculture in Asia
May 27-30, 2010,CEDAC staff member Mr. Khorn Sdok attended a workshop on Harmonization and Equivalence for Organic Agriculture in Asia in Shainghai, China. The workshop was conducted and supported by Global Organic Market Access (GOMA), a project of FAO which cooperates with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). There were 34 participants and 23 observers representing private and government sectors from 16 countries including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia, USA, Philippine, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Italy and Australia. The objectives of the workshop were to: Read more...

Workshop on Understanding the Cambodia National Strategic Plan for Food Security Development in Cambodia
On May 27, 2010, With funding support from Rice Watch and Action Network, CEDAC organized a workshop on Understanding the Cambodia National Strategic Plan for Food Security Development in Cambodia at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Phnom Penh. 20 people (2 women) including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); the Council of Ministers; SRI Secretariat; NGOs; private rice mill companies; Community Rice Mill Cooperative; Rice Watch and Action Network; and CEDAC, attended this workshop. The objectives of the workshop were to: Read more...

National Workshop on Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment
May 26, 2010,
Mr. Chhin Chhunhoir, CEDAC staff member, attended a national workshop on climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment under Cambodia’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC. The whole day workshop was organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Environment in cooperation with UNDP and Danida at Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh. 60 participants (including foreigners) from the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, NGOs and IOs attended the workshop. The objective of the workshop was to present and discuss: Read more...

Workshop on National Dialogue on Cambodia’s Development in 2009-2010
On May 25, 2010, Mr. Keam Makarady, Director of Health and Environment Program of CEDAC attended a workshop entitled National Dialogue on Cambodia’s Development in 2009-2010 at Phnom Penh Hotel, Phnom Penh. Representatives from the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) including Ministry of Land Management, Urbanization and Construction, Health, Education, Economy and Finance, Environment and Forestry department, Representatives from Development Partners, NGOs, Communities and students attended this workshop. The objectives of the workshop were to officially launch the NGO Position Paper on Cambodia’s Development in 2009-2010 and to present and discuss the content of the Position Paper. Read more...

CEDAC HOSTED EXCHANGE VISIT OF SLM PROJECT TEAM
On 23 May 2010, the Integrated Commercial Farm for Small Farmers project in Takeo's Samrong district hosted a retreat for the project team of the Building Capacity and Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in Cambodia project. Among the 23 people (5 women) attending the retreat were H.E Kong Sraron, consultant to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF), UNDP representatives Mr. Lay Khim and Mrs. Ngin Navarak, and other SLM department directors and technical staff. CEDAC staff member Mr. Him Noeun accompanied them on a visit to the farms of Mr. Keb Chorn and Mr. Ouk Phoeun, who are project beneficiaries. Read more...

Field Visit to the Happy Mountain Bird (HMB) Project
May 20-21, 2010, CEDAC hosted a field visit to HMB project in Teok Phos, Boribo and Samakey Meanchey districts, Kampong Chhnang Province. CEDAC President, Dr. Yang Saing Koma, along with the project donor, Mr. Fukushima, visited seven targeted villages to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project’s beneficiaries, who are mostly the poorest farmers. The Project Officer and Field Trainers accompanied them on the visit of 34 targeted families of the project. Read more...

IFWP-MP Organizes Thematic Workshop on System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Since October 2009, CEDAC has been implementing a food security project titled “Improving Food Security for Women and Rural Poor in Mundulkiri Province (IFWP-MP),” with funding support from the European Union (EU). As the rainy season is approaching, IFWP-MP organized three district-level thematic workshops on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), 18-22 May 2010. The workshops aimed to strengthen the knowledge, capacity and skills of farmers, local authorities and other local stakeholders related to the principles of SRI, so that they are equipped with more technical information to improve their rice cultivation methods. Read more...

CEDAC continues its success in promoting biodigesters building in rural communities
May 2010,
Since April 2007, CEDAC has been a cooperative partner in the National Biodigester Programme (NBP) that promotes and disseminates information about domestic biodigesters to local farmers. The National Biodigester Programme (NBP) is a joint program between the Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). Read more...

LISF backstopping meeting
On May 18, 2010, Prolinnova Cambodia held the backstopping meeting on the Local Innovation Support Fund (LISF) project at the CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD) office, Phnom Penh. There were 23 participants (8 women) representing 19 institutions attending the meeting, including 9 provincial Departments of Agriculture (Prey Veng, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Svay Rieng provinces); 4 NGOs (CEDAC, Srer Khmer, Aphiwat Strey and Padek); 3 educational institutions (Kampong Cham National School of Agriculture, Prek Leap National School of Agriculture and Royal University of Agriculture); the General Directorate of Agriculture; Farmer and Nature Net (FNN); and Thlork Commune Council in Takeo province. Read more...

CEDAC Field Program Organized Monthly Meeting
On 17 May 2010, the CEDAC Field Program organized its monthly meeting at the head office in Phnom Penh, attended by 22 staff including the Program Director, Program Officers, Project Coordinators, Field Coordinators, Project Officers, and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officers. The meeting aimed to present the activities and achievements of each project, to discuss mutual-cooperation, and to consult about SRI principles and how to conduct participatory action research on rice cultivation for 2010. A Project Officer of CEDAC Field Program from Kompot Province, Mr. Nhep Meng Cheang, facilitated the whole-day meeting and CEDAC President Dr. Yang Sanig Koma was a key resource person for the meeting. Read more...

CEDAC staff attended a Training Course on "Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)"
May 10-15, 2010, Mr. Khorn Sdok, CEDAC staff member, attended the TOT Training Course on "Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)" at Khemara Hotel, Battambang town. The workshop was conducted and supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). There were 23 staff from NGOs, private sector, and governmental representatives including CEDAC, Srer Khmer, COrra, EDI, Banteay Srei, CSID, ABC Bakery, Baitang( Kampuchea) Plc, Battambang Rice Millers Association, Phnom Meas Association, PPSMIA, Royal University of Agriculture, University of Battambang, Provincial Department of Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy attended this training. The objectives of the training were to: Read more...

Workshop to Strengthen Saving Groups
May 12-13, 2010, With funding support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), CEDAC organized a workshop on Saving Groups Strengthening at CEDAC Head Office, Phnom Penh. 38 farmer representatives from four provinces including Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kandal and Kampong Speu attended the workshop. The number of saving groups as well as the level of capital, were reviewed during the plenary as there were 42 saving groups with 689 members and over 113 million Riels throughout the above four provinces. The experiences on leading saving groups were also shared and discussed so that they can learn from each other and to strengthen their own saving groups. Read more...

Study Tour on Regional Management and Regional Economic Development in Germany
April 25 to May 09, 2010
Mr. Or Thy and Mr. Kin Mengse, CEDAC staff members, attended the study tour on Regional Management and Regional Economic Development in Feldafing and surrounding districts of Bavaria, Germany. The study tour was organized by InWEnt and GTZ. The objectives of the study tour were to observe and analyze best practices in regional management in Germany and to consider the transfer of insights gained to rural areas in Cambodia. Read more...

Workshop on Rice Value Chain in Kompot
On 7 May 2010 in the framework of CSPPM (Civil Society and Pro-Poor Market), Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in cooperation with CEDAC, WOSO, FLD, and PNKS organized a workshop on Rice Value Chain Study in Kompot and Kompot Speu Province. The purpose of the workshop was to present the results of rice value chain study in Kompot and Kompong Speu Provinces. Totally, 72 people (20 women) composed of CBO representatives, farmer representatives, representatives of local authorities, NGO staff and students participated in the workshop. Read more...

How to Strengthen CBOs for Working Effectively and Sustainably
May 06, 2010,
Within the framework of CSPPM (Civil Society and Pro-Poor Market), CRS (Catholic Relief Services) organized its monthly NGO partner meeting in Kompot Municipality. CEDAC President, Dr. Yang Saing Koma was a key speaker for the meeting. 22 NGO staff participated in the meeting; those are the staff from CEDAC, SCW, WOSO, PNKS, FLD, ARD, FACT, SK, MB and CRS. The purpose of the meeting was to share and discuss about the results, challenges and lessons-learned related to project implementation as well as to build up the knowledge and capacity of partner NGOs’ staff. During the meeting, Dr. Yang Saing Koma facilitated and discussed with the participants on how to strengthen CBOs (Community Based Organizations) to enable them to work effectively and sustainably. Read more...

CEDAC-EU FUNDING PROJECTS WITH CTN-TV
May 01, 2010, The Cambodia Television Network (CTN-TV) news production team with two members visited and conducted interviews with project beneficiaries and 3 CEDAC staff members. They filmed CEDAC project activities and results in the project target area for the Poverty Reduction among subsistence rice farmers through the promotion of sustainable livelihood system (PRS-EU) project. The project is funded by European Union (EU) through the Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED) and was implemented from January 01, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Filming took place at Tramkang Village, Nitean Commune, Borsedth District of Kampong Speu Province. Read more...

Training on Project Cycle Management (PCM)
April 19-22, 2010, CEDAC organized a four-day training on “Project Cycle Management” at CEDAC head office with the participation of 33 staffs. The purpose of the training was to train participants how to design rural development projects and provide a better understanding on project management and evaluation. Mr. Or Thy, Senior Program Advisor of CEDAC, conducted this training together with the co-trainers Mr. Yim Sok Sophors, Mrs. Tong Chantheang and Mr. Kin Mengse. Read more...

CEDAC Organized Training on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Organization
April 08-09, 2010, CEDAC Organized Training on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Organization from 08-09 April 2010 with participation of 40 staff who are Project Coordinators, Field Coordinators, Project Officers, Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, and Field Community Facilitators. The training was held at Cambodia-Japan International Cooperation Center (CJCC) and facilitated by Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC President. Read more...

FNN receives funding support from EED
The Farmer & Nature Net, the national farmer network in 2003 established by farmers cooperating with CEDAC will receive direct funding support from the German Church Development Services (EED) for 3 years (April 2010 to March 2013). The support will enable the FNN to reinforce and expand its district wide networks, which are the pillars of the national farmer associations, to 50 districts in 14 provinces of Cambodia. CEDAC will continue to support the FNN in building the district networks, especially through capacity activities for the FNN representatives at local and national level. Read more...

Annual Workshop of
Improving Livelihood of Subsistence Farmers in Kampot project (ILFARM-KP)
April 06, 2010, With funding support from Asia Community Trust (ACT) of Japan, CEDAC was implementing a project, namely ILFARM-KP for 3 years from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010. The project covered on 132 villages across 39 communes, in 7 districts of Kompong Province. On 6 April 2010, CEDAC organized a completion workshop of this project at a meeting hall of Dong Tong district. The purpose of workshop was to present about the project results, to find out strategies to be conducted after the withdrawal of the project, and also to share the best practices. Read more...

CEDAC Organized Core Staff Meeting at Kompong Cham Province
April 02-03, 2010,
With funding support from the FNS (Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty), 2010 CEDAC organized a core staff workshop on 2 to 3 April 2010 at Phnom Pros Hotel in Kompong Cham. CEDAC president Dr. Yang Saing Koma facilitated the workshop, in which 45 core staff members including nine women participated. The purpose of the meeting was to review CEDAC’s strategy for 2010 to 2014, to analyze social trends for determining future development activities, to discuss about the mechanism for strengthening the cooperation between all programs and affiliates of CEDAC in order to achieve the strategic plan. Read more...

The First Short Course on Ecological Chicken Raising
On March 20-21, 2010, CILD organized the first short course on Ecological Chicken Raising (ECR) at CILD office, Phnom Penh. The course trainer was Ms. Prach Sokhemy, a CILD animal health and production expert. The training had 22 participants including 3 women. There were NGO staff, an electrician, soldier, autonomous water authority member, students, farmers and other participants from the private sector. The objective of the training was to build awareness of food safety through the promotion of ECR. The training was held over two days. Read more...

Strengthening local development partners capacity through an exchange visit
March 18-19, 2010,
CEDAC and CHEC hosted an exchange visit for its development partners in Baphnom, Kampong Trabek, and Preah Sdech district of Prey Veng province with the participation of 23 visitors (3women) from CHEC, SCC, Marynoll, and LWF. The main objectives of this exchange visit is to Read more...

