Expert Insights

A session organized on 07 May 2026 brought together more than 25 participants, including both ALiSEA members and non-members. The session featured a guest speaker, Mr. Chanthavone Phonekhampheng, head of the Soil Degradation Prevention and Land Restoration Unit, DLAM, who shared his hands-on experience and techniques on the rice-duck farming system.

Benefits of the System

The rice-duck system provides valuable opportunities for income diversification, which can improve farmers’ resilience and livelihoods. In addition to harvesting rice, farmers can generate income from selling ducks for meat and producing eggs for both household consumption and the market. The system also helps reduce expenses by lowering the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as ducks naturally control pests and contribute to soil fertility. This integrated approach not only increases overall farm productivity but also reduces economic risks, making it a promising model for sustainable and profitable farming.

Leveraging Digital Knowledge

The session highlighted increasing attention toward the rice-duck system as an innovative and practical solution for sustainable agriculture. Emphasis was placed on its potential to improve soil health, manage pests naturally, and generate additional income for farming households.

As an additional session, Mr. Sengvilayavnh Singthavikhoune, ALiSEA Knowledge Management (KM) Coordinator, introduced the ALiSEA Knowledge Hub. He highlighted the platform as a valuable tool for sharing information, resources, and experiences related to agroecology and sustainable agriculture. The Knowledge Hub aims to connect stakeholders, support learning, and facilitate access to practical knowledge that can be applied in the field. This introduction helped strengthen understanding of how digital tools and knowledge-sharing platforms can support the scaling up of agroecological practices across Laos and the wider region.

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The training was designed for ALiSEA members with the aim of strengthening participants’ understanding of agroecology foundations and ALiSEA’s role in promoting agroecology in Southeast Asia.

Building Strong Foundations in Agroecology through Theoretical Class

Throughout the training, participants explored key concepts and practical approaches related to agroecology and sustainable food systems. The program focused on three main learning objectives:

• Explaining fundamental information about ALiSEA, agroecology, and its relevance within the Cambodian context.
• Understanding the 10 elements and 13 principles of agroecology in both theoretical and practical settings.
• Analyzing the opportunities and challenges of agroecological transitions in Cambodia.

Participants actively engaged in interactive learning sessions, group discussions, and hands-on field activities designed to deepen their knowledge and encourage collaboration among network members.

Interactive Learning and Knowledge Exchange

One of the highlights of the training was an energetic and interactive game-based session introducing agroecology concepts through a game board exercise. Participants worked together in groups to explore the connections between ALiSEA, agroecological practices, and food systems.

Additionally, the important modules (topics) were provided:

• An introduction to the ALiSEA Network was presented through a website presentation. Aiming to introduce the history, governance, visions, missions, and core activities of ALiSEA as well as the knowledge HUB. The experts were introduced in order to convince the participants to register and promote themselves on the ALiSEA website.
• Introduction to agroecology and its relationship with food systems.

• Understanding the 10 elements and 13 principles of agroecology.
• Exploring ASEAN agroecology guidelines, particularly in the areas of capacity building and agrifood value chains.

The training also created space for participants to exchange experiences and reflect on local agricultural realities.

Field Learning and Hands-On Practice

A major component of the program was field-based learning and practical application of agroecological techniques. Participants visited agroecological farms and took part in practical exercises, including soil health management techniques and crop protection practices by producing the bio-pesticides, SBN liquid fertilizer, and Bokashi fertilizer making for high-quality compost production.

During the field activities, participants were challenged to identify agroecological practices aligned with the 10 elements of agroecology by documenting observations through photographs and group reflections. This exercise allowed participants to apply the knowledge gained during classroom sessions and critically observe agroecological practices in real farming environments.

Learning from Integrated Farming Systems

The second farm visit provided participants with practical insights into integrated farming systems. Participants explored diversified agricultural practices, including:

• Integrated livestock and crop farming involving cows, crickets, ants, and vegetables.
• Vegetable cultivation in net houses.
• Cricket and ant farming systems.

The farm tours offered valuable opportunities to observe innovative and resilient farming models that support biodiversity, sustainability, and local livelihoods.

