China-Cambodia-UNDP Trilateral Cooperation on Cassava

Strengthening sustainable production through the first triangular cooperation project on cassava

In 2011, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) began working with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of China and the Ministry of Agriculture of Cambodia to help small producers, processors and exporters of cassava move up the value chain, increase their revenue and exports and create jobs. The project also sought to help them better understand Chinese market requirements for Cambodian commodities, taking into consideration the preferential market access Cambodia enjoys with China. 

The purpose of Phase I (2011–2012) of the project was to leverage the added value of the joint involvement of China and UNDP. A 21-day training programme was organized in Hainan, China, through which each party was able to add substantive value and produce successful knowledge products and training activities on cassava production and export. Phase I concluded in January 2012 and was declared a success by both China and Cambodia, with a request to expand the cooperation to conduct further research, training and testing to establish direct linkages with processors and buyers. The overall feedback indicated that the training style, content and practical activities were conducive to improving cassava cultivation in Cambodia. 

Based on the success and lessons learned from this initial phase, MOFCOM agreed to support a second phase and created a new funding window as a cost-sharing contribution. This was the first time that the Government of China provided grant-based financial support for a trilateral project. Phase II was launched in May 2013 and completed in March 2015. During this phase, six trainings were held, and a study tour was organized to Nanning, Guangxi province in China. In addition, a number of knowledge products were prepared to facilitate the expansion of cassava production using environmentally sustainable methods. 

Phase II of the project revolved around three main outputs: knowledge and research, improved yields and increased trade. In terms of knowledge and research, two influential and important knowledge products were produced. First, a comprehensive Needs Assessment Study was conducted to identify the specific production and processing needs of the Cambodian cassava sector, as well as gaps in supply and demand in the Chinese market. Second, the first Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken in Cambodia to mitigate environmental damage resulting from poor cassava cultivation techniques, which elicited some surprising but critical findings. 

In terms of improved yields, tailored training materials and targeted trainings for processors, exporters, farmers and government officials were developed. Trainees were then empowered to become trainers themselves. In terms of increased trade, targeted support to enhance exports from Cambodia to China was provided through a business matchmaking mission, where a Cambodian delegation of key stakeholders visited the city of Nanning in September 2014. Members met with potential Chinese buyers, local trade and commerce officials and other major actors in the Chinese cassava industry. The mission and follow-up proved significant for understanding market requirements and entry points. 

To ensure scalability and sustainability, 2,500 copies of the training manuals were produced for government trainers across Cambodia to build the capacity of farmers, processors and exporters. An estimated 200,000 farmers have benefited from the training manual. 

Overall, the project has contributed innovative solutions to generating pro-poor growth in Cambodia by providing technology and know-how from China and creating direct linkages with the Chinese market. 

This project was the first trilateral cooperation project initiated by MOFCOM and UNDP following the signing of the China-UNDP Memorandum of Understanding in 2010 to expand joint endeavours in South-South cooperation. The project demonstrated that triangular cooperation can leverage comparative strengths, create synergies and facilitate mutual learning more strongly than any of the three parties acting alone. It also demonstrated the potential of such development assistance approach in improving development effectiveness and supporting poverty eradication across the world. 

The cooperation modality and activities will be replicated in other developing countries in future projects, provided that the countries have similar needs – in terms of limited production know-how and connection with potential export markets - that are consistent with the goals of creating jobs and strengthening sustainable production; the technology and achievements of this project apply to local conditions; and there are sufficient funds and human resources to provide support.