·         A decentralized and small farmer oriented national research and extension system should be put in place. This should include supporting the initiatives and efforts of farmers in organizing themselves in associations or cooperatives.

Small farmer oriented research and extension is mentioned in the text. Support to farmers organizations is mentioned in the Action Plan Matrix.

·         There is a need for public investment both in physical and human resource management as well as in technology development. The public research center should be set up according to specific agro-ecosystem, such as rainfed lowland, upland, annual flooded agro-ecosystems. It should be linked with a decentralized extension team or unit, which should be based at district level.

Included.

·         Allocation of resources for the support of research and extension program should be based on the quality of proposals and program implementation. Research and extension agencies are challenged to develop program proposals if good quality. Community-based organizations and NGOs should be allowed to participate in this process, so that there are pluralistic and responsible service provision systems.

Not explicitly included.

·         With regards to research and extension, the priority should be given to pro-small farmer initiatives and/or innovative approaches in intensifying and diversifying agricultural production based on sustainable and low external input principles.  These should not only seek to intensify rice production, but also to diversify agricultural production to cope with the problem of food security and malnutrition.  The system of rice intensification (SRI) or the system of improved practices in water, plant, soil and nutrient management is one example of an innovative approach. SRI is being developed in Madagascar and it is introduced by CEDAC, a Cambodian NGO, in 2000. Now, SRI has been validated by 500 Cambodian farmers, mainly by farmers supported by CEDAC and other organizations such as Prasac II (European Union Funded Project) and GTZ. It has proven to be an appropriate innovation since it allows farmers to increase production up to 150%, with minimal or zero expenditure on agro-chemical.[1] This approach conserves water (up to 50%) which brings big economic and environmental benefits for irrigated rice farming in the dry season. SRI is also an important means for farmers to diversify their rice-based farming systems because once they can get higher rice production from their small plot, they are ready to covert some of their rice fields for growing upland crops and digging a pond and canal for practicing fish culture. This is good for improvement of nutrition, income, and landscape diversity.

The SRI approach is included in the text.  However, there is no corresponding action, budget or indicator in the Action Plan Matrix.

·         There is a need for effective enforcement of the sub-decree on agricultural material standards, especially the regulation on pesticide use, to ensure that all Class I pesticides are totally banned from being traded and used in Cambodia. In addition, the sub-decree should be revised to include some Class II pesticides, especially DDT and Chlordane, in the list of pesticides to be banned.

Only partly included since there is no discussion of the need to revise the sub-decree.

·         In addition to the enforcement of regulations, public education programs should launch to ensure that farmers and consumers have access to information on pesticides and their hazards.

Included.

·         Resources and efforts should go to develop a system of rural education, especially training for the rural youth in agriculture and agriculture related business. This training should be combined with loan program so that they can invest to start-up small enterprises in agriculture and agriculture related sector or other rural enterprises.

Developing a system for rural education aiming at rural youth is mentioned, but no reference to resources such as a loan program.

·         Focus on supporting farmer organizations so that farmers can take a more leading role in agricultural development and marketing.

There is a reference to “strengthen agricultural marketing system and market access for small-scale farmers and rural producers.” “Strengthening of existing farmer organizations” included in the Action Plan matrix.