ព័ត៌មានគោល

This film captures the transformative journey of smallholder farmers in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as they shift from conventional, chemical-dependent farming to agroecological practices that restore soil health, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Through the story of Ms. Thai Chhengly, a woman farmer who transitioned from selling vegetables to cultivating diverse, chemical-free crops, the film highlights how knowledge-sharing, local innovation, and community networks are rebuilding both ecosystems and economies. Developed under the GRET–APICI initiative in partnership with CIRAD, the documentary showcases the collective movement of over 1,800 farmers across 54 villages adopting sustainable, low-cost, and climate-resilient farming methods. It is a story of empowerment, regeneration, and hope—demonstrating how agroecology can secure food, livelihoods, and dignity for rural communities in a changing climate.

Over the past two decades, the Mekong region has experienced significant transformation of its agricultural sector from subsistence farming to export crops driven by the expansion of agricultural land and of irrigation, plus intensification thanks to mechanization and the use of chemical inputs. In the context of agrarian transition, maintaining “organic by default” rice farming systems that do not rely on chemical inputs, is challenging. Based on a case study in Preah Vihear, the organic province of Cambodia, this paper examines whether organic rice certification can maintain “organic by default” practices in a context of unprecedented agricultural intensification.

Cattle fattening leads to rapid growth and a shorter rearing period to be slaughtered than conventional raising (4-6 months) by providing high-quality feed in abundance. It produces high-quality beef that meets market demands.

How do Cambodian farmers choose the best rice for their local conditions and market needs? This video follows a participatory rice variety evaluation conducted in Preah Vihear province as part of an agroecology-based farming initiative. Together with farmers, researchers, and local stakeholders, the ASSET project tested 33 rice varieties to find those most suitable for rainfed and irrigated organic systems. Discover how farmers assessed yield, taste, pest resistance, and climate resilience through an inclusive six-step method. Learn which varieties stood out—and how this approach empowers farmers to lead in sustainable seed selection.

Key Questions Explored: – Main criteria for new rice varieties – How to use and multiply varieties – Adaptation to current farming systems

Integrating paddy rice cultivation, duck raising, and dry-season cropping is an effective approach to sustainable farming. It increases rice yields through natural fertilization, boosts income with diversified production, and improves soil fertility using green manure, legume residues, and duck manure. This system also reduces labor as ducks control weeds and pests, decreases weed and pest problems, and minimizes the need for chemical inputs, fostering a healthier environment.

Vietnam’s Highlands are at a turning point in their agricultural transformation. Crop-Livestock Integration (CLI), a central pivot of its low-input family farms, is subject to farm specialization and evolving CLI practices. CLI can persist or even expand, particularly when supported by adequate resources, institutional arrangements, and local knowledge.

Cattle fattening leads to rapid growth and a shorter rearing period to be slaughtered than conventional raising (4-6 months) by providing high-quality feed in abundance. It produces high-quality beef that meets market demands.

• In Xieng Khouang (XKH), farmers grow Khao Kai Noi (KKN) rice for self-consumption and surplus are mainly sold at local markets. • The KKN-based farming system exhibits a range of agroecological characteristics on which initiatives such as Geographical Indication (GI) build to promote high-quality rice. • Rice from XKH has a good reputation due to its organoleptic qualities but its sustainable features are not prized by customers. • Knowledge about GI certification is low and the volume of KKN from XKH sold under GI certification is marginal. • The agroecological characteristics of KKN-based farming system and their link to XKH territory have to be promoted to make it a showcase of sustainable food systems in Laos.

The technical leaflet introduces the rice–duck system, an agroecological practice that reduces chemical use by allowing ducks to control pests and weeds while naturally fertilizing the soil. It outlines the system’s economic benefits, showing how farmers can increase rice yields and earn additional income from duck sales. The leaflet also provides practical guidance, timelines, and cost estimates to support successful adoption.