CEDAC FIELD PROGRAM ORGANIZED MONTHLY MEETING IN KOMPONG CHHNANG PROVINCE
March 15-17, 2010, the CEDAC Field Program organized the second Coordination Team Meeting this year, attended by 24 staff. The meeting was held at CEDAC’s Branch Office in Kampong Chhnang town. The agenda included sharing the progress of each project--CEDAC is presently implementing 24 development projects--and identifying opportunities and challenges of the CEDAC Field Program in 2009. There was also discussion of improved job descriptions for CEDAC Field Program staff and 11 core members of the program were selected. Mr. Vang Sean, a project M&E officer, presented the results of the Participatory Monitoring Evaluation of the project “Poverty Reduction among Subsistence Rice Farmers through the Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood System (PRS-EU).” Mr. Lang Chanthea, a project coordinator, faciliated the meeting. CEDAC president Dr. Yang Saing Koma and CEDAC Field Program director Mr. Yi Kim Than were also key presenters at the meeting. Read more...

First National Working Group meeting
March 16, 2010, Prolinnova Cambodia held its first National Working Group meeting of 2010 at CEDAC Institute for Local Development, Phnom Penh. There were 23 participants including 7 women. They represented 17 institutions: 8 provincial Departments of Agriculture (Prey Veng, Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat Battambang and Svay Rieng), 3 NGOs (CEDAC, Srer Khmer, Aphiwat Strey), 3 educational institutions (Kampong Cham National School of Agriculture, Prek Leap National School of Agriculture and Royal University of Agriculture), the General Directorate of Agriculture, Farmer and Nature Net, and Thlork Commune Council in Takeo province. Read more...

Mission Support of Field Program Director to CEDAC Ratanakiri
March 10, 2010
CEDAC has been carrying out project activities in Ratanakiri (RTK) province since 2001, starting with a Non-Timber Forestry Project (NTFP) with 16 villages, 2 communes and 2 districts. To date, CEDAC has been implementing four projects in 67 villages, 17 communes, 8 districts and 1 municipality in Ratanakiri province in collaboration with ALDI, ICM, International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Learning Community Development project (LCDP)). These projects involve a total of 22 CEDAC staff (4 women). Read more...

CEDAC and FNF organize two Development Forums with Teachers
On March 06-07, 2010, CEDAC organized a Teachers’ Forum at Phnom Pros Hotel, Kampong Cham province. Attending the forum were 32 participants (6 females) including principals, vice-principals and teachers of 22 different schools from 12 districts.
On March 20, 2009, CEDAC organized another Teachers’ Forum at the CEDAC office at Baphnom district, Prey Veng province, with 48 participants (5 females) also including principals, vice-principals and teachers from 32 different schools in Baphnom district. Read more...

CILD Monthly meeting
March 05, 2010
On March 05, 2010, CILD organized a regular staff meeting to share progress reports, prepare action plans and ensure good collaboration. The meeting also served to strengthen the facilitation skills of the training assistants and trainers and improve their knowledge and capacity in relation to developing action research proposals. Read more...

CEDAC Organized Project Launching Workshop in Prey Veng
March 03, 2010
CEDAC organized a project launching workshop on “Improving Food Security of the Most Vulnerable Families in Prey Veng/IFS-PV,” which is funded by the European Union (EU). The workshop was held at the Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) in Prey Veng province. There were 109 participants who attended the workshop . This is the second project for which CEDAC has received direct grant support from the EU. IFS-PV is being implemented in 200 villages across 27 communes in Baphnom, Kompong Trabek and Prah Sdach districts of Prey Veng province. Read more...

Training workshop on Climate Change at Sihanouk Province
February 22-26, 2010
CEDAC staff members Mr. Yi Kim Than and Mr. Yim Sok Sophors participated in a training workshop on “Introduction to Climate Change and Possible Responses for Cambodia,” organized by CORD, DCA/CA and ForumSyd. The workshop was held at Chhner Chulsa Hotel, Sihanouk province. There were 30 staff from 10 partner NGOs participating in the workshop, including Banteay Srei, CEDAC, DPA, FACT, LWF, NGO Forum, NTFP, PNKS , VSG, and STAR Kampuchea . The objectives of the workshop was to establish a baseline level of understand around climate change: 1)cause and effect, mitigation, impact mitigation, and adaptation; 2) how to build a working knowledge of climate change responses, including concepts and frameworks used; 3) the use of practical tools to build institutional readiness to engage in climate change work; and 4) to create a space for reflection on how current programs and projects may be affected by climate change and where they have the potential to contribute appropriate responses. Read more...

LAAR project annual meeting in Kandal Stung District
February 25, 2010
In 2006 CEDAC began to implement LAAR (Local Administration and Reform) program in Tramkok district, Takeo province. In 2007, CEDAC has expanded the project to Samrong district of Takeo and Kandal Stung districts, Kandal province. The project is funded by USAID through Pact. Every year, the project team organizes annual meeting to review the activities, to share experiences and lessons learned as well as to discuss plan of action. Read more...

Orientation Workshop on Preparation to Restructure FNN
February 23-26, 2010
With organizing assistances and funding support from CEDAC, the Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) and rural young agro-entrepreneurs (YAE) successfully conducted four introductory workshops on the preparation to restructure FNN in 2010 from February 23–26, 2010. The four workshops were done in Bati and Samrong districts (Takeo province) and in Kong Pisey and Boseth districts (Kampong Speu province), where 91 participants (whom 18 were females) attended. Among them were included farmer leaders of associations/clusters, young farmer community leaders, CEDAC staff and FNN representatives. Mr. Pan Sopheap, FNN Director, and Mr. Uon Sophal, FNN president, were co-facilitators and resource persons of the workshops. Main objective of the workshops aimed to introduce a long term strategic plan of FNN in preparation to establish its district networks. Read more...

FNN Representative Participate in Forum on Promoting Gender Equality in Livelihood
February 24, 2010
FNN representative, Ms. Khuon Sey, accompanied by Mr. Meas Somica, CEDAC staff, participated in women forum on promoting gender equality in livelihood in Bangkok, Thailand, which organized by Oxfam GB. There were 31 participants (included 21 women) from seven different countries attended the forum. The spirit of the forum is to promote culture of discussion and learning from each other, and start building contacts and networks to promote women's economic empowerment and leadership together, we are not able to this big job alone. Read more...

Food Security Program Officer of European Union Conducts Field Visit to PRS-EU
February 23-24, 2010
With a supporting grant from European Union (EU) and the Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), CEDAC has been implementing a development project titled “Poverty Reduction among Subsistence Rice Farmers through the Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood System (PRS-EU)” since January 2008. The project will be completed in December 2010. The project’s target areas are 270 villages in 25 communes of 4 districts, Samrong and Barti districts (Takeo province) and Borsedth and Kong Pisei districts (Kampong Speu province). Read more...

Project Introduction Workshop in Ratanakiri Province
February 17-19, 2010
CEDAC, ETEA Foundation and DPA conducted a workshop in Banlung to discuss both projects. The purpose of the workshop was: 1) to identify the impacts and lessons learned from the first project; 2) to clarify the purposes and activities of the new project; 3) to reach agreement about cooperation and synergies among the participating organizations; 4) to explain AECID's operational regulations and any other issues that might be difficult to understand; and 5) to chart future cooperation between project partners and local authorities. Read more...

Annual and Reflection Meeting of CEDAC Zone II Team Koh Kong Provincial Town
February 17-18, 2010
CEDAC Zone II organized a three-day meeting that was both an annual meeting and a reflection meeting at Koh Kong province. It was attended by 44 staff members, including 15 women. CEDAC has divided its 3,200 target villages into 5 zones, and CEDAC Zone II is implementing 9 development projects covering 750 villages across 110 communes, in 20 districts of 4 provinces (Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kandal and Kampot Provinces). The specific objectives of the meeting were to improve solidarity and cooperation among staff and to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on their annual activities and achievements in 2009, as well as to develop a strategic plan for 2010. Read more...

Workshops on Cambodia Millennium Development Goals (CMDG)
Beginning on December 17, 2009, 33 workshops on CMDG (Cambodia Millennium Development Goals) with 745 participants (including 208 women) were organized through the project titled "Happy Mountain Bird -Ensuring Access to Primary Education for Children of the Poorest Families". The final workshop concluded on February 15, 2010. Read more...

TOT in Farmer Organization and Local Good Governance
February 16-17, 2010
Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) in cooperation with CEDAC and funding support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (Germany, FNF), organized Training of Trainers (TOT) on Farmer Organization and Local Good Governance from 16 to 17 February 2010. The TOT was held at the meeting room of the Provincial Rural Development Committee in Takeo province. 60 FNN representatives and young community leaders from Takeo, Kampot and Kampong Speu provinces participated in this TOT. Mr. Ourn Sophal (FNN president), Mr. Pan Sopheap (FNN director), Mr. Hout Dok (LAAR project coordinator), Dr. Yang Saing Koma (CEDAC president and FNN advisor) and Mr. Khim Sophanna (FNF program officer) were the main resource persons for this training.
At the end of the TOT, the participants had gained more knowledge and understanding on principles of good governance, government policies on decentralization and de-concentration and how farmer organizations can be engaged in improving local governance and improving access to more effective public services. The participants also worked together to prepare an action plan to conduct similar 30 training workshops (10 workshops per province) in their respective communes and districts. The national FNN will use small grants provided by the World Bank to support those training workshops.

First National Farmer Innovator Conference
February 10-11, 2010
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) organized the first national farmer innovator conference 10-11 February in Phnom Penh. CEDAC was invited to participate in this conference as a guest.
The objectives of the conference were to: 1) enable farmer to share their innovations with each other as well as with MAFF officials; and 2) select the best farmer innovators for the national awards.
Read more...

M-POWER 2010 - Annual Meeting of the Network Partners
February 08-10, 2010
The M-POWER 2010 the annual meeting of the Mekong Program on Water, Environment and Resilience, was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 8-10 February 2010. This year's annual meeting was co-organized and hosted by CEDAC, an M-POWER partner organization in Cambodia. The aim of the M-POWER Annual Partners' Meeting 2010 is to focus on improving the quality of negotiations, decision-making and evaluations of water resource development and management in the Mekong region. Read more...

CEDAC Organizes a Training Workshop on Samachal Theory in Pailin Province
February 08-09, 2010
CEDAC organized a training workshop on the Sammchal Theory at Pailin Bomboo Hotel for school principals, farmer leaders of self help and saving groups, village chiefs, and commune council members on how to improve their quality of life using the Samachal Theory. The theory of Samachal focuses on increasing Health, Knowledge, Friendship, and Money. At the workshop, CEDAC also discussed the progress of its project implementation to the participants. There were 30 participants, including 6 women, who come from Pailin and Sala Krao districts in Pailin Province. Read more...

National Forum on Local Innovation
PROLINNOVA Cambodia collaborated with the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) to organize a National Forum on Local Innovation. The theme was "Can Farmers be Innovators," and was held January 28-29, 2010 at GDA offices in Phnom Penh. The event was co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS) and the Rockefeller Foundation through the PROLINNOVA and FAIR programmes and CEDAC. The forum was chaired by H.E Lord Reaksmey, Secretary General of Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) and facilitated by Mr. Sam Vitou, from CEDAC. There were 92 participants, 34 of whom were women. They came from 10 provinces and 19 institutions. The main objectives of the forum were to enable innovative farmers to share their innovations and best practices and to expose researchers, extension workers and educators to farmer innovations. Read more...

World Bank Consultant Visits Rice Seed Farmers
February 05, 2010
With supporting funds from the EU and EED, CEDAC has been implementing the Poverty Reduction Among Subsistence Rice Farmers through the Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood Systems (PRS-EU) Project. The project runs from January 2008 through December 2010, and it covers 270 target villages in 25 target communes of 4 districts: Samrong and Barti district (Takeo Province) and Borsedth and Kong Pisei districts (Kampong Speu Province). Read more...

The workshop on Harmonization and Equivalence for Greater Mekong Countries
From February 4-5, 2010 CEDAC staff member Mr. Khorn Sdok attended the Harmonization and Equivalence for Greater Mekong Countries Workshop in Nonthaburi province, Thailand. The workshop was conducted and supported by the Global Organic Market Access Project (GOMA) of FAO, IFOAM and UNCTAD. GOMA staff and 26 representatives from 8 countries attended: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Australia, China and attended the workshop. The objectives of the workshop were to: Read more...

