Consultation workshop on revising the nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems guidance in the Mekong Delta of Cambodia

On September 20, 2024, more than 50 experts from diverse backgrounds and sectors attended the consultation workshop on revising the nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems (NSAF) guidance at the Phnom Penh Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This event was co-organized by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, within the Work Package 2 (WP2) “Nutrition-sensitive deltaic agri-food systems” under the OneCGIAR Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) initiative. The workshop aimed to finalize and disseminate guiding manuals on nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems, contributing to the promotion of food security and nutrition status in Cambodia.

The workshop was part of the broader AMD initiative, specifically targeting the development of a guiding manual for implementing co-developed nutrition-sensitive actions in food systems across delta countries. The initiative also included capacity development on cost-effective nutrition-sensitive actions and engagement strategies to raise awareness and promote these actions. The primary objectives of the workshop were to introduce project implementation guidance on Asian Mega Deltaic Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Systems and to accommodate additional inputs to validate this guidance.

The workshop brought together more than 50 participants representing government institutions, academia, the private sector, donors, international organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs) working on food systems in Cambodia. Key stakeholders included representatives from the Council for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), various ministries, research institutions, and international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).

The event commenced with a welcome session featuring remarks from Or Thy, Country Director of IIRR Cambodia, Dr. Ricardo Hernandez from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and H.E. Sok Silo, Secretary General of CARD. H.E. Sok Silo highlighted the importance of strengthening food systems in the Mekong Delta region, emphasizing the government’s commitment to collaboration with various stakeholders to build a resilient food system and reduce environmental impact.

The workshop included presentations on the synthesis results of nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems in the Mekong Delta by Mr. Sophea Chuon, Food and Nutrition Security Specialist. This was followed by a detailed presentation on the NSAFS guidance and a group discussion session to gather final inputs and validate the guidance.

Participants were divided into four groups to discuss how to make the NSAFS guidance realistic and useful for the Mekong Delta, incorporating context-specific interventions, and identifying any missing elements. Key recommendations included the need for scientific studies to respond to current needs, scaling up successful pilot projects, involving key stakeholders, and integrating the guidance into national and sub-national planning processes. Ms. Tuyen Huynh from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, wrapped up the discussion and concluded that the guidance must have flexible changes based on the situation and specific characteristics of Cambodia’s Mekong Delta, such as simplifying the method of operation, using regional languages for easy access by people and authorities, and at the same time, linking with relevant agencies to disseminate more widely and deeply, thereby drawing experiences to expand to other areas in the Mekong Delta region.

The workshop concluded with a summary of discussion and way forward by Dr. Sok Sovannarith, Deputy Director of the Department of Food Security, Nutrition and Health in CARD. The validated guidance for nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems is expected to play a crucial role in transforming food systems in the Mekong Delta, ensuring better nutrition and food security for the region.