Rice farming is a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers. However, many of these farmers lack access to international markets, proper funding, and the resources that facilitate developing low-impact farming and financial skills.
In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Comprehensive Learning Solutions played a critical role in training farmers and agricultural extension workers, equipping them with the skills needed to build a more sustainable and financially secure future.
The client
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is dedicated to promoting private sector development as a means to reduce poverty. IFC has been working to improve Cambodia’s rice sector by enhancing farming practices, increasing sustainability, and connecting local farmers to global supply chains. This initiative is part of a larger effort to ensure that Cambodian rice farmers can meet international standards and access premium markets, such as those supplying Mars Food & Nutrition’s Ben’s Original™ rice brand.
The problem
Despite the critical role that rice plays in Cambodia’s economy, farmers face several challenges:
- Limited financial empowerment: Many smallholder farmers lack knowledge of financial management, making it difficult for them to plan for long-term success.
- Sustainability barriers: Adopting climate-smart, sustainable farming methods requires training and resources that are not readily available.
- Access to global markets: Farmers need to meet international standards, like the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) certification, to sell their rice to high-value buyers.
- Training constraints: Traditional training methods relying on projectors, extensive materials, and English-language instruction were not feasible due to rural conditions, language barriers, and limited infrastructure.
The solution
Comprehensive Learning Solutions worked with IFC to develop a practical, engaging, scalable, and sustainable training program tailored to the needs of Cambodian rice farmers and agricultural extension workers. The key components of the solution included:
- Financial management training: Designed to help farmers plan for long-term family success by making informed financial decisions and working collaboratively with family members.
- Sustainable farming practices: Training incorporated best practices for climate-smart agriculture, pest management, and seed selection to improve rice quality and yield.
- Trainer empowerment: A “train-the-trainer” approach ensured that extension workers could effectively teach farmers, even in remote areas.
- Innovative training delivery:
- Fun, interactive methods that didn’t rely on projectors or extensive printed materials.
- Compact, easy-to-transport instructor guides (no more than 6–8 pages) to accommodate trainers who traveled from farm to farm via moped.
- Simultaneous translation with headsets to overcome language barriers.
“Being part of this project is good for the environment, but it’s also good for me.” — Reung Siroth, one of the farmers on the project
The impact
The training initiative made significant strides in empowering Cambodian farmers and strengthening the rice sector. We saw:
- Improved financial confidence: Farmers gained practical financial skills, allowing them to manage resources more effectively and plan for the future.
- Higher-quality rice production: Adoption of SRP-certified farming practices led to better yields, biodiversity protection, and access to premium markets.
- Market access for farmers: Through IFC’s partnership with BRICo and Mars Food & Nutrition, farmers were connected to global supply chains, securing better prices for their crops.
- Stronger trainer network: By equipping local trainers with facilitation skills and practical training materials, they were able to pass on best practices and knowledge in a more sustainable and far-reaching way.
Grow with Comprehensive Learning Solutions
At Comprehensive Learning Solutions, we specialize in creating customized, culturally relevant, and practical training programs that drive real impact. Whether it’s financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, or workforce development, our solutions are designed to empower learners and create lasting change.
Let’s work together to build training that works—no matter the challenges. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization’s learning and development needs.
