Responsible Sourcing Hub Cambodia Kicks-Off Provincial Level Workshops
Tboung Khmum and Kampong Thom, Cambodia — Between 16 and 18 September 2026, the Responsible Sourcing Hub Cambodia (RSH) project facilitated provincial kick-off workshops across Tboung Khmum and Kampong Thom provinces. The initiative brings together key private-sector partners Fuchs Gruppe (DF World of Spices SE) and Märsch Importhandels GmbH (implemented locally in Cambodia by Olam Food Ingredients (ofi)), alongside the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the develoPPP programme, the public-private partnership mobilises shared resources to enhance sustainable agriculture across the country's cashew and pepper value chains.
Strengthening Resilience and International Market Access
In provinces such as Tboung Khmum, farming communities rely heavily on pepper production to sustain local economies and family livelihoods. However, growers face significant hurdles, including climate-related yield losses and limited traceability infrastructure. These challenges make it difficult for smallholder farmers to consistently meet international market requirements and connect with European buyers.
To address these operational barriers, the launch events brought together more than 140 participants over two days, including smallholder farmers, Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs), Commune Agricultural Officers (CAOs), and representatives from the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PDAFF). The workshops established a unified understanding of the project’s objectives and provided an open forum to discuss farmers' day-to-day challenges on the ground.
By equipping smallholders with climate-resilient techniques and clear traceability systems, the RSH project helps local producers align with international compliance demands, paving the way for reliable trade links with German and European buyers. During the workshops, representatives from Fuchs Gruppe and Märsch presented their company profiles and discussed how ongoing dialogue will help guide practical support measures moving forward.
Underlining the value of collaborative engagement, Chakrya, a representative from ofi, noted:
"This workshop has been necessary for us because we want to build a good connection between us as the private sector and key stakeholders—the farmers, ACs, and representatives from government. We very much look forward to facilitating these kinds of events again in the future!"
Through direct dialogue and technical collaboration, the Responsible Sourcing Hub Cambodia establishes a clear framework to help local farming communities adapt to climate challenges, meet international buyer demands, and secure reliable livelihoods.