Workshop on Improving Quality of Life
Asia Hotel, Kompong Chhnang Province
On february 03, 2010, CEDAC's president, Dr. Yang Saing Koma, and director of Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), Mr. Pan Sopheap, facilitated a full-day workshop on the topic of "Improving Quality of Life" at Asia Hotel, in Kompong Chhnang province. Attending were 51 participants from 5 districts in the province, including Community-based Facilitators (CBFs) and Community-based Education Promoters (CEP), who are community leaders from CEDAC's project, titled "Happy Mountain Bird/HMB". The emphasis of the project, implemented by CEDAC, is to ensure access to primary education for children of the poorest families. Read more...

MONTHLY MEETING OF CEDAC FIELD PROGRAM
January 29, 2010
Generally, on a monthly basis, CEDAC’s Field Program organizes a regular staff meeting to share progress reports, prepare action plans and ensure good cooperation related to the development projects being implemented. The meetings also serve to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of the project officers in relation to project management and implementation. Read more...

CEDAC and PLAN Joint Full Proposal to EU
January 25-28, 2010
CEDAC and PLAN Cambodia staff met to work on a full proposal to the European Union (EU). The four-day meeting took place at SUNWAY Hotel in Phnom Penh. The proposal is titled:"Promoting Climate Resilient Livelihoods for Small-Scale Farmers in Most Vulnerable Dry Land Areas in Siem Reap and Kampong Cham Provinces." The project would be implemented over five years from the end of 2010 to 2014. It would mainly focus on dry land areas, covering 325 villages across 31 communes, in 6 districts and 2 provinces at an estimated budget of 2.2 million euro. Read more...

CEDAC and SEA-TV
January 25, 2010
On Monday, January 25, 2010, a video production team from SEA-TV visited Trapaing Veng village, Beungtranh khang tbong commune, Samrong district, Takeo province to interview and video experienced farmers cooperating with CEDAC in adapting and developing multi-purpose farms (MPF) as well as filming farmers and conditions in rural areas. Read more...

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
January 22, 2010
CEDAC organized the fifth training session on Management and Leadership. The purpose of the training series is to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of CEDAC's middle managers to be more effective managers and leaders. The training was organized at CEDAC’s office in Phnom Penh, and attended by eight middle managers who come from different target provinces of CEDAC. Mr. Tath Sok, project coordinator, was the facilitator of the training and Dr. Yang Saing Koma, president of CEDAC, was the main resource person for the training. Read more...

Reflection Meeting between CEDAC and PACT on the implementation
January 18-19, 2010
CEDAC and PACT Cambodia conducted a 2-day reflection meeting about the implementation of the project "Local Administration and Reform/LAAR" at CEDAC's office in Tramkak district, Takeo province. It is to note CEDAC has cooperated with PACT to implement this project since 2006, the project is funded by USAID. Up to now, 3 phases of the project has been implemented. Read more...

Training on Paddy Value Chain Study
Tramkak district, Takeo province
January 11-13, 2010
A 3-day training session on the study of paddy value chain was organized by CEDAC at the branch office in Tramkak district, Takeo province. The purpose of the training was to boost the understanding of CBOs representatives on how to conduct the study of paddy value chain. Definition of value chain, market chain actors, theory of supply, demand and price, questionnaire design, data collection methods, were raised for discussion during the training. Read more...

CEDAC Annual Meeting
January 05-06, 2010
CEDAC organized their two-day Annual Meeting at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) in Phnom Penh. There were 239 participants including CEDAC staff, Community-based Field Assistants (CFA), Young Agri-Entrepreneur (YAE) Farmers, FNN representatives, and members of the CEDAC advisory board who attended the meeting. Read more...

National Workshop on Linking Small Farmers to the Market
December 31, 2009
With funding support from the ASEAN Foundation and Asia DHRRA, CEDAC collaborated with the Department of Agriculture Extension of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to organize a National Workshop on "Linking Small Farmers to Market" at Phnom Penh Hotel in Phnom Penh. There were 120 people including farmers, representatives from agriculture development communities, representatives from the MAFF, the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the Ministry of Industry, the Rural Development Bank (RDB), and CEDAC staff members who attended this workshop. Read more...

Inauguration of the Rice Mill and Fodder Cooperative and Project Closing
December 30, 2009
With funding support from LDSC, CEDAC began implementing a three and half-year project in 2006 entitled “Improving the Livelihood of Small Farmers in Kampong Tralach and Samaki Meanchey, Kampong Chhnang Province.” The project has been actively working in 93 villages of 16 communes in the target area. Around 3,700 farmer families have participated in or benefited from the project. Read more...

EU Funds Two CEDAC Projects in 2009
In 2009, CEDAC was awarded European Union grants for two food security projects - Improving Food Security for Women and the Rural Poor in Mondulkiri Province (IFWP-MP) and Improving the Food Security of the Most Vulnerable Families in Prey Veng (IFS-PV). Read more...

Training for Facilitators on Participatory Innovation Development/Participatory Technology Development (PID/PTD)
December 21-23, 2009
PROLINNOVA Cambodia collaborated with the Pursat Provincial Department of Agriculture to organize and execute a training workshop for facilitators on Participatory Innovation Development/Participatory Technology Development (PID/PTD) at the Provincial Department of Agriculture in Pursat Province. There were 29 participants (11 women) including representatives from the Provincial Departments of Agriculture of fourteen provinces: Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Svay Reang, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Pursat, and Kampong Cham Province, the General Department of Agriculture, three NGOs (CEDAC, Srer Khmer, and AS), one Educational Institution, and one commune council from Takeo Province. Read more...

7th General Assembly of the Farmer and Nature Net
December 22, 2009
With funding support from Agriterra and the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), the Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) organized its 7th General Assembly at Trapeung Chuk village, Po Angkrang commune, Borset district in Kampong Speu Province. There were 136 people who attended this assembly, including key farmers from 11 provinces throughout Cambodia; the Chief of the Department of Agriculture Extension of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); Provincial Department of Agriculture officers; the District Governor; commune councilors; journalists; and FNN and CEDAC staff members. The objectives of this assembly were to present and reflect on the progress and activities of FNN and to reveal the three-year strategic plan (2010-2012) of FNN. Read more...

Understanding Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Workshop
December 19, 2009
CEDAC, in collaboration with the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP), organized a workshop on Food Safety and Consumers' Rights at CEDAC's office in Phnom Penh. The workshop was supported by Oxfam America. Thirty-one people (12 women) including farmers, consumers, students, journalists and CEDAC staff members attended this workshop. Read more...

National Workshop on Experiences and Solutions in Participatory Irrigation Management and Development
December 17-18, 2009
Beginning in 2007, CEDAC has organized an annual meeting on water/irrigation to promote Participatory Irrigation Management and Development. This year, with funding support from the Mekong Program on Water Environment and Resilience (M-POWER), CEDAC organized the National Workshop on Experiences and Solutions in Participatory Irrigation Management and Development at the Phnom Penh Hotel. Sixty people from 13 provinces attended the event, including the chiefs and vice chiefs of the Farmer Water User Communities, representatives from the Provincial Department of Water Resource, representative of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, NGOs, Commune Council members and local journalists. Read more...

CEDAC Extending Work to Promote Building Biodigesters
December 17, 2009
Since April 2007, CEDAC has been a cooperative partner in the National Biodigester Programme (NBP) that promotes and disseminates information about domestic biodigesters to local farmers. The National Biodigester Programme (NBP) is a joint program between the Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). Read more...

The 6th National Platform Workshop on "Promoting Local Innovation in Cambodia"
December 16-18, 2009
Every year, the Prolinnova Cambodia program collaborates with its members to organize a National Platform Workshop on "Promoting Local Innovation in Cambodia." This year the 6th National Platform Workshop was organized by Prolinnova Cambodia and the Kampong Cham National School of Agriculture. There were 141 participants (52 women) including representatives of the Provincial Department of Agriculture from ten provinces (Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Prey Veng, Svay Reang, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Kandal and Kampong Cham), the General Department of Agriculture, four NGOs (AS, Srer Khmer, PSAD, and CEDAC), three Educational Institutions (Royal University of Agriculture, Kampong Cham National School of Agriculture, and Prek Leap National School of Agriculture), the Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), and one commune council from Takeo Province. Read more...

Press Field Trip to Takeo Province
December 16, 2009
CEDAC organized a Press Field Trip to the Poverty Reduction among Subsistence Rice Farmers through the Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood Systems (PRS-EU) Project in the Samrong District of Takeo Province. Twelve journalists representing newspapers, magazines, radio, and television attended this field visit.
The first stop on the visit was at Samrong District Meeting Hall where 63 farmer representatives and local authorities were meeting to share the experiences and results of the PRS-EU project. There the journalist interviewed farmers as well as the District Governor about their agriculture production this year, at which time some key productivity was reported. One of these reports was that the rice yield had increased from 2.5 tons to 3.2 tons per hectare this year. Read more...

Project Closing and Graduation Ceremony for Community Management Course
December 15, 2009
The Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and CEDAC organized the Project Closing and Graduation Ceremony at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh for 130 students (41 female students) who were graduating from the Community Management Course. The graduating class – composed of commune council members, teachers, government officers, farmer representatives, students, monks and NGO staff members - attended this ceremony. Read more...

CEDAC Staff Member to Share Presentation on the Impacts of Climate Change in the Lives and Livelihoods of Cambodians at COP15
December 09-16, 2009
CEDAC staff member, Mrs. Tong Chanthean, received an invitation from LDC Watch to attend a Climate Change Roundtable event on “Impacts of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of the people in the Least Developed Countries: People testifying themselves” at Copenhagen, Denmark. During this roundtable, Mrs. Chanthean is going to do a presentation on the impacts of climate change on lives and livelihoods in Cambodia. Read more...

Second TckTckTck Campaign Draws a Crowd
December 14, 2009
Oxfam America organized a campaign to demonstrate the urgency of climate change and its effects on poor and developing nations. The demonstration was similar to an event in October. Both events used slogans, t-shirts and actions in an effort to raise climate change awareness among the citizens of Phnom Penh as well as to motivate the media to cover climate change events. Read more...

Journalists, Farmers, and Teacher Representatives Attend Workshop to Improve Quality of Life
December 12-13, 2009
CEDAC, with funding support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNS), organized a workshop for local journalists on the SAMCHOL philosophy for improving the quality of life at the Pic Nic Resort in Sihanouk Province. This workshop was the second a series of workshops for the media and followed the first workshop, which took place in July 2009 on the role of media in rural development. Read more...

Indigenous Products and Cultural Exhibition
December 11-12, 2009
In order to promote the agri-products and market opportunities for indigenous communities, CEDAC Ratanakiri organized the Indigenous Products and Cultural Exhibition at the Provincial Department of Fine Art in Banlung district, Ratanakiri Province. This exhibition was organized with the cooperation of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, ETEA Foundation and CAN-DO with funding support of the Spanish Agency of International Development Cooperation (AECID). This event was honored by the participation of H.E Pao Hoarm Phan, Ratanakiri Provincial Governor, who acted as the president of the exhibition. Read more...

CEDAC Radio Program on Stopping the Use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides
December 10, 2009
This week on CEDAC’s Weekly Radio Program, GREEN LIFE (broadcasting every Thursday from 4-5 pm on SARIK Radio Station FM 106.5 MHz), the No Pesticide Use Day 2009 that recently took place in Pailin, Cambodia was discussed. The guest speaker for the program was Mr. Keam Makarady, CEDAC Environment and Health Program Director. During the show, Mr. Makady presented the history of No Pesticide Use Day, the situation of pesticide use and its impacts in Cambodia, and the topic of this year’s event - Stopping the Use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides. Mr. Makarady said there are now 66 types of highly hazardous pesticides being used by Cambodian farmers. Read more...

No Pesticide Use Day 2009 in Pailin, Cambodia
December 03, 2009
With funding support from the NGO Forum on Cambodia, the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PANAP), CEDAC, and 35 other members of the Pesticide Reduction Network in Cambodia, a campaign was organized on No Pesticide Use Day 2009 in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Agriculture in Pailin Province. Read more...

