Catalyzing Change: Training the trainers to create a ripple effect in postharvest management across Cambodia

On August 29-30, 2024, Cambodia’s Department of Plant Protection, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, General Directorate of Agriculture teamed up with the World Vegetable Center to lead an impactful Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This two-day training focused on postharvest management for tomatoes, cabbage, and yardlong beans in Kampong Cham province. Funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture under the project “Strengthening Safe and Off-Season Vegetable Production in Cambodia,” the event aimed to create a lasting ripple effect in the country’s agriculture sector.

This ToT wasn’t just about passing along technical knowledge—it was designed to empower participants to become postharvest management experts within their communities. The goal was to give them the skills and confidence to spread these practices widely. The 25 attendees, a mix of government and private-sector agriculture extension officers, university lecturers, and students, walked away with actionable tools to improve postharvest techniques across Cambodia. By involving students, the project aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can continue sharing this knowledge long after the training ends.

Dr. Sujayasree O.J, a Postharvest Specialist and the lead trainer for the ToT highlighted the program’s long-term impact: “Empowering trainers means creating change that reaches far beyond the classroom. By giving them the right skills, we’re making sure that postharvest best practices reach every corner of Cambodia, and with lasting effects.”

The training dove deep into reducing postharvest losses while boosting vegetable quality and marketability—key areas that directly affect farmers’ incomes and the sustainability of Cambodia’s agricultural practices. Topics included the economic implications of postharvest losses, advanced methods for preserving vegetable quality, and the importance of food safety standards. Participants didn’t just sit through lectures; they got hands-on experience in sorting, grading, cooling, and storing vegetables. These practical exercises were crucial for building the confidence they needed to teach these techniques to farmers and other stakeholders.

“The interactive setup kept everyone engaged and helped us connect the lessons to our daily work,” said Luon Pisey from the General Directorate of Agriculture. “This approach will help us spread the knowledge effectively to farmers across the region, leading to better postharvest practices and less wastage.”

National University of Chea Sim Kamchay Mear, lecturer Mrs. Hul Lak agreed, noting that the advanced techniques from the training will be included in the university curriculum. “These practical insights are going to benefit both our teaching and research. We’re ensuring our students are ready to tackle real-world challenges in agriculture.”

For students like Leoung Bouch, the experience was eye-opening. “Seeing how postharvest losses affect the economy hit home. The strategies we covered during this training will help us better understand postharvest practices and improve produce quality.”
This ToT was a critical step toward improving the efficiency and sustainability of vegetable farming in Cambodia. The trainers who participated are now set to take on leadership roles in their communities, helping farmers cut losses, improve the quality of their crops, and ultimately, enhance their livelihoods. The ripple effect from this training will keep expanding as participants share their newfound knowledge, helping to shape a more sustainable future for Cambodia’s agriculture.

Kampong Cham National TV covered the event, and you can check out the highlights through the links below:

● https://youtu.be/s0FCxov1SYQ?si=fIoFGlhBNHGR-pJW
● https://www.facebook.com/share/v/yjaiFxQBx3rqrL6M/?mibextid=oFDknk

This report is part of the ongoing “Strengthening Safe and Off-Season Vegetable Production in Cambodia” project, a collaboration between the World Vegetable Center and Cambodia’s General Directorate of Agriculture. Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture funds the project, which is supported by the Agricultural Chemicals Research Institute.