Strengthening Agroecology Networks in Cambodia

The training demonstrated ALiSEA’s continued commitment to strengthening agroecology knowledge, fostering collaboration among its members, and supporting agroecology transitions in Cambodia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

By combining theory, practical experience, and peer learning, the program empowered participants to further promote agroecological practices within their own institutions and communities.

This event was organized under the financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD).

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It was conducted from 24th to 26th April 2026. The program brought together approximately 28 journalists (8 women) from 20 institutions to learn more about agroecological practices and its links with healthy diets and safe food systems.

Over the three days, a total of 87 participants attended, including 46 women, among them representatives from ALiSEA, the GRET team, AFD, and Agrisud, as well as local authorities, community members, farmers, and youth participants.

This journalist tour was designed to enhance knowledge of local journalists on agroecology, promote local initiatives, strengthen partnerships among ALiSEA members, and connect journalists with key sources of information within the agroecological ecosystem. Moreover, this tour aimed to promote agroecological practices and increase the visibility of members to the public through the local media outlets.

DAY 1: From farm to plate: how agroecology can participate in building sustainable and safe local food system in Siem Reap Province

Journalists met with TETARD project staff from GRET to learn about best practices before visiting farms to observe how agroecological practices are implemented on the ground. During the tour, they explored how diversified farming improves nutrition by producing a variety of crops that support healthier and more balanced diets for communities.

In addition, journalists had the opportunity to interact directly with farmers, listening to their experiences, challenges, and motivations in adopting agroecological practices. They interviewed TETARD project staff supporting farmers and communities, commune agricultural officers, local authorities, a primary school director purchasing vegetables from the community in the framework of the Home Grown School Feeding Program, and health center staff from Siem Reap.

Besides that, journalists also learned about the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) implemented by ECOFARM Agriculture Cooperative, a community-based certification mechanism that strengthens trust between farmers and consumers. The visits highlighted the importance of local food systems in improving rural livelihoods and reducing dependency on external inputs.

Journalists capturing the story of Rice Husk Vinegar production process

DAY 2: Market for AE products and Processing

The journalists visited the weekly market taking place every weekend in Siem Reap city to meet sellers and consumers and better understand their perceptions of safe food products. They conducted direct interviews with representatives from the Provincial Department of Commerce, the Provincial Department of Agriculture, the Weekly Market Committee in charge of the Weekly Market, consumers, and market vendors to learn more about local demand and trust in safe local agricultural products.

Exploring agroforestry practices in Vanilla and Black Ginger cultivation

The tour traveled to Kulen Mountain to visit communities supported by Agrisud, where farmers practice agroforestry techniques for cultivating vanilla and black ginger. Journalists met with local farmers to learn how these crops are grown and processed to generate additional income and improve family livelihoods through the dried spice producers’ group in Khnang Phnom Kulen.

DAY 3: Youth Engagement in Agroecology (promote Youth initiatives)

The tour traveled to Kampong Thom to learn about youth-led agroecology initiatives. The team visited Sala Visay Commune in Prasat Balangk District to observe young people’s engagement in promoting agroecological transitions. Many of them are returnees from working abroad who have come back to their hometowns to take up farming as a way to generate income and support sustainable agriculture. The initiative was supported by the Action for Development organization in Kampong Thom. This event concluded after they met Young in Kampong Thom.

Journalists interviewed the youths who were in the Agroecology initiative

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As part of ongoing learning and knowledge exchange, the workshop also served as a platform to provide updates from organizations and market actors actively promoting agroecological products and supporting value addition initiatives.

During the session, Mr. Nhoeng Kakada, Agriculture and Value Chain Specialist (AVCS), Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO), presented the context and rationale for introducing the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among local cooperatives, outlining the implementation process as well as key challenges and lessons learned for scaling up the initiative. PGS was being introduced by LHCO under the support of the ALiSEA small grant in 2024.

In addition, Ms. Thai Soda, a vice president of ECOFARM, shared her experiences on the collaboration model and implementation of PGS with customers. She highlighted ECOFARM’s role in promoting agroecological products, the collaborative approach between farmers, cooperatives, and consumers, the mechanisms used to ensure trust and transparency, and the benefits and lessons learned from strengthening linkages between producers and markets.

