LVC SEEA Regional Meeting Cambodia Dec 2022

Welcome Remarks

Mr. Seu Rany, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Association of Farmers and Nature Net (FNN)

Speaking at Welcome Program for La Via Campesina Regional Meeting

December 04-7, 2022 at Poulo Wai Hotel, Phnom Penh

Dears,

– Mr. Zainal Arifin Fahout (Regional Coordinator, La Via Campesina)

– Madame Kim (Regional Coordinator, La Via Campesina)

– Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the La Via Campesina family, all of you are respected and loved!

On behalf of the Farmers and Nature Net Association and the organizers, I am honored and pleased to extend a warm welcome to all of you, ladies and gentlemen, national and international guests who have spent precious time to join La Via Campasina Regional Meeting in Cambodia on this great occasion.

This is the first time for FNN/Cambodia to have the opportunity to host a regional meeting of La Via Campasina after the pandemic outbreak of Covid-19. Therefore, this meeting really shows the bonds of solidarity and good cooperation to achieve our common goal as farmers, especially to promote the rights of women and youth in the agricultural sector, which is facing all threats (such as climate change, big capitalist oppression, and gender inequality).

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cambodia’s agricultural sector will contribute about 24.4% to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021. The agricultural sector absorbs about 35.5% of the labor force. About 61% of the population lives in rural areas and 77% of rural households depend on agriculture, fishing and forestry for their livelihood (USAID 2022). Observations show that agricultural labor is declining significantly. The labor force in the agricultural sector in 2013 was 48.7% and 37% in 2017 (data from the National Institute of Statistics of the Ministry of Planning), and the flow of migration from rural to urban and abroad is increasing. On the other hand, 33% of the total population is young (15-30 years old), it can be said that Cambodia is a country of youth.

Investing in agriculture is one of the most effective strategies to reduce hunger and poverty and bring about economic growth, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it is essential to promote responsible investment in agriculture and the food system, which contributes to sustainable development, promotes food security, nutrition and respect for human rights.

Recognizing the important role of agriculture in poverty reduction and food security, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have highlighted the need for more responsible investment in the sector in the ASEAN Guidelines on Promote responsible investment in food, agriculture and forestry (ASEAN-RAI).

In 3rd RAI’s guideline is to “contribute to equality, participation and empowerment of women, youth, indigenous peoples and the poor” as key to supporting women and youth to participate in Rai through investment and Benefit from agricultural investment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With the cooperation and support of La Via Campesina and the Asian Farmers Association (AFA), the Farmers and Nature Net Association and other Cambodian farmers’ associations, including: FWN, FCFD, CFAP and (FAEC) have been implementing the FO4A/ARIS projects have been actively assisting farmers’ organizations and members in Cambodia in production, processing, market linkages, advocacy on policy and gender equality.

In fact, until now, representatives of farmers’ organizations in Cambodia have become members of the Agriculture and Water Working Group and the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), which is a great opportunity to advocate for rice and irrigation policies, etc.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the same time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the hard work of the organizing committee and the support of La Via Campesina, which is an important meeting for women and young people. Take turns to ensure sustainable investment in agriculture, food systems and for all our nations as a whole.

I would like to thank all of you from the friendly countries who have spent your busy and valuable time attending this meeting.

Finally, I would like to respectfully wish you all four blessings of the Buddha, age, class, happiness, and strength!!!

Thank you very much indeed!