[Phnom Penh], On 25 December 2025, ALiSEA Cambodia organized the Agroecological Training on “Waste to Wealth: Vermicompost Production”. The training aimed to equip practitioners and farmers with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to integrate vermicompost production into agroecological systems. This initiative responds to the priorities identified during the 2025 General Assembly, which emphasized capacity building in agroecology value addition and soil health management for 2026.

There were a total of 32 participants (12 female) who joined the training, including:

• 26 trainees (8 female) from 14 organizations: HOM, DPA, CWDCC, MPC, CFAP, TrUAC, MIPAD, FLO, AgriSud, FNN, CTOD, FAEC, LHCO, and COFAP.
• 01 trainer and 3 supporting team members from RUA.
• 02 organizers representing DPA and ECOLAND.

Before the training, Ms. Sok Chanraksmey, ALiSEA National Secretary, introduced ALiSEA and its capacity-building activities under ALiSEA’s commitment to empower members with practical skills toward agroecology transition and training’s objectives.

Ms. Sok Chanraksmey, ALiSEA National Secretary/DPA, Introduced about ALiSEA and the objectives of the training

The program combined theoretical sessions in the morning with practical activities in the afternoon, ensuring participants could immediately apply the knowledge gained.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to vermicompost and its role in agroecology
• Nutrient composition and advantages of vermicompost
• Earthworm selection and suitable species for vermicomposting
• Site selection and preparation
• Management during production, including storage and care
• Harvesting techniques, storage, and application

Dr. RO Sophoanrith (Trainer/RUA) delivered the training to trainees in the classroom

Practical Activities:

• Waste preparation for earthworms
• Earthworm handling
• Maintenance, including moisture and temperature control
• Harvesting techniques

This training not only strengthened technical skills but also reinforced ALiSEA’s mission to build member capacity in agroecology, ensuring that knowledge is translated into practice across diverse communities.