Ownership in Development: 2nd Exploration Field Trip to the Farmer Saving Association
December 05-06, 2009
With financial support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNS), the Cambodia Institute of Development Study (CIDS) and the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) are co-organizing a 2nd field trip to Samrong district, Takeo Province. The objective of this field trip is to observe the ownership in development experiences of the Farmer Saving Association in Samrong district, chaired by local farmer, Sar Ouch.
This field trip is part of the Ownership in Development (OID) Program that was launched in early July 2009 with financial support from FNS. The mission of this program is to sustain development in Cambodia by promoting local ownership in the development efforts.
The first exploration field trip was conducted on August 29, 2009 to Dang Tung district, Kampot Province where a dialogue among the participating scholars was conducted and produced an Analytical paper. Read more...

Technical Working Group Meeting on Linking Small Farmers to the Market
December 01, 2009
The Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) in collaboration with the Asiadhrra and funding support from the ASEAN Foundations organized a technical working group meeting on “Linking Small Farmers to Market” at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Phnom Penh. Twenty-four people representing a number of NGOs working on agriculture and rural development attended this meeting. Read more...

CEDAC Exporting Organic Rice to the US
November 30, 2009
CEDAC and Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) organized a press conference on the first export of Cambodian organic rice to the United States at CEDAC's office in Phnom Penh. Representatives from the media - including TV, radio, newspapers and magazines - attended this press conference. Dr. Yang Siang Koma, President of CEDAC, Mr. Wolfgang Möllers, DED Country Director, and DED Expert, Winfried Scheewe, answered the questions of the reporters. Read more...

Staff Members Attend Training to Strengthen the Consumer Education Program in Cambodia
November 20-25, 2009
Mr. Khorn Sdok, CEDAC staff member, attended a training course on "On-the-Job-Training" in Penang, Malaysia. The training was conducted and supported by the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) in collaboration with the NGO forum on Cambodia. Six participants represented Cambodia's NGOs, including CEDAC, Caritas-Cambodia, CHETTHOR, Srer Khmer, RAHDO and PNKS.
Read more...

Rice Selection Important in Improving Yields
November 16, 2009
Beginning in October 2009, CEDAC extended its dissemination activities by contributing to a regular monthly broadcast show with CTN TV that airs every second Monday of the month.
Speaking this month on the live CTN TV show, "Internet Talk", Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president, talked about the benefits of good rice seed selection, emphasizing that yields can increase up to 20% because of good rice seed selection and planting. Read more...

International Students Attend Workshop on “NGOs’ Fieldwork - Skills for Enabling People-centered Community Development”
November 12-17, 2009
A group of eleven students from The Foundation for Advanced Studies in International Development (FASID) attended a training workshop that was organized and facilitated by CEDAC’s Institute for Local Development (CILD). FASID is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 in Tokyo, Japan, for the purpose of supporting development practitioners engaged in social and economic issues in Japan and internationally. FASID students are pursuing a NGO diploma course, which is composed of 3 terms, in which participants will be exposed to both theoretical concepts and practical methods relevant to NGO issues and management. This course is funded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more...

Study Tour on Farmer Water User Community at Sdau Kaong and Oustreng
November 08-14, 2009
The Irrigation Working Group of CEDAC hosted a study tour on Irrigation Systems and Farmer Water User Communities (FWUC) for government officials - many of who were local government officials - from Mondulkiri Province. There were 52 participants, including 7 women, who attended this study tour. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded the field visit.
Read more...

Now is the Season for Farmers to Consider Rice Seed Selection
November 12, 2009
Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president, recently participated in a live talk show on Mlub Baitong (Green Shade) Radio Program on Environment. The discussion topic for this special show, which ran from 14:00 – 15:00 pm, was the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Dr. Yang Saing Koma was the guest speaker. Read more...

Inauguration of the Trapaing Thnung Agricultural Development Cooperative Building
November 08, 2009
Sahakum Akpiwat Kaksekam Trapaing Thnung, which translates to English as "Trapain Thnung Agricultural Development Cooperative," was registered as an "Agricultural Development Cooperative" on July 30, 2009 with the Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA). This cooperative is located in Trapaing Thnung Village, Khvav Commune, Samrong district, Takeo Province. The cooperative currently consists of 186 members with savings capital of 546 million Riel. In early 2009, the cooperative purchased land to establish a cooperative building center that would provide the organization with their own workspace. The land cost 2,800 USD. The cooperative building has now been completed with an overall cost of 13,563 USD, which included a contribution from CEDAC (PRS-EU project) of 1,700 USD. This building will play an important role by providing a multi-purpose building where members could share experiences, sell their agricultural products, organize training and learning centers, store documents, establish a library and locate their saving and credit services. Read more...

Training Course on Environmental Reporting
November 1-4, 2009
Mr. Him Khortieth, CEDAC Staff member, attended a training course on Environmental Reporting in Jakarta, Indonesia. This training was organized by the Indonesian Association for Media Development (PPMN) in collaboration with Radio News Agency KBR68H, the Green Radio Station, and the Asia Calling current affairs radio program. Twelve journalists and media persons from radio and TV across seven Asian countries including Cambodia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines and Burma attended this training. Read more...

CEDAC Staff Members Attend Energy Workshop
October 27, 2009
Three staff members from CEDAC - Mr. Khorn Sdok, Mr. Meas Somica and Ms. Charlsea Ewing - attended a workshop entitled " Powering 21st Century Cambodia with Decentralized Generation" that was organized by the Rivers Coalition Cambodia (RCC) and funded by the NGO Forum on Cambodia. The workshop featured 8 speakers from national and international NGO's, members of the research and development sector, and the Cambodian government and private sectors as well. Many representatives from local NGO's, local stakeholders and government agencies attended the workshop. Read more...

Regional Meeting on Community Education for Pesticide Risk Reduction
October 23-26, 2009
Mr. Keam Makarady, CEDAC staff member, recently attended the Regional Meeting on Community Education for Pesticide Risk Reduction in Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China. There were 40 participants from the governments of Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam and Bhutan as well as NGOs representatives, resource persons, and FAO staff members at the meeting. The overall objectives of the meeting were: Read more...

The 5th National Assembly of the Organic Rice Producers Federation
October 26, 2009
With funding support from DED, the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) and Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) organized the 5th National Assembly of the Organic Rice Producers Federation at the CEDAC office in Phnom Penh. There were 99 people, including six women, attended the assembly, representing Takeo, Kampot, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, and Kampong Chhnang Provinces. The participants also included Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's President; Mr. Mak Seurn, Chief of the Department of Agriculture Extension of MAFF; Mr. Winfried Scheewe, CEDAC Marketing advisor; Dr. Carl Josef Weiers, Senior Expert on Cooperatives; Mr. Pan Sopheap, the FNN director; Mr. Lang Seng Horng, CESDE's director; Mr. Nep Orng, President of the National Organic Rice Federation; CEDAC staff members; farmer community representatives; and commune councils. Read more...

CEDAC Organizes a Workshop on Leadership with Field Community Assistants (CFA)
October 23-25, 2009
CEDAC, with funding support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), organized a workshop on leadership at the Golden Sand Hotel in Sihanouk Province. The objectives of the workshop were to strengthen the Field Community Assistant’s (CFA) leadership skills and to review their achievements after joining in the program. Read more...

CEDAC Staff Members and FNN Farmers Join AFA Regional Consultation Workshop
October 06-10, 2009
The Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) extended an invitation to FNN and CEDAC staff members Mr. Meas Somica, Ms. Kong Sokchoin, Mrs. Hay Lekena, Mrs. Khuon Sey and Mr. Chea Sorn to attend their consultation workshop, "Farmers' Voices, Farmers' Choices: AFA Regional Consultations on Food Sovereignty, Climate Change, and Marketing" held in Bangkok, Thailand. There were 42 people from eight countries who attended the event including farmer leaders and women representative from each of the eight membership organizations of the AFA. The workshop was conducted parallel to the UN intercession meeting on climate change that was held in Bangkok, Thailand from September 27 - October 9, 2009. Read more...

CEDAC Radio Program on Climate Change
October 22, 2009
This week on CEDAC's Weekly Radio Program, GREEN LIFE (now broadcasting every Thursday from 4-5 pm on SARIK Radio Station FM 106.5 MHz), we discussed climate change and how CEDAC works to contribute to positive Climate Change adaptation. The guest speaker for the program was Mrs. Tong Chantheang, CEDAC Program Officer. During the live feedback section of the show, there were many questions directed to Mrs. Chantheang by the presenters and listeners including what is the climate change, what causes climate change and what contributes to climate change etc. In addition, the techniques that could help farmers adapt to climate changed were discussed. According to Mrs. Tong Chantheang, these techniques include the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), the use of improved cooking stoves, and the use of locally available resources.
CEDAC began broadcasting a weekly Radio Program in February 2008 that allows farmers and CEDAC staff members to share actual experiences and knowledge including ecological agricultural and household techniques that are responsible for improving the environment and health of both producers and consumers.

CEDAC Opens a New Shop
October 21, 2009
SAHAKREAS CEDAC organized an inauguration ceremony for its new shop branch - Sony Teurk Tlar City - located at #20B, Street 36 Sony, Sangkat Teurk Tlar, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Pen.
During the ceremony, there was a free food tasting promotion, which included soft drinks, rice wine, hot dogs and other display products. There were also special discount prices that helped draw many customers to the opening and encouraged them to buy many of the products they tasted. Press members also attended the ceremony including CTN TV and Raksmey Newspaper reporter. Mr. Lang Seng Horng, Director of SAHAKREAS CEDAC, said that through the CEDAC shops, the customers are beginning to recognize and value the organic products of Cambodian farmers as well as to be conscious of their own health in regards to the food they eat.
This opening mark the fifth CEDAC shop including the three in Phnom Penh and one in Shihanouk Province that are currently open and serving customers.

Senior Expert on Cooperatives to Work with CEDAC
Dr. Carl-Josef Weiers, a retired agriculture economist from Senior Expert Service (SES), will work with CEDAC from October 8, 2009 until November 27, 2009. During his time with CEDAC, Dr. Carl will provide training to CEDAC staff members and Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) farmers on Cooperatives. These trainings aim to improve the level of expertise of the CEDAC staff members and the key farmers in the field of local agriculture and the future work of cooperatives.
As a result, CEDAC is organizing a series of training seminars on Cooperatives for its staff members. The first group will meet on November 5 -6, 2009 and the second group will meet November 18 -19, 2009.

CEDAC Staff Participates in TckTckTck Event to Raise Awareness on Climate Change
October 21, 2009
Climate change has recently taken center stage internationally as countries began to face the fact that the impacts of climate change are upon us and that real changes are necessary to avoid even greater challenges in the future. As the international community debates the best way to mitigate these impacts, development organizations attempt to raise awareness of climate change at the grass-root level. A firm foundation of understanding and commitment from the bottom-up is necessary if the changes made to control climate change are going to work. Read more...

CEDAC Meeting on Strategic Planning for 2009-2014
October 12-13, 2009
Forty-two of the core staff members of CEDAC (including 9 women) participated in a two-day meeting to discuss CEDAC's Strategic Plan for 2009-2014 at the Cambodiana Hotel, Phnom Penh. This meeting was financially supported by the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF). During the meeting, participants discussed and reflected on the past, present and future situation of CEDAC. Some ideas discussed included: Read more...

UNDP Representative Field Visit
October 9, 2009 With a supporting grant from UNDP GEF SGP, CEDAC began implementing the project "Integrated Commercial Farming for Small Farmers in Takeo's Samrong district (ICM)". The project is scheduled to run from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The goal of the project is to develop integrated commercial farming as an effective use of available resources to promote sustainable agricultural production that is compatible with climate change adaptation and biologically diverse habitats. Read more...

Sharing SRI Experiences Workshop
October 03, 2009
CEDAC organized a workshop to discuss the experiences and benefits of SRI practices at the Chormpul Farmer Resource Center in the Popel commune, Tramkak district of Takeo Province. There were 41 participants from 12 districts in Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampot and Kampong Chhnang Provinces who attended the workshop facilitated by Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC president, and Professor Norman Upoff, the guest speaker from Cornell University. Read more...

