Sustainable Soil for Life Association (SSLA)

Sustainable Soil for Life Association (SSLA) is a Cambodian farmer association that works with poor vulnerable Cambodian people, youth, and communities in rural areas to bring about economic, social, and environmental change towards sustainability. Emerging from the Vivre de sa Terre (VDST) initiative, a French NGO, SSLA has become a leading Cambodian NGO in the areas of enabling farmers’ agroecology and food systems in rural areas; strengthening farmers’ ownership in local community action for local solidarity and circular economic dynamics; and the fight against dependency, manipulated commodity markets, unfair subsidies, inherent food insecurity, and unjust social and inequitable free-market economies. Sustainable Soil for Life Association is an NGO that actively supports smallholder farmers and young people to improve sustainable food systems in Northwestern Cambodia based on Agroecology principles.

Since 2017, Sustainable Soil for Life Association has supported farming communities through a farmer-centered, impact-driven approach. Its initiatives focus on diversifying crops, improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, reducing dependence on external inputs, developing sustainable agribusinesses, and strengthening local market networks for agroecological products. Sustainable Soil for Life Association is a local NGO registered under the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Cambodia, registration no. 1491, on 03 June 2021.

We want to see Cambodians have a better life through the proper use of land to increase sustainable agricultural products, both now and in the future, as the slogan Life and Land (CHIVET NENG DEY).

Sustainable Soil for Life Association is a local organization that supports vulnerable smallholder farmers, rural youth, direct consumers, and market actors to improve their livelihoods and living conditions through the promotion of agroecological food systems. SSLA’s Areas of Focus and Expertise Farmer Capacity Development for Agroecology:

• Farmer empowerment and engagement in transforming food systems
• Adaptation and adoption of agroecological practices
• Co-design and implementation of farmer-led innovations
• Farmer-to-farmer training and coaching Agricultural Vocational Education and Youth Empowerment
• Vocational and technical training (TVET) in agroecology
• Business incubator for agribusiness development
• Youth engagement in community initiatives Inclusive Market and Value Creation for Agroecology
• Local food market network strengthening and linkages
• Agroecological produce marketing and branding
• Agro-food processing and value chain development
• Business development and operations management for cooperatives and MSMEs