CFAP & MASM: Building stronger cooperatives through market access and financial support (Cambodia) скачать в хорошем качестве

CFAP & MASM: Building stronger cooperatives through market access and financial support (Cambodia)

At the Cambodian Farmer Federation Association of Agricultural Producers (CFAP-Cambodia), the vision is clear: farmers should not struggle alone in the marketplace. According to Sotha Sok, Chief Executive Officer of CFAP-Cambodia, their focus has been on connecting farmers to stable and reliable markets through agricultural contracts, linking cooperatives directly with companies and large buyers. By building these formal partnerships, farmers gain not only access to markets but also security and fairer opportunities. Through the APFP-FO4A program, CFAP-Cambodia provided selected cooperatives with business funding and training in business planning to strengthen their operations. The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP) – Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia. Among the most prominent beneficiaries of APFP-FO4A is the Melon Association Siem Reap Meanchey (MASM) in Siem Reap Province. For Ean Vann, Head of MASM, the support came at a crucial time. “Before the APFP-FO4A program,” he recalls, “our association struggled with a lack of revolving funds. When farmers delivered their melons to our warehouse, we could only pay them 30% upfront. The remaining 70 percent would come after 21 days, once payments from buyers arrived.” This delay placed pressure on farmers who depended on immediate income for their households and the next production cycle. Everything changed when MASM received USD 9,250 in funding support from APFP-FO4A for its business plan on melon and vegetable production. Using the fund as additional capital, MASM was able to pay farmers on time and in full upon delivery. It also enabled them to expand their trading activities, purchasing other crops such as tomatoes to diversify their income streams. The results were immediate. In the first year of implementing their business plan, MASM generated a profit of over USD 10,000. The second year proved more challenging, as foreign markets rushed in and competition intensified. But by the third year, the association was back on track, earning more than USD 10,000 in profit. The impact is visible across the country. Supermarkets — big and small — throughout Cambodia now order melons from MASM.