CEDAC Organizes Workshop on Self-Development
October 1, 2009
Recently, CEDAC organized a training workshop on "Self-Development for Success" at the Asia Hotel, Kampong Chhnang Province. Fifty-four staff members, including 20 women, from all of CEDAC's projects in Kampong Chhnang Province attended this workshop. Read more...

PANAP Confronting the Food Crisis and Climate Change Conference
September 27-29, 2009
Two CEDAC staff members - Mr. Sam Vitou and Mr. Keam Makarady - attended the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PANAP) Conference on Confronting the Food Crisis and Climate Change in Penang Province, Malaysia. More than 100 people from 22 countries participated in the conference whose main objective was to strengthen the social movement to assert and advance food sovereignty and climate control in confronting the current food crisis and climate changes.
Read more...

Training the Trainers: Workshop for the Lead Farmers of Saving for Self Reliance Groups
September 22-23, 2009
The Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) with technical assistance from CEDAC and with the financial support from Agriterra, organized a workshop for the Lead Farmers of the Saving for Self Reliance Gruops project. The workshop was held at the CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD) in Phnom Penh. Read more...

National Organic Rice Producer Meeting
September 24, 2009 With funding support from Agriterra and technical support from CEDAC, the Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) held meetings with the representatives of the National Organic Rice Producers Federation at the office of the CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The objectives of the meeting were to reflect on the current activities of the National Organic Rice Producer groups, to strengthen the cooperation among the various communities, and to prepare strategic plans fro the upcoming harvest season. Read more...

Introductory Workshop: Supporting the Engagement of Citizens with Local Government Project
With funding support from the World Bank's Program to Enhance Capacity in Social Accountability (PECSA) through The Asian Foundation, CEDAC began implementing a project titled "Supporting the Engagement of Citizens with Local Government in the Kampong Tralach and Samky Meanchey districts of Kampong Chhnang Province (SECIL)" which will run from September 2009 through December 2009. This project will be implemented in six communes of Kampong Tralach and Samakii Meanchey District of Kampong Chhnang Province. The project targets commune councils and local leaders of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). The direct beneficiaries of the project include 34 commune councilors, 120 CBO leaders, and 360 citizens. Read more...

CEDAC's Saving for Self-Reliance (SFR) Project to Continue Based on Progress
As of October 2009, the Saving for Self-Reliance groups numbered 5,088 groups with 82,316 members of which 53,271 were women. The project provides enhanced access to community-led savings and credit services in 2,789 villages, 550 communes, 87 districts and 17 provinces in Cambodia. The total amount of savings is now approximately 11,301 million riel or 2.75 million USD.
This initiative was begun by CEDAC in 2003 providing support to farmers to establish and manage Saving for Self-Reliance groups. The expansion of the project is now supported mainly by Oxfam America (OA).The progress and success of these groups is a great example of CEDAC's commitment to improving the lives of farmers and their communities.

CEDAC and APSARA-TV
On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, a video production team from APSARA-TV visited two of CEDAC's targeted areas: Romun village, Beung Tranhkhang Cheung commune, Samrong district and Trapaing Pring village, Popel commune Tram Kak district, Takeo province. APSARA-TV came to shoot the new products from the local farmers and producers including products from the Animal Feed Processing Cooperative and Khmer Rice Wine Distillation.
Read more...

FNN Organizes a Local Governance Workshop to Promote Better Communication and Cooperation
September 08-09, 2009: Farmer and Nature Net (FNN), with funding support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and World Bank, organized a local governance workshop on decentralizing communication between local communities and commune councils with the District Council of Dong Tung district, Kampot Province. Read more...

Phnom Domrey Romeal Agriculture Development Community Assembly
On the 3rd of September 2009, the Phnom Domrey Romeal Agriculture Development Community organized an election assembly to select its board of directors and monitoring committees at Trabeung Chuk village, Trabeung Thom Kharng Tbong commune, Tramkok district, Takeo province. There were 203 people in attendance including farmers, the deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, the director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, the chief of commune, a JICA representative and CEDAC staff members. Read more...

CEDAC Conducts Field Visit for Tokyo University of Japan Students to Preah Vihear Province
From August 22-25, 2009, CEDAC, the Tokyo University of Japan and the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) organized a field visit to Preah Vihea province. The Preah Vihear province is in northern Cambodia about 294 kilometers from Phnom Penh. There are 33,032 families or about 157,132 people living in this province. Of the total population, about 79,594, or 51%, are women. Read more...

CEDAC Hosts a Field Visit for University Students from Japan
The CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD) hosted a field visit for three students from J.F. Oberlin University in Japan from August 25 through September 3, 2009. The students visited the CILD target areas in Baphnom district, Prey Veng province and Tramkok district, Takeo province. During their stay, the students visited with several farmer groups including the Women's Group, Young Agri-Entrepreneur Group (YAE), Rice Producers Group, the Community Shop, Rice Wine Producers and SRI farmers. The students enjoyed staying at the farmer's houses and learning the day-to-day life of Cambodian farmers. As a result of their visit, the students were able to learn about the strategy and processes utilized by CEDAC in rural and sustainable development at the community level.
CILD also hosted another field visit on August 27, 2009 for ten students from Bunkyo University in Japan. This visit was to Tram Kok district, Takeo province. The students were able to visit with several Farmer Association members and to discuss the livelihood improvements supported by the Association. The students were impressed with the farmer association process and with CEDAC's supporting programs. Both visits were very fruitful and gave insight into the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers.

CEDAC Welcomes Lower Rates from Microfinance Lenders
The Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) and the Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) are pleased to support the recent rate slashing by Microfinance Lenders in Cambodia. According to a recently published news article in the local newspaper, the Microfinance Institutions (MFI's) have decided to reduce interest rates by up to 0.5 percent per month. Read more...

CEDAC Achieving Success Through the National Biodigester Programme (NBP)
Since April 2007, CEDAC has been a cooperative partner in the National Biodigester Programme (NBP) which promotes and disseminates information about domestic biodigesters to local farmers. The National Biodigester Programme (NBP) is a joint program between the Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). The current pilot phase runs from 2005 until December 2009 and targets provinces with a very good biodigester potential. If the results are satisfactory, the program can be extended to all provinces in a second phase. The overall objective of the first phase of the program is the dissemination of domestic biodigesters as an indigenous, sustainable energy source through the development of a commercial, market-oriented, biodigester sector in selected provinces of Cambodia. Read more...

CEDAC Staff Attends Consumer and Environment Training Course in Malaysia
From August 25-29 2009, four CEDAC staff members including Mr. Khorn Sdok, Mr. Nouv Sarat, Ms. Say Sopheaktra and Heng Bunly, a CEDAC staff member, attended a training course on Consumers and the Environment in Penang, Malaysia. The training was conducted by the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) in collaboration with the NGO Forum in Cambodia. Twenty-seven representatives from Cambodian NGOs including CEDAC, the NGO Forum, SRER KHMER, PNKS, CENTDOR, ARD, Caritas Cambodia, Chethor, SACRED, VTH, RHADO, Vigilance, EPDO, Agriculture Department, OREDA, KFA and RUA attended this training course. The objectives of the course were:

• To build and strengthen the efforts of civil society organizations in advancing basic needs-oriented development and sustainable life styles.
• To promote consumer protection, sustainable agriculture, and ethical consumption while sustaining the environmental and natural resources despite political and economic challenges.

Meeting on Lessons Learnt and Reflection upon SRI 2008-2009
On Friday, 21st August 2009, SRI-Secretariat of General Directorate of Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and CEDAC with financial support from OXFAM America (OA), organized a Meeting on Lessons Learnt and Reflection upon "The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) 2008-2009" at the meeting hall of MAFF, in Phnom Penh. The meeting was chaired by the Honourable H.E Dr. Chan Sarun, Minister of MAFF. 120 people including MAFF officials from 24 provinces of Cambodia, teachers and students from the Royal University of Agriculture, Prek Leap National School of Agriculture and Kampong Cham Agriculture School, SRI farmers and a number of NGOs representatives from OA , HEKS, FAO, CEDAC and GTZ. Objectives of the meeting were to: Read more...

CEDAC Hosts Exposure Visit for Korean NGOs from Gwang-Ju city
On 12 August 2009, CEDAC Field Program hosted a visit for Korean NGOs in Gwang-Ju city, which was facilitated by Asian Bridge and SILAKA organization. The objectives of the visit were to increase understanding on success factors of CEDAC's work so that it can be applied to their organization and to establish possible international linkages. There were 17 people representing NGOs, universities and government officials from Gwang-Ju city who attended this visit. During the visit, Mr. Yi Kim Than, CEDAC Field Program director made a presentation on the situation of agriculture sectors in Cambodia and an overview of CEDAC's programs and its coverage, impact, and the key strategies in contributing to agriculture and rural development in Cambodia. After the presentation, many questions were raised by the participants concerning CEDAC's experiences in working with rural people.

CMC First Generation Students Receive Certificates
On Friday, 07th August 2009, 19 student in the Community Management Course (CMC) received their certificates of completion of 13 modules. The ceremony, organized through the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and CEDAC at the Cambodiana Hotel, Phnom Penh. This special event was presided over by H.E. Frank M. Mann, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany and H.E. Rafael Dochao Moreno, Chargé d' Affairs of the European Commission Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Other distinguished guests were Mrs. Fariello Maria, EC Team Leader for Democracy and Good Governance Programme in Cambodia; Dr. Alan Smith, Director of Centre for Local Development (CLD); Mr. Michael C. Usher, Managing Director of TGI-ITS and Mr. Sam Vitou, Director of CEDAC Institute for Local Development. 19 Graduated students; CMC 2008 and 2009 active students and other journalists and reporters from TV and Radio media. In total, 65 participants (17 female) attended the event.
During the ceremony, Mr. Dochao Moreno said that the 19 graduated students have now become "EU Ambassadors" who will contribute and replicate their knowledge and skills to their respective communities in effort to alleviate poverty alleviation, good governance, democracy and sustainability.

Final Workshop on the GMS Agricultural Trade and Facilitation Strategy Study
15 Agriculture and trade NGOs and government officers from The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, China and Vietnam were invited to attend the workshop on the GMS Agricultural Trade and Facilitation Strategy Study from 3-4 August 2009, at Aranyaprathet district, Sa Keo province, Thailand. From Cambodia, Mr. Keam Makardy, a CEDAC staff member attended this workshop. The workshop was organized by Asia Development Bank (ADB) with the aim to: Read more...

CEDAC's 12 Year Anniversary Meeting
On 01 August 2009, CEDAC organized its 12th General Meeting on CEDAC's Achievements and Plan for the next five years at the National Institute of Education, Phnom Penh. 180 CEDAC's staff members including 54 women attended this meeting. The objectives of the meeting were to reflect on the impacts of CEDAC's work over the past 12 years (1997-2009) upon Cambodian society, to introduce CEDAC's plan for 2014 and the self-development of CEDAC's staff members. During the meeting Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president briefly presented CEDAC's works/results over the past 12 years with a review of CEDAC's history and introduced another 25 fields or programs to work on for the next five years. Each field/program director presented with a clear explanation of their program's strategy and the staff were given an opportunity to discuss their thoughts on CEDAC's project expansion. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Yang Saing Koma summarized the key results of the meeting. Afterwards, all from CEDAC attended a party at CEDAC's head office in Phnom Penh. Read more...

Leadership Training with Chief of Commune Council
Within the framework of the Local Administration and Reform project, CEDAC organized training on leadership with the commune council chief from 21-23 July 2009 at Picnic resort, Sihanouk province. There were 48 commune councilors from 48 communes of Kandal Steung district, Kandal province and Tramkak and Samroang district of Takeo province that attended this training. The objectives of the training workshop were to: Read more...

Farmer and Natural Net Meeting
From 15-16 July 2009, Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) has organized a two-day meeting at CEDAC office with 24 national FNN management committee members, including 9 women. The participants come from 11 provinces throughout Cambodia. The main purpose of the meeting was to develop the five-year strategic plan of FNN (2009-2013). Read more...