ECOFARM currently supplies its products through several channels: direct sales to consumers, distribution to nine primary schools in Siem Reap, and partnerships with markets such as Phnom Penh Khmer Community Market and Amarak Phnom Penh Farm. To expand market access, she highlighted the importance of product exhibitions, online promotion, and sponsorship of specific events, as well as organizing farm visits (consumer day or exchange visit) to build trust with potential buyers. She also emphasized that maintaining strong relationships with local authorities plays a crucial role in promoting products and strengthening consumer trust. Furthermore, the weekly market in Siem Reap is one market destination that serves not only as a sales place but also as a space to promote safe products.

The workshop concluded with a perception survey conducted among participants to assess priorities for AE value addition strategies in the Cambodian context. The findings indicated that the most highly ranked strategies included organic and agroecological certification; product processing and diversification; and collective action and cooperative marketing, as well as branding, labeling, and storytelling.

In addition, short food supply chains and direct marketing approaches were recognized as important pathways for enhancing product value and market access. PGS were also included among the strategies assessed; however, the survey results revealed that PGS has not yet attracted significant attention from participants. This suggests a need for increased awareness-raising, capacity building, and demonstration of its practical benefits to encourage broader adoption and recognition.

This webinar was organized by ECOLAND and DPA under the support of the PArTNER project, led by Uni4Coop, and the Agroecology Promotion Program (APP), led by GRET.

Presentations are available to download below:

1. 2026 Thematic March, Introduction to the event
2. Presentation on PGS & Cam-GAP LHCO
3. 3. PGS implemented by ECOFARM in Marketing

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To explore this important connection between responsible consumption and sustainable production, ALiSEA Vietnam successfully organized the thematic webinar “Market Access for Agroecological Products: Domestic and Export Perspectives” on 11 April 2026 via Zoom.

The webinar welcomed nearly 100 participants, including 45 men and 51 women, reflecting growing interest in safe, transparent, and responsibly produced food systems.

The session created a valuable space for ALiSEA members, farmers, enterprises, cooperatives, and consumers to exchange practical experiences and insights on how agroecological products can better access domestic and international markets.

Mr. Tran Manh Chien, Founder & CEO of Bác Tôm, shared the journey of building a nature-based food ecosystem rooted in the philosophy of living in harmony with nature. His presentation highlighted that consumer trust is built through transparency, consistent quality, and values-driven business models. Through Bác Tôm & Farms, he demonstrated how healthy food, ecological farming, and community-building can be integrated into one sustainable ecosystem.

Ms. Nguyen Thi My Ngan, Board Member of TRUECOOP and CEO of Viet Haus, shared practical insights into export markets and the growing global demand for organic products. She emphasized that international buyers require strict standards in quality, traceability, certification, and supply capacity. Her message was clear: the market does not lack buyers but lacks products that meet the right requirements.

Ms. Mayu Ino, Founder of Seed to Table Vietnam, shared experiences in connecting farmers, communities, and consumers through education and community-based initiatives. Her presentation highlighted the importance of raising consumer awareness and strengthening collaboration to create long-term positive change in both production and consumption.

The webinar reminded participants that choosing safe and traceable food is not only an act of self-care but also a way to support farmers and businesses committed to responsible production.

Through this webinar, ALiSEA Vietnam continues to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships, and encourage more responsible consumption as a key driver for sustainable and agroecological food systems.

All presentations are available to download below:

1. ALiSEA_Seed to Table_webinar April by Ms. Mayu

2. KSTĐ Trần Chiến_ webinar April by Bác TOm

3. ALiSEA_ Viethaus_ webinar April by Ms. My Ngan.pptx.pptx

Watch the full webinar recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrDthhrA634&t=4s

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A major highlight of the AGM was the focus on the National Nutrition Strategy (2026–2035). This discussion was perfectly timed with the National Stakeholder Validation workshop organized by the Ministry of Health on April 6, 2026. That virtual session aimed to finalize the 10-year strategy with key stakeholders to ensure quality, coherence, and national ownership across the four nutrition systems.

