Prepared by Sok Chanraksmey – DPA

On March 28, 2025, ALiSEA in Cambodia organized the online thematic workshop (webinar) via Zoom Meeting under the topic “Agroforestry toward Agroecology”. This webinar aimed to (1) To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in agroforestry, ecotourism, and natural resource management (2) To enhance the capacity of network members through expert presentations and discussions (3) To identify challenges and explore solutions in implementing sustainable agroforestry, ecotourism, and natural resource management practices and (4) To strengthen collaboration and networking among stakeholders in these fields.

The recent thematic workshop was participated by 47 participants, including 13 women, comprising ALiSEA members, non-members, researchers, Students, and partners.

This thematic workshop brought together key stakeholders to share insights, research findings, and strategies for advancing agroforestry practices on a comprehensive update on the progress and challenges of agroforestry in agroecology transition in Cambodia.

The discussions cover various topics, including “Agroforestry Basics,” presented by Assoc.  Prof. Von Monin, Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, “Economic and Livelihood Opportunities in Agroforestry” delivered by Mr. Kim Sobon, Deputy Director of the Department of Plantation and Private Forest Development of the Forestry Administration, “Policy, Community Engagement, and Practical Implementation” shared by Mrs. Kann Sreyma, Project Officer, Forest and Livelihood Organization, and “Ecosystem-Based Approaches to Mangrove Conservation” presented by Mr. Vong Dara, Deputy Chief of Peam Krasop Protected Area Community.  This thematic workshop has encouraged the members of ALISEA to share and raise their knowledge and experiences about agroforestry.

Access to all presentations HERE

The group discussion was designed to interact with experts to explore the advantages, challenges of agroforestry, Climate resilience, Economic scale in market access for Agri-products, and solutions to promote and encourage people to adopt agroforestry in the long term. Moreover, the discussion has provided insights into strategies for agroforestry toward agroecology transition in Cambodia.

“Agroforestry is generally practiced with the intention of developing a more sustainable form of land use, through the integration of trees and diversify crops in farm that can improve yield productivity and the welfare of the rural community. It is a combination of trees, and crops cultivate together on the same plot of land and can be an integrate component of productive agriculture with a flexible concept, involving either small or large scale of agricultural landscape. The types of agroforestry systems can be categorized based on their structure, function, and the specific interactions between the components. The common types of agroforestry include alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming, windbreaks or shelterbelts, home garden, and multistorey cropping. Agroforestry   offers a wide range of benefits that can contribute to the sustainable land use management and improve the livelihoods of farmers. These benefits can be ecological, economic, and social, as well as educational and research opportunities.” — Mr. Kim Sobon, Deputy Director of the Department of Plantation and Private Forest Development of the Forestry Administration

In conclusion, this thematic workshop will serve as a crucial step toward strengthening agroforestry, ecotourism, and natural resource management practices within our network. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to promote sustainable systems for advancing agroecology in Cambodia. By bringing together diverse stakeholders across members of ALiSEA, the event will foster dialogue and collaboration to drive meaningful change in agricultural practices.