CEDAC organizes Workshop on Planning for Success with Rural Youth
From 10-11 July 2009, CEDAC with funding support the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) organized a workshop on "Planning for Success" at Theater Hall, Takeo province. 69 participants including 25 women from Kampot, Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces attended this workshop. The Objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Young Agri-Entrepreneurs in preparing and planning their own lives. Read more...

CEDAC Hosted PAN AP Project Partners Meeting
From 18-21 July 2009, CEDAC in cooperation with Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PAN AP) organized the Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia (SENSA) project partners meeting at the CEDAC office, Phnom Penh. 15 people including 6 women at this meeting. Participants were from Malaysia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Japan, China, Laos and. Cambodia Read more...

CEDAC's First workshop on The Role of the Media in Rural Development
26 Media representatives including journalists from the newspaper, radio, television, magazine and online news freelances attended a two-day workshop on the Role of The Media in Rural Development at Kirirom Hillside Resort, Kampong Speu province. The workshop was organized by CEDAC from 18-19 July 2009, with funding support the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF). The objectives of workshop were to:
Read more...

SRI Field Visit for Farmers from The Phillipines
From 8-18 July 2009, CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD) hosted a field visit for three farmers from Philippines. The objective of the mission was to learn about System of Rice Intensification (SRI) both technical and practical knowledge and the specific dissemination approach adopted by CEDAC's Cambodian farmers. Read more...

Field Program Meeting
On July 10, 2009, CEDAC Field Program organized a one-day monthly core team meeting with the attendance of 25 participants, including project officers, program officers, the program director and representatives of other CEDAC departments. Mr. Pol Samath, the project officer of PRS-EU played a role as the facilitator of the meeting. The meeting agenda was to focus on sharing important information from the field, sharing the progress of the project , reviewing the last meeting, presenting the project, called "Farmer training in SRI and Farmer Organization, funded by GAA", discussion on cooperation, and preparation for conducting the participatory action research project with cooperating farmers, etc.
As a result, participants discussed and learned about the progress of each project. In particular, that CEDAC's projects have organized SRI campaigns at the beginning of this rainy season rice production. Additionally, the participants have learned from the practical experiences and strategies of implementing the project Farmer training in SRI and Farmer Organization that was presented by Mr. Meas Somica. Finally, the participants have identified various kinds of participatory action research (PAR) that will be carried out during this rainy season. The next meeting will be held on 19-21 August 2009 at Kampot province.

Press Conference on Ownership in Development Program
With the aim to promote and build ownership in local stakeholders on the development process, the Cambodia Institute of Development Study (CIDS) in coordination with the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) with financial support from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNS), launched a new project on Monday 6th July 2009, called the Ownership in Development (OID) Program. Read more...

Workshop on Planning for Rural Transformation 2009-2013
More than 40 core staff of CEDAC including 10 women participated in a 3-day planning workshop on "Planning for Rural Transformation 2009-2013" at Seaside Hotel, Sihanouk province from 01-03 July 2009. During the workshop, participants discussed and reflected on the past, present and future situation of CEDAC. This included:

• A reflection on the past trend of CEDAC both positive and negative points and what are the lessons-learned?
• A SWOT analysis of the present situation of CEDAC to explore options to further advance the current and future direction
• A determination on what could be continued, corrected, improved and stopped in the year 2013.

End of Project Workshop
On 30th June 2009, CEDAC organized an End of Project Workshop and the celebration of the project's achievements in Tramkak district, Takeo province. It is to note, that since January 2003, with funding support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), CEDAC has been implemented the project entitled "The Improving Livelihood of Small Farmer in Tramkak (ILFARM-TK)", and the project will phase out on 30th June 2009. Read more...

GMS Trade Facilitation and Capacity Building Workshop: Managing Certification for Agricultural Exports and Exposure to Eco-Trade Supply Chain Management.
Mr. Yi Kim Than (CEDAC) was invited by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and Earth Net Foundation/Green Net to participate in the Great Mekong sub-regional (GMS) Trade Facilitation and Capacity Building Workshops on Managing Certification for Agricultural Exports from 16 - 17 June 2009 and Exposure to Eco-Trade Supply Chain Management from 18 - 19 June 2009, at the Grand Ayudhaya Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. The workshops are part of ADB's ongoing study on GMS Agriculture Trade Facilitation and Strategy. Read more...

General Meeting of ILFARM-KTL&SMC Project beneficiaries and Ecological Products Trade Fair in Kampong Chhnang province
Over 900 farmers from Kampong Tralarch, Sámi Mean Chey and Roleaphea district, Kampong Chhnang province gathered on Monday 15th June 2009 to exhibit their naturally farmed agricultural products during the general meeting of ILFARM-KTL&SMC project beneficiaries at Salalekpram primary school, Kampong Tralarch district, Kampong Chhnang province. Other participants included Mr. Ith Nody, under secretary of state in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the provincial governor, the president of CEDAC, the Latter Day Saints Charity representative, Provincial and District Department of Agriculture and CEDAC staff members. The objectives of the meeting were to increase awareness of naturally produced crops amongst farmers and consumers and to congratulate farmers on their achievements during the three years of this project. Read more...

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Training in Pakistan
On 26th May 2009, Lok Sanjh Foundation (LSF) organized a one day training workshop on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in relation to Biodiversity-based Ecological Agriculture (BEA) at Sheikhupura District of Pakistan. The main purpose of the workshop was to promote SRI and BEA in Pakistani Punjab's rice farming systems. Farmers from different areas of Sheikhupura who have been identified as key researcher farmers by LSF participated in the event. Read more...

Chemical pesticides use widespread
New research points to prevalent use of imported chemical pesticides by farmers in six provinces, a practice seen by officials as dangerous for farmers, consumers and farmland. Read more...

Dong Tung Rice Agriculture Development Community Assembly
On 8th June 2009, the community supported by CEDAC in the framework of CSPM project, organized an assembly to form Dong Tung Rice Agriculture development community at Trabieung Ressey village, Domnak sokrom commune, Dong Tung district, Kampot province. 57 people including farmers, the director of department of agricultural extension, director of provincial department of agriculture and CEDAC president, participated in this assembly. The objectives of the assembly were to: Read more...

International Prolinnova Workshop and FAIR Meeting
Following the symposium, Mr. Sam Vitou, a CEDAC staff member has joined the International Prolinnova Workshop and FAIR meeting from May 09-12, 2009, at Pokara, Nepal. The objective of the meeting was to share experiences among Prolinnova contract point countries in Policy advocacy, HIV/AIDs, Farmer-Led Documentation (FLD), Curriculum Development (CD), Climate change adaptation and FAIR. The countries involved in different themes shared their implementation, challenges and constraints.
Read more...

Innovations Asia-Pacific Symposium
From May 04-07, 2009, Mr. Sam Vitou and Mr. Or Thy, CEDAC staff members, attended the Innovations Asia Pacific Symposium which was jointly organized by Prolinnova, LI-BIRD, Practical Action, CIAT & ICIMOD, with funding assistance from these organizations and the Research Into Use (RIU), the UK Department for International Development and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) at Katmandu, Nepal. Read more...

Provincial Workshop on Agriculture and Rural Development in Prey Veng
On 29th May 2009, CEDAC in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Agriculture organized a Provincial Workshop on Agriculture and Rural Development in Prey Veng province. The meeting was held at the meeting room of the Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA). There were 80 participants including: Deputy Provincial Governor, director and staff of Provincial Department of Agriculture, Woman Affairs, Youth Education and Sport, Health, Water Resource and Meteorology, District governors, NGOs representatives working in Prey Veng, and representatives of both cooperative farmers and commune councils. The workshop was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Prey Veng, Director of PDA and President of CEDAC. The objectives of the workshop were to:
Read more...

CEDAC organizes the Development Forum with Teachers
From May 23-24, 2009, CEDAC Organized three Teachers' Forum at the CEDAC office at Baphnom district, Preah Sdach district, Prey Veng province and Prey Chor district Kampong Cham province. 50 principals, vice-principals and teachers from different schools in Baphnom, Preah Sdach district, Prey Veng province and Prey Chor district, Kampong Cham province attended each forum. The objectives of this forum were to:

• Provide an opportunity for teachers and school principles to discuss and exchange experiences on educational issues and farming as well as development work
• Exchange experiences amongst model farmers cooperating with CEDAC and teachers
• Exchange experiences on Saving for Self- Reliance groups leading of CEDAC and teachers

Training workshop on Leadership with Organic Rice Producer Group Representatives
From May 08-10, 2009, CEDAC with funding support from The German Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF), organized a training workshop on Leadership for Organic Rice Producer Group representatives at Pic Nic resort, Koh Kong province. 75 farmer representatives including 7 women from Takeo, Kampot, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham and Kampong Chnang provinces attended this workshop. The training workshop was facilitated by Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president, Mr. Khim Sophanna, FNF project manager, Mr. Lang Seng Horng, CESDE's director and Mr. Norng Sam Art, coordinator of National Organic Rice Federation. The objectives of the training workshop were to:

• Provide an opportunity to learn from each other (Learn and enjoy )
• Strengthen participants' cooperation and team spirit
• Strengthen the capacity of participants on community and team leadership
• Prepare the strategic plan for the future

Study tour of Indigenous farmers to Kampot province
From May 20-22, 2009, a group of approximately 20 Indigenous Farmers (Phnong) from Agriculture Livelihood Project (ALP) in Mondulkiri province conducted a study tour to Kampot province since they had already learned some ideas relating to the formulation of Village-based Farmer Associations (VFAs ) trained by the project staff of CEDAC in Mondulkiri province. This study tour was facilitated by Mr. Cheav Sopheak, a project officer of ALP.
The farmers visited and discussed current issues with experienced leaders of existing VFAs in Kampot province. They clearly understood the advantages of VFAs as well as the processes and methodologies required to form Village-based Farmer Associations.
It is important to note, that they also visited and held discussions with Mr. Oun Sophal, the president of Farmer and Nature Net (FNN). It was a good time for them to learn from authentic VFA key persons, whilst the role of VFAs was elaborated and actively discussed. The technical practices and applications of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) were also presented by the host farmers. CEDAC believes that there will be additional indigenous farmers applying SRI methodologies in the forthcoming rainy season.
As a result, the indigenous farmers would like to establish this kind of VFA model in the villages of Sok San commune, Koh Ngiek district, Mondulkiri province. Hopefully, Village-based Indigenous Farmer Associations will be formed after this a successful study tour.

Year Of Rice Action (YORA) 2009-2010 Launch
On 20th May 2009, CEDAC with funding support from Pesticide Action Network Asia & the Pacific (PANAP), launched the Year of Rice Action (YORA) 2009-2010 by organizing a Press Conference at CEDAC office, Phnom Penh. The objective of the launch was to assert the rights of small rice farmers and rice consumers to safe and sufficient rice/food, production resources, and sustainable livelihoods. The theme of this year's YORA is "Rice for Life and Livelihoods"-this reflects the importance of rice to the lives and livelihoods of the people of Asia. Eleven press member including the representatives of newspapers, magazines, radio and television attended this conference.
During the conference, journalist asked many questions related to YORA, local seed selection, and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). In response, Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president explained the importance of YORA 2009-2010 and Mr. Prak Chres, a farmer from Takeo province shared his experience of selecting local rice seeds and a further explanation of the SRI secretariat of Ministry of Agriculture.
As a result, many news articles and feature stories were published and broadcasted by different media companies. It is important to note, that YORA ASIA is jointly organized by peoples' organizations in China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

4th National Assembly of Organic Rice Producer Federation On 1st May 2009, CEDAC with funding support from DED, organized the 4th National Assembly of Organic Rice Producer Federation at Trapaing Chuk village, Trapaing Thom Kharng Tbong commune, Tramkok district, Takeo province. 155 people including 28 women attended this national assembly. The objectives of the assembly were to:

• Strengthen the close relations and communication amongst farmers
• Sum up the key results of the federation in 2008-2009
• Prepare the new policy for Organic Rice Producer Groups
• Share the most recent news

From April 27-30, 2009, Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) hosted a visit for La Via Compesina (LVC) in Phnom Penh. Three women delegates form South Korea and Indonesia participated in this visit. The purpose of the visit was to:

• Build closer relationships and gain a better understanding between FN N and LVC
• Build the capacity of FNN's Board of Directors on global trade and farmers' issues in fighting for their interest

CEDAC's General Meeting
On Friday 10th April 2009, CEDAC conducted its General Meeting at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Phnom Penh. 175 CEDAC staff members including 55 women attended this meeting. The president of CEDAC, Dr. Yang Saing Koma presided over the meeting. The objectives of the meeting were to reflect on the main achievements of CEDAC in the first three months of 2009 and to present its work in 2009. During this meeting, Dr. Yang Saing Koma presented an overview of CEDAC on Agriculture and Rural development in 2009 and the staff shared their impressions of CEDAC's progress in the first quarter of 2009.
As a result of this meeting, new opportunities were identified with a strong commitment of all staff members to further develop CEDAC as an organization and strengthen its contribution to Development in Cambodia.