At the AGM, Dr. Khamphouvanh, Director General of the National Centre for Nutrition, presented both the 10-year strategy and the 5-year national action plan (2026–2030) to ensure SUN CSA members are fully prepared for this new phase of implementation.

The morning session included a progress report for 2024–2025 presented by Ms. Phoutthakone. Additionally, UNICEF shared findings from the LSIS III Report, providing the evidence base needed for the network’s future interventions.

The AGM concluded with a call to action from the Co-Chairs, including Dr. Southisouk Inthavilay and Ms. Kelly Khamphousay, urging all 79 members to continue their dedicated coordination toward a healthier future for all in Lao PDR.

In the afternoon, the SUN CSA 2026 Activity Plan was developed through an interactive “whiteboard” session, where the 50 attendees contributed directly to the network’s priorities. The plan is built around four core functions:

• Capacity Building & Knowledge Management: Focusing on technical skills, research, and improved access to nutrition data.

• Partnerships: Expanding collaboration with the private sector, universities, and research institutes, and increasing CSO access to finance

• Policy Dialogue & Nutrition Practice: Contributing member expertise to policy formation and practical implementation.

• Governance & Management: Ensuring a strong and engaged leadership structure.

The network’s governance is managed by a Member Committee (MC), which consists of 10 elected members: 5 from CSOs and 5 from INGOs. During the meeting, it was announced that one MC seat for an INGO representative is currently available. The network is actively seeking a motivated representative from its international member organizations to fill this vacancy.

All the presentations are available to download HERE

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To achieve these goals, the government has outlined seven priority programmes:

• Food security and nutrition.

• Commercial agricultural and forestry production.

• Forest management and conservation.

• Land allocation and management.

• Water resource management.

• Environmental protection.

• Rural development and poverty reduction.

The implementation of this plan is bolstered by significant international partnerships and financial investments, including USD 33 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and USD 4.5 million from the United Nations. Highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, ALiSEA Laos representatives—including SAEDA, PAKA, GRET, and SEED—were invited to join this important workshop.

In its broader role, ALiSEA supports the transition to sustainable food systems in Laos by promoting agroecology (AE) as a core approach. By advocating for climate-resilient farming, organic practices, and seed saving, ALiSEA’s work directly aligns with the National Action Plan’s priorities to protect the environment and enhance food security. Furthermore, ALiSEA ensures this transformation remains inclusive by empowering farmers, youth, and women, ultimately helping to deliver tangible benefits and sustainable livelihoods to communities across the country.

As noted by Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, minister of agriculture and environment, the government remains fully committed to implementing the plan and working with partners to deliver tangible benefits for the population. He emphasized that this integrated approach is a major milestone in Lao PDR’s efforts to transform its food systems and lay a strong foundation for sustainable development.

For more details, you can access the official presentation materials HERE

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This training strengthened the understanding that PGS is not only a certification system, but it is also a community-driven approach built on trust, transparency, and active participation.

A total of 42 participants (including 16 women) actively joined the two-day training and field visit, strengthening knowledge exchange and community-based PGS certification practices. The training incorporated several methods, including presentation, roleplay, group discussions, and group work. The roleplay, highlighting the differences between third-party certification and PGS, enabled trainees to learn through observation and by comparing the two processes. This helped the trainees build their understanding of the PGS context and procedures in an engaging way.

Additionally, group discussion used SWOT analysis to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to adopting PGS within their communities or target areas. This encouraged critical thinking and allowed participants to assess the feasibility and potential impact of implementing PGS in their respective contexts.

The session also provided in-depth practical insights into how PGS works at the community level, based on the real experience of ECOFARM through the support of the TETARD project led by GRET with funding from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Hauts-de-Seine Department (CD92). It also integrated agroecology practices into the process.

