2017 Cambodia SSC Mission on Smallholder Farmers' Capacity, Food Fortification and Grain Reserve System

(Photo courtesy of WFP China COE )

Cambodia SSC Mission on Smallholder Farmers' Capacity, Food Fortification and Grain Reserve System visited Beijing and Jiangsu province, China on 11-15 September 2017.

• The delegation was composed of 17 participants including several Cambodian ministries, non-government actors and representatives from the WFP Cambodia Office. During this six-day mission, the Cambodian delegation had a chance to exchange policy views with China's Ministry of Agriculture and State Administration of Grain in Beijing. In addition, the group travelled to Jiangsu province to observe and capture China's successful practices on grainreserve systems and nutritional kernel production for rice fortification.

• Possible next steps: i) there is a keen interest from all especially the Cambodia Ministry of Economy and Finance regarding the management of the food reserve system using an automated 'smart' warehouse system which was impressively demonstrated in China. ii) CARD suggested an exchange of Chinese researchers and experts to share knowledge, develop guidance and build capacity for national officials the development and management of food reserves. iii) Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture wants to learn more from China’s experience in school meals (which is similar to the Cambodia HGSF model where schools purchase the food from suppliers) and the potential for linking to cooperatives and the promote livelihood of smallholder farmers.