Cambodia Scores Historical Records of Rice Harvest Xinhua 2009-04-09
Cambodia achieved historical records of rice harvest in 2008, Chinese-language newspaper the Jian Hua Daily on Thursday quoted Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries Chan Sarun as saying.
Farmers planted 2.25 million hectares of rice during the rainy season in 2008, with an average turnout of 2.54 tons of rice per hectare, Chan Sarun told an annual meeting of his ministry here on Wednesday.
In addition, they planted 350,000 hectares of rice during the dry season in 2008, with an average turnout of 4.04 tons of rice per hectare, said the minister.
"These are our historical records in terms of rice harvest," he added.
In late March, the minister told reporters that the kingdom harvested over 7 million tons of rice in 2008, with at least 2 million tons ready for export.
Cambodia used to be a major exporter of rice within the region of the Mekong River.

Trabeung Thom Kharng Tbong commune farmers are happy with their new Community Rice Mill
CEDAC initiated to construct the community rice mill for farmers in the community since early 2008. Currently, there are two community rice mills constructed; one in Takeo province and another in Kampot province. On 5th April 2009, CEDAC organized the Community Rice Mill Inauguration Ceremony at Trabeung Chuk village, Trabeung Thom Kharng Tbong commune, Tramkok district, Takeo province. More than 300 people including farmers, local governors, the chief of the department of agriculture, Dr. H.E Chan Sarun, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president and CEDAC staff members attended this ceremony.
During the workshop, Dr. Chan Sarun praised CEDAC for this initiative and encouraged farmers to create more agriculture and development in the community. He stated that through this community rice mill food security will be secured. Moreover he added that, this means that farmers will:

• Gain more benefits form their rice (save rice husks and bran)
• Increase rice stock capacity
• Gain more options in making decision for selling their rice
• Save time ( no need to transport the rice to the market)
• Increase levels of local labor
• Gain ownership of their own products
• Understand more about market information, especially the market demand

Rice Outlook for March 2009
As the graph "Whole sale prices in Bangkok and Phnom Penh" shows, prices in Phnom Penh have been relatively stable since January this year. Cambodian jasmine rice cost currently about US$ 33.00 per 50 kg bag, US$ 5.00 less than Thai jasmine rice. During 2008, Cambodian rice was more expensive than Thai rice.
Given the current situation, it can be expected that prices will remain steady for March and April, except for increases due to the higher costs for storage and capital. This is already evident in the current prices for paddy.

CEDAC Board of Directors Meeting
On 04th April 2009, CEDAC hosted a meeting with its Board of Director (BOD) at CEDAC's head office, Phnom Penh. Four Board members and CEDAC's Program directors including Dr. Yang Saing Koma, Ms. Meas Nimol, Mr. Oum Savin, Mr. Prak Sereyvath, Mr. Lang Seng horng, Mr. Keam Makarady, Dr. Ung Dararath Moni, Dr. Mak Solieng and Miss khou somatheavy attended in this meeting. The objectives of the meeting were to:

• Briefly report on the CEDAC Annual Report for 2008
• Discuss the financial report of CEDAC in 2008
• Show the new structure of CEDAC in 2009
• Present the progress of each program of CEDAC for the first quarter of 2009

Press Field Trip to TramKok District, Takeo Province
On 5th April 2009, CEDAC organized a Press Field Trip to the Community Rice Mill Inauguration Ceremony at Trabeung Chuk village, Trabeung Thom Kharng Tbong commune, Tramkok district, Takeo province. Eight media company representatives attended this field trip. They represented newspapers, magazines, radio and television. During the visit, journalists interviewed farmers who are members of Domrey Romeal community rice mill about the problems and benefits of being a member. One reporter from Voice of Democracy (VOD) did a live report and many other features for their publications from the field.
It is important to note, that CEDAC will organize a Press Field trip every two months to its targeted project areas where journalists could see the real aspect of ecological agriculture and rural development and picture or prepare a cover for their news/ publication/broadcasting. It is also a chance for farmers to have their voices heard in public, particularly the government so that it can easily respond to their problems and needs.

Project workshop on Pesticide Use
From March 30-31, 2009, CEDAC organized a project workshop on the Pesticide Use and its Problems with Key Farmers and Community Youth Leaders. The objectives of workshop were to share amongst the participants, pesticide use and its problem in the communities and to increase public awareness around these issues with community people. 53 people from 11 provinces including Prey Veng, Svey Rieng, Kandal, Kampot, Takeo, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang and Kratie provinces participated in this workshop.
According to the information shared during the workshop, there are now more farmers in the community using pesticides in a dangerous ways. For example, they do not use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while mixing and spraying pesticides. At the same time, there are more pesticide companies now reaching the communities and motivating farmers to buy and use their products. However, it was very lucky for those who have cooperated and worked with CEDAC that they could easily access to education and training about the impact of pesticide use.
It is important to note, that CEDAC has been working to promote ecological agriculture techniques since 1997. Beside the information material such as leaflets and Video CD, CEDAC continues to educate Cambodian farmers about the impact of pesticide use through the commune workshop and its weekly radio broadcasting program.

Annual Workshop of the Improving Livelihoods of Subsistence Farmers in Kampot
On 27th March 2009, CEDAC organized a Provincial Annual Workshop on Improving Livelihoods of Subsistence Farmers in Kampot, with the participation of 65 participants. Participants included: the director and staff of Department of Agriculture in Kampot, Department of Woman Affairs, 7 district governors, commune councils from 38 communes, 7 district agriculture office representatives and representatives of cooperative farmers. The workshop was presided over by Mr. Kim Phean.

The objectives of the workshop were to present the achievements and experiences of ILFARM-Kampot in 2008, to let the best cooperating farmer share their experiences as well as to identify recommendations and strategies for implementing the project in the coming year. The workshop was supported by Asian Community Trust (ACT). During the workshop, the most successful farmers in saving groups, rice mill cooperatives, organic rice producer communities and ecological chicken raising groups were invited to share their experiences.

National Organic Rice Federation Committee Meeting
On March 26 2009, CEDAC organized a National Organic Rice Federation Committee Meeting at CEDAC's head office, Phnom Penh with the participation of 20 people of which 3 were women. The composition of the participants included: representatives of the Federation Committee from seven provinces, DED marketing advisor, a representative of SFIC (social investment fund for Cambodia) and CEDAC's staff members. The meeting was facilitated by Mr. Lang Seng Horng and Mr.Norng Sam Art. The objectives of the meeting were to:

• Present the results of organic rice buying in the year 2008-2009
• Present the Rice Market in 2008-2009
• Prepare the future strategies of the federation
• Prepare the future plan for the federation

Mr. Yi Kim Than as Guest speaker at World Bank Civil Society Funds Workshop
On 26th March 2009, Mr. Yi Kim Than, Program Officer of CEDAC was invited by World Bank in Cambodia to participate as the guest speaker at the World Bank Civil Society Funds Workshop, Best Practices in Promoting Civic Engagement for Good Governance in Cambodia. There were around 50 participants from LAAR program grantees, Civil Society Funds grantees, grantees of Local Movement project of Star Kampuchea and representatives of other NGOs and MOI. During this workshop, Mr. Yi Kim Than presented the experiences of CEDAC in organizing the commune public forum which can contribute to the promotion of democratic local development, specifically, in promoting transparency, accountability, and engagement between Commune Councils and local citizens.

Annual Workshop on Improving Livelihoods of Small Farmers in Tramkak, Phase II
On 20 Mach 2009, CEDAC organized the Provincial Annual Workshop on Improving Livelihoods of Small Farmers in Tramkak district, Takeo province with the participation of 72 people of which 9 were women. The composition of the participants included: director and staff of the Department of Agriculture in Takeo province; the Department of Woman's Affairs; the Department of Environment, Tramkak district governor, commune councils from 15 communes, district agriculture office, representatives of Cooperative Farmers, CEDAC staff members and other development NGOs in Takeo province. The workshop was presided over by Mrs. Nou Sovanny, Vice-Governor of Takeo province, Mr. Kobayashi Yukiharu, Vice-resident representative of Japan International Cooperation agency (JICA) office to Cambodia and Dr. Yang Saing Koma, CEDAC's president. During the workshop, the most successful farmers in ecological chicken raising, SRI, Multi-Purpose Farms and organic rice communities were invited to share their experiences.
The objectives of the meeting were to present the achievements and experiences of ILFARM-TK phase II in 2008, to allow the best cooperating farmer to share their experiences, and to identify recommendations and strategies for the sustainability of ILFARM-TK after the withdrawal/completion of the project. The workshop was supported by JICA.
Please note that, JICA has provided support to CEDAC in two phases. The first phase was from January 2003 to December 2005 and the second from July 2006 to June 2009. This phase is to be implemented in Tramkok district. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of small farmers through the development of farmer led and self-sustained agricultural extension, marketing and community finance services. Currently, there are about 21, 000 farmers from around 220 villages in Tramkok district, who are benefiting from this project.

CEDAC and ACT cooperation 2009-2010
On 19 March 2009, the Asian Community Trust committee has approved continuing support for the project entitled "the Improving Livelihood of subsistence Farmer in Kampot" for the fiscal year 2009 (01 April 2009 to 31 March 2010). The ACT has provided a grant to CEDAC to implement this project since April 2007. Currently, there are around 7,653 rice farmers in 132 villages benefiting from the project. For the new grant, the project will enable 8,000 subsistence rice farming families in 132 villages of 7 districts including Chhouk, Dorng Tuong, Kampong Trach, Banteay Meas, Angkor Chey, Kampot and Chum Kiri of Kampot Province to increase their food production and income as well as to improve social conditions through agricultural intensification and diversification and community led marketing and savings.

German Delegation visits Trapaing Reusey village in Kampot province
Last 7 March 2009, Dr. Josef Füllenbach, head of division South East Asia of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development met with farmers in Trapaing Reusey village, Damnak Sokrom commune, Dang Tong district. Ms. Kerstin Henke, Country Officer for Cambodia and Laos, accompanied him. Staff of the German government organizations KfW, GTZ and DED escorted the visitors. The visit was the last stop of a two-day trip to several development projects in Kampot province.
The visitors had expressed the wish to learn about the status of Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI). Through the facilitation of Mr. Thy Bun Heng, CEDAC field coordinator, and his colleagues, the group met with Mr. Oun Sophal, national chairman of Farmer Nature Net (FNN). Mr. Oun Sophal briefly described the background of the GTZ project implemented until end of 2004. The most tangible results are the use of SRI practices by many farmers and a rice bank. With the support of CEDAC's staff, the farmer association was able to maintain and expand the development efforts.