Participants explored:

• The step-by-step PGS process in real practice
• The roles and responsibilities of key actors
• Governance and organizational structure of PGS
• The certification process within the PGS framework

Field Experience & Community Engagement

During the field visit on the second day, ECOFARM Agricultural Cooperative, supported by GRET, shared its experience on PGS implementation in the field from the process of forming PGS producers’ groups to PGS practical implementation at the community level. Then, participants engaged directly with farmers and producers to understand how farmers are following the quality standards and how the agricultural cooperative is assessing them. It was also the occasion to discuss the benefits that the PGS certification system is bringing to the community and the shared responsibilities in maintaining the standards.

At the end of the training, all participants visited the 19th Cambodian Products, Fruits, and Vegetables exhibition 2026 co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Siem Reap Provincial Administration in Siem Reap City. This fair, organized on a yearly basis, is a good occasion for the agricultural cooperatives supported by GRET to display their safe and local produce.

We sincerely thank the TETARD/GRET team for collaborating in sharing their experience on PGS, ECOLAND for the facilitating session, and ECOFARM for hosting the field visit. This activity is coordinated by DPA, ALiSEA National Secretariat, under the support of Uni4Coop.

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Nineteen participants (12 males and 7 females) attended the event, representing four ALiSEA member organizations: Karuna Myanmar Social Services (KMSS), SWISSAID-Myanmar, Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID), and GRET. Additionally, four partner organizations affiliated with ALiSEA members—Shwe Danu, POINT, Htar Wa Ya Alin, and Taung Chun Myay—were represented under the coordination of Alin Ein, SWISSAID-Myanmar, and the Samdhana Institute.

The exchange group also had the opportunity to engage with 10 farmers (1 male and 9 females) from Koloni and Khauk Ohe villages. Participants observed household-level seed saving and storage practices and learned firsthand how these farmers preserve heirloom seeds for future planting seasons.

The event began with an introduction by the ALiSEA-Myanmar National Coordinator, who provided an overview of ALiSEA and its support for member organizations. This was followed by an outline of the seed saving and storage series, along with the main objectives and plan for the exchange visit.

During the visit, participants gained insights into local community practices through group discussions and on-site field observations. Knowledge and experiences were exchanged between participants and villagers, enriching understanding of diverse seed saving practices across different areas.

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The field visit was organized by FLO in close coordination with ALiSEA with two main objectives: (1) to monitor the progress and implementation of the ALiSEA Small Grant project in Ou Kak Agroforestry Village, and (2) to facilitate a donor field visit for Uni4Coop to observe project results and engage directly with the community under their support.

Mr. Yes Trea, presented the background of Ou Kok Agroforestry Village to the meeting

During the field visit, we observed land preparation activities, including clearing and preparing designated plots and incorporating natural and bio-input matter to enhance soil fertility, including the use of cover crops and compost for improving soil health.

Overall, the coordination meeting and field visit demonstrated strong progress toward the project objectives. The establishment of a community-managed agroforestry learning center, improved farming practices, strengthened market access, and increased participation of women and youth represent key results of the ECO-WAYS project. The visit also strengthened collaboration among FLO, ALiSEA, Uni4Coop, and the community, reinforcing shared commitment to sustainable agroforestry development and community resilience.

Participants during the meeting

Key learning from observation on the field visit to Ou Kak agroforestry village:

1. Governance: the clear shared roles of members build the concept of saving, which is important for financial literacy. They also have the women in the leading roles and the young farmers involved in the farming process. The participation of women and youth in agroforestry activities contributes to innovation, knowledge transfer, and long-term sustainability, especially in indigenous communities like theirs.
2. Integrate the community center with the learning center, where the members or farmers gather there for learning and demonstrating the hands-on practice, peer-to-peer exchange, and continuous experimentation. It improved farmers’ skills and confidence, particularly among women and youth.
3. Integrate the agroecology into the existing practices of the community, which help them generate income while preserving their local tradition, culture, and environment. The agroecology helps restore and improve the soil fertility and reduce dependence on external inputs. They can produce the natural fertilizers from locally available materials such as cow manure and leaf litter, which is cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Market access and extending the connection with local authority have shown an essential impact within the coordination of the ALiSEA to coordinate the beneficiaries of members to exhibition events. So they could increase product visibility and income opportunities for farmers.

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