On 13 August 2024, the ALiSEA Network organized a student field visit for 40 agricultural students, including undergraduate, master and doctoral students from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and the National University of Battambang (NUBB). This field visit served as a platform to widen the understanding of the theoretical study, experiences, and initiatives of agroecological practices in Battambang province. The event was attended by 54 participants (25 females, 19 males), including students from RUA and NUBB, ALiSEA members, SSLA, ECOLAND, DPA, GRET, and farmers.
It was a theoretical class in the morning to introduce ALiSEA and deepen their understanding of agroecology concepts and principles. Moreover, the ALiSEA board also shared the template of case study writing with students to support students in writing their reflections after the field visit and advancing to their academy.
With kind support from the Sustainable Soil for Life Association (SSLA), we visited the three farms with different practices in the afternoon. First, the farm applied natural fertilizer followed by integrated farming, farm management and seed saving. In the field visit, students were divided into two groups: (1) undergraduate students from NUBB and (2) graduate and postgraduate students from RUA. Afterward, all students grouped into six groups to produce the knowledge products for their field visit. The knowledge product’s could be written article of case study, video, and design poster due to their areas of expertise.
To conclude the session with the group reflections, each group were satisfied with the program. The group were curious to learn more from the real practices with farmers. Whereas, Group 2 were interested in identifying the challenges of agroecological practices in the field.
Ms. Than Tha, a lecture from NUBB, shared her personal opinion that “… the student of Agro ecological majority it’s most related their field and a good opportunity to the student to get more knowledge and experience to see the activities of the farmer practice…. It’s a good opportunity for me and my student that the project invites us to joint this activity it can be enhance or improves my knowledge because the key farmer can have shared a good experience that them do it to produce the organic product it’s very good way to support our help…”
Mr. SEAN Chanmony, PhD student at the University of Liege and Royal University of Agriculture mentioned that “ I had the exciting opportunity to take part in this field trip designed for university students in Battambang on August 13, 2024. This immersive experience deepened my understanding of agroecological practices like organic and integrated farming, as demonstrated by local farmers. It was not only a chance to observe first-hand how these techniques are applied but also an invaluable learning experience about the challenges farmers face on the ground. Engaging directly with both project staff and farmers allowed me to build meaningful connections and expand my knowledge, particularly as my studies focus on agroecological evaluation. I believe experiences like this are essential for hands-on learning, and I hope future visits will involve a broader audience, including high school students and more farmers, so they too can benefit from the insights of these model practitioners.”