Oxfam America's delegation Field Visit Monitoring
From 23 February- 05 March 2009, a delegation from Oxfam America and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visited the farmer groups of Saving for Self Reliance (SfR) project in some villages of Kampong Chnang, Kampong Speu and Takeo provinces. Seven people including Mr. Jeffrey Ashe, director of community finance of Oxfam America, Mr. John Ambler, Vice President of Oxfam America, Mr. Brian Lund, Regional Director of Oxfam America, Ms. Joyce B. Lehman, Program Officer of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Krista Lynn of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Janet Van Zandt, Director of Institutional Support of Oxfam America and Mr. Tath Sok, CEDAC's staff member joined the field visit. The objectives of the visit were to:

• Understand the meeting process of SfR groups
• Monitor the process of farmers' meeting
• Understand about the document preparation and management
• Learn about the interrelationship between SfR and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
• Observe the progress and impact of saving groups

SfRiP's Quarterly Progress Report (for November 2008 to January 2009)
With Funding support from CARE, the Promoting Saving for Self-reliance in Pailin (SfRiP) project has been implemented by CEDAC since August 01, 2008. It is now operating smoothly and is on track. The project has drawn the interest of the most vulnerable villagers to mobilize and use their own capital, much of which they had previously been investing on the borrowing costs incurred from outsiders and local money lenders. The villagers now seem to be more aware of such related costs and are willing to reduce their dependency on outsiders to become self-reliant in the near future. The project contributes to the building of collaboration and trust among villagers as well as access to safe and profitable financial services for the most vulnerable families.
Up to the end of January 2009, the project has supported 29 saving groups comprising 699 members (of whom 42% are women). The total capital mobilized by all saving group members is 15,567,100 riels (equivalent to US$3,797). These saving groups are operating in 19 villages of 5 communes in Pailin province.

Workshop on Local Administration and Reform (LAAR) program
On 25 February 2009, CEDAC organized a Provincial Annual Reflection workshop on Local Administration and Reform (LAAR) program in Kandal Steung district, Kandal province, with the participation of 91 participants of which 19 were women. The composition of the participants included: Provincial Local Administration Unit, Provincial Facilitation Team, District Facilitation Team, Commune Council, Project to Support Democratic Development through Decentralization and Deconcentration (PSDD), Director or deputy director of line department, Provincial Treasure, representatives of NGO, and district governor. The objectives of the meeting were to present the progress and achievements of LAAR in 2008, to reflect upon what has been working and what has not, the reasons why, and to identify recommendations and strategy for implementation of LAAR in 2009. The workshop was supported by USAID through Pact Cambodia. As a result, we came up with many ideas for improving the LAAR program, especially on ways to cooperate with the stakeholders of the project.

Provincial Annual reflection workshop
On 26 February 2009, CEDAC organized a Provincial Annual Reflection workshop on Local Administration and Reform (LAAR) program at CEDACs' office in Takeo province with the participation of 150 people, of which 19 were women. The composition of the participants included: Provincial Local Administration Unit; Provincial Facilitation Team; District Facilitation Team; Commune Councils; Project to Support Democratic Development through Decentralization and Deconcentration (PSDD); Director or deputy director of line department; Provincial Treasury representatives of NGO; district governor and CEDAC's staff members. The objectives of the meeting were to present the progress and achievements of LAAR in 2008, to reflect upon what is working and what is not, the reasons why, and to identify recommendations and the strategy for implementation of LAAR in 2009. The workshop proceeded smoothly. All participants were given an opportunity to discuss their concerns and what that considered should be improved. As a result, we explored many ideas for improving LAAR program, especially on how to cooperate with the various stakeholders of the project.

Mr. Yi Kim Than as guest speaker of Working Group for Partnership in Decentralization (WGPD)
On 06 March 2009, Mr. Yi Kim Than, CEDAC 's Program Officer, was invited by the Working Group for Partnership in Decentralization (WGPD) to be the guest speaker in the Lecture Series on Theories and Practices of Decentralization & Deconcentration for Civil Society to more that 70 participants from various NGOs and Universities. During this event, Mr. Yi Kim Than spoke about the CEDAC experiences and its strategies in promoting democratic local development during which he focused more on building the networks amongst Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for engagement with Commune Council. Since 2006, CEDAC has implemented the project entitled Local Administration and Reform (LAAR) which is supported by Pact/USAID. The goal of the project is to institutionalize participatory democratic practices within local government and activate sustainable links between commune councils, civil society, and the national level government that positively impact D&D reform. Besides this, CEDAC has also cooperated with Catholic release service (CRS) to implement the project, namely Civil Society and Pro-Poor Market in Kampot province. The objective of this project was to ensure that CBOs are more able to articulate needs and represent the interests of the poor and vulnerable for engagement with local government administration and to ensure these needs are reflected in planning and development.

Training on Local Governance for Rural Development
With support form the Netherlands Fellowship Program, Mr. Yi Kim Than, CEDAC 's Program Officer, participated in the international training course on Local Governance for Rural Development which was organized by Wageningen International from 9 - 20 February 2009, in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The objectives of the training were to learn how to deal with the complexity of governance and engagement with multiple actors; increase the understanding of participant organization's current and desired position, roles, and interests in relation to local governance for rural development as well as how to work with multi-stakeholders, social learning concepts and methodologies for institutional change. There were 27 participants who came from various countries including Cambodia, Ghana, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Philippines. The topics covered in the training aimed to identify good local governance, explore institutional trends and implications for local governance, multi-stakeholder and institutional analysis, institutional change through Multi-stakeholder processes, social accountability tools, local economic development, social delivery etc.

The Economic Development Network (EDN) meeting
On 05 February 2009, Mr. Sim Kong, Program Director of CEDAC's Research and Development Consulting Services attended the Economic Development Network (EDN) meeting at the NGO Forum at Cambodia's office in Phnom Penh. 13 people representing various NGOs attended this meeting. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the key challenges for the agriculture sector and budget issues relating to priority sectors for accelerating poverty reduction in Cambodia. The initial findings and analysis of the 2009 national budget law were also presented during the meeting for information sharing and seeking agreement and comments from EDN members on the analysis. The meeting also sought direction from EDN members to finalize the analysis before the next Government-Donor Coordinating Committee (GDCC) meeting which is expected to be held in March, 2009.

Happy Mountain Bird Video Films
During the third phase of the implementation of the Happy Mountain Bird (HMB3) project, CEDAC has produced two educational video films entitled "Real Knowledge- Rich Wealth" and "Have Knowledge - Have Honor" aiming at increasing parents' and children's awareness of the importance and necessity of education so that all children in the target villages attend school. The films will be screened to educate parents and children as well as to encourage parents to send their children to school. The films were also sent to Television stations, Non Governmental Organization and International Organization for their further dissemination.
The project "Happy Mountain Bird: Ensuring Access to Primary Education for Children of Poorest Family (HMB3)" is funded by Mr. FUKUSHIMA Yasuhiro, a retired Japanese businessman and is implemented by CEDAC since August, 2008. The primary goal of the project is to ensure that 1500 deprived families from 210 villages in Kampong Chnang province are able to overcome poverty and send their children to school. Since 2004, CEDAC has been implementing the Happy Mountain Bird project to improve primary education in rural areas in Takeo, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng province.

The Progress of Saving for Self-Reliance Group
Saving for Self-Reliance (SfR) was initiated by CEDAC in the year 2003 to support farmers to establish and manage Saving for Self-Reliance groups. As of January, 2009, there are 5,140 saving groups with 76,063 members including 45,878 women. The scheme provides enhanced access to community-led saving and credit services in 2, 835 villages, 531 communes, 84 districts and 17 provinces of Cambodia. The total amount of savings is now approximately 7,032 million riel (US$ 1.7 million).

NEW CEDAC's LIVE RADIO PROGRAM
CEDAC is now broadcasting a new Live Radio Program titled "Somroh Srok Sre" (Rural view) with Phnom Penh Radio Station FM 103 MHz (Every Wednesday from 17:00 - 18:00). The objective of the program is to increase public awareness, particularly for the Phnom Penh residents about the Agriculture and Rural Development works of CEDAC. Please keep listening to our program. While being entertained, listeners will gain more knowledge of Agriculture and Rural Development. There are also prizes for listeners.

Mr. Fukushima's Field Monitoring
From February 16-19, 2009, Mr. Fukushima Yashuhiro, the donor of the Happy Mountain Bird (HMB III) project, conducted a monitoring and evaluation of this project. It was his 3rd visit since the project started last 1 August, 2008. His aim was to see whether the project was continuing as planned or not; to verify the progress of the project and to review the project's strategies and approach to possibly enhance the implementation.
During the visit, Mr. Fukushima talked with Community based facilitators (CBFs), children education promoters (CEPs), and target families. He met with staff members to reflect on the visit, and give his feedback on the finding and discussed on how to improve the project implementation. He also facilitated the development of some forms to check the status of the education. He further asked all participants to write down ideas; those that more people valued were selected.
He was very pleased to see that 377 out of 533 target families (70.73%) are improving their lives by growing vegetables. Overall, Mr. Fukushima was satisfied with his four days visit as he found that the suggestions during his previous visit were applied.

Cooperation between CEDAC and Blue Moon Fund
CEDAC and the Blue Moon Fund or BMF (US), a new partner of CEDAC has signed a cooperation agreement which aims to promote and support CEDAC's SRI marketing program. Through this agreement, BMF will provide loan to CEDAC in an amount 270,000 USD for one year from February 2009 to January 2010. CEDAC will use the loan provided by BMF to purchase organic SRI paddy from producer groups. The paddy will be milled and marketed in Phnom Penh and exported to Europe and the US. Profits from the marketing will be shared with the producers and used by CEDAC to support more rice farmers.

The BMF loan will contribute to the reinforcements and expansion of CEDAC's activities in improving the lives of around 4,000 small rice farmers in Cambodia through increasing rice production. This will be done by using the environment and health friendly technologies and incomes from rice marketing.

CEDAC and TPO Agreement
On 02 February 2009, CEDAC signed a Partnership Agreement with Trans Cultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO Cambodia) to provide a collaborative approach to poverty reduction in rural Cambodia. This Agreement defines the roles of each Party in conducting this collaboration for fours year, from 1st January 2009 to 31 December 2013. The Agreement reflects a mutual commitment in supporting communities in the Kingdom of Cambodia, enabling them to play a full and effective role in the fight against poverty.

Lessons learned in the previous projects of both organizations have been inspirational in developing this joint collaboration. CEDAC perceives many advantages to TPO Cambodia through this collaboration. This approach enables those severely disadvantaged by their mental health status to improve both their mental and physical health, thus becoming more active in village life and in seeking livelihood and farming opportunities to sustain their futures. TOP Cambodia sees advantages in working closely with CEDAC to improve livelihoods and offer food security and family income to villagers after successful interventions from TPO. This synergic approach will ultimately help to lift poor people out of poverty.

Rice Outlook for January 2009
By Dr. Yang Saing Koma and Mr. Winfried Scheewe
CEDAC, 21 January 2009
CEDAC has been involved in monitoring the situation of rice prices since early 2008. The main purpose of this is to provide reliable information to CEDAC's marketing team in the setting of prices for paddy and milled rice. CEDAC also aims to inform producers, other stakeholders as well as consumers about the situation of rice and rice prices. In 2009, CEDAC intends to produce an update on the Cambodian and international rice market on a monthly basis. Read more...

From January 19-23, 2009, CEDAC together with AsiaDHRRA held the Second Regional Training Workshop entitled "Complying with Market Requirements on Food Safety and Product Quality" under the Linking Small Farmers to Market Project (LSFM) at Monoreach Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. The project was supported by the ASEAN Foundation in Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam and by the World Rural Forum in Indonesia. This workshop aims to enhance the awareness, knowledge and skills of participants from 10 Asian countries on the importance of food safety and product quality standards so that they become the initiators, implementers, advocates and supporters of initiatives which support small farmers to upgrade their capacities necessary for the production of quality and safe food and agricultural products.
This training workshop is the second of a series of workshops at the regional level.

30-31 December 2008
CEDAC organized a two-day Annual Meeting at the Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), Phnom Penh. 239 participants including CEDAC staff, Young Community Leaders (YCL), Community-based Field Assistants (CFA), Farmers, FNN representatives and members of CEDAC advisory boards attended. During this meeting details of activities and project results from 2008 and the strategic plan for 2009-2010 were presented and discussed. Concerning organizational issues, CEDAC will establish the following decentralized departments:

• Field Program
• CEDAC Enterprise for Social Development (CESDE)
• CEDAC Institute for Local Development (CILD)
• Publication and Communication (P&C)
• Research and Consulting Service (RCS)
• Health and Environment Program (HEP)
• General Finance and Administration

...Back to previous events...

• Final Report-SRI Adoptation Study (July 2008)
• SRI prize 2007 report
• Proposed Strategies to Utilize the Potential of Rice Production in Cambodia
• SRI report 2000-2007
• Impact Assessment of CEDAC's Rural Development Program