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backFood Waste Management Training Strengthens Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Battambang
From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the SmartAgriCambodia Project, funded by CzechAID, successfully conducted a five-day Food Waste Management Training at the National University of Battambang (NUBB) The training brought together agricultural extension and local government officers, as well as development practitioners, with the aim of strengthening practical knowledge and skills in sustainable food waste management, resource recovery, and circular agriculture. The training was delivered by: Assoc. Prof. Tatiana Alexiou Ivanova, Ph.D., Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Ph.D. Srean Pao, Vice Rector, National University of Battambang (NUBB); and Mr. Khin Sophary, PhD Candidate and Lecturer, National University of Battambang (NUBB). The activity was coordinated by the Building Action for Integration and Development Engagement (BAIDE) in cooperation with the Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO). A total of 25 participants took part in the training, including: 7 Extension Officers from the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PDAFF) of Battambang; 13 Communal Agriculture Officers representing 13 communes in Battambang Province; and 5 Project Officers from LHCO. The five-day programme focused on approaches for transforming organic and food waste into useful resources for agricultural production and renewable energy, while promoting environmentally responsible waste-management practices that can contribute to improved soil health and the development of a circular economy. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through a combination of classroom sessions, discussions, field learning, and hands-on activities. Key activities included: Learning about sustainable approaches to food waste management and resource recovery; Sharing experiences and discussing practical waste-management challenges; Visiting a commercial compost production facility to observe compost production in practice; Participating in hands-on compost-making activities; and Completing the training programme and receiving certificates of participation. The training provided participants with practical knowledge that can be further shared with farmers, agricultural communities, and other local stakeholders through future extension and agricultural development activities. By promoting the conversion of agricultural and food waste into useful resources, the activity contributes to the broader objectives of the SmartAgriCambodia Project in supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening circular-economy practices in Battambang Province. The successful completion of the training also strengthens the capacity of local agricultural and extension actors to promote practical and environmentally sustainable solutions within Cambodia's farming communities.
