Agriculture inputs and One Health: linking policy and practice

Cambodia has experienced economic growth over