Integrated Farming Report: Promoting Rice-Field Pond System in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom provinces, Cambodia

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in Cambodia face growing climate risks, including water scarcity, declining water quality, and reduced productivity in traditional rice and fisheries systems. Monoculture limits diversification and underutilizes land and water resources. In response, integrated farming models, such as rice-field ponds and rice–prawn systems; are emerging as climate-smart solutions that improve resource efficiency, boost household income, enhance nutrition, and strengthen resilience. Under the CGIAR-MFL program, around 30 demonstration households in Kampong Thom and Prey Veng adopted these improved models, which enhance water retention, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and high-value production. To scale successful practices, the program organized three Field Day events with 120 participants (32 women), including PDAFF leaders, FiAC officers, local authorities, agricultural officials, farmers, and fishers. These events served as active learning platforms where demonstration results, integrated system synergies, and innovations such as locally produced Black Soldier Fly (BSF) feed were showcased.