Discover how WFO member CFAP Cambodia contributes to the national climate agenda, bridging the gap between climate policies and farmers.

The Cambodian Farmer Federation Association of Agricultural Producers (CFAP), a longstanding member of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), places climate change at the centre of its advocacy efforts. The organisation empowers its members through capacity-building, strengthening farmer-led initiatives to promote sustainable practices while amplifying their voices in climate policy discussions.

Sok Sotha, Lead Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CFAP and former WFO Board Member for the Asian Constituency, leads the organisation’s efforts in raising climate change awareness in rural areas, particularly among youth and rural women, while advocating for policies that benefit farming communities.

This article highlights CFAP’s contribution to Cambodia’s national climate policymaking and shares Sok Sotha’s first-hand experience in bringing farmers’ voices to the climate policy process.

CFAP’s Contribution to Cambodia’s BTR1: Bridging the Gap Between Climate Policy and Farming Communities

On 31 December 2024, Cambodia submitted its Initial Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) under the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). This report is a crucial tool to track the country’s climate progress, mapping Cambodia’s strides in combatting climate change and emphasising actions taken to fulfil international commitments.

WFO member CFAP actively contributed to the development of Cambodia’s BTR1 by responding to a government-led consultation promoted by the Ministry of Environment (MoE).

“I prefer very much to get involved in engaging farmers and the farming communities in policy development so they can provide inputs on time to the policy development—we cannot wait for another round,” explains CFAP’s CEO, Sok Sotha, stressing the importance of farmers’ timely contributions in policymaking.

Photo credit: ©Sok Sotha – Sok Sotha meetings with farmers at their communities

CFAP’s input brought to light a critical issue: a gap between climate policies and the realities farmers face on the ground.

“Thanks to the government of Cambodia for providing this opportunity for farmers’ organisations like CFAP to provide inputs for the BTR. This will help minimise the gap between climate policies and farming communities because no one can work alone to achieve such a large social responsibility,” highlights Sok Sotha.

In its submission, CFAP stresses that many farmers lack a clear understanding of climate policies and their practical implementation. Furthermore, most farmers’ organisations in Cambodia face significant barriers in accessing climate finance—funds that are crucial to building their capacity and fostering knowledge-sharing on frameworks such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Despite these challenges, CFAP noted signs of progress. Workshops and training sessions at national, regional, and international levels—where multiple stakeholders and relevant actors were engaged—helped narrow the knowledge gap. According to CFAP, when farmers and actors across the value chain participate in such events, not only does their understanding of climate policies improve, but they are also more likely to shift toward more climate-smart practices.

The main message of CFAP in its contribution to BTR1 stands clear: effective climate policies can only deliver results if they are inclusive and responsive. Strengthening farmers’ participation in policymaking is essential to breaking down the barriers to climate resilience and ensuring that the path toward sustainability reflects the needs and voices of those on the frontline of climate change.

Photo credit: ©Sok Sotha – Sok Sotha speaking at the COP 28 event

A Call to Action: Amplifying Farmers’ Voices in National Climate Policies

CFAP’s experience highlights the importance of involving farmers in shaping climate policy, to ensure it responds to their real needs and reflects their on-the-ground experience.

“I would like to encourage the national farmers’ organisations to find ways to engage in national policy development in your country and minimise the gap between farmers, farmers’ organisations and policymakers to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard by the public loudly,” urges Sok Sotha in a powerful call to action for fellow national farmers’ organisations to actively engage in climate policymaking.

Watch the video to hear directly from Sok Sotha about CFAP’s contribution to shaping Cambodia’s climate agenda.

Cover photo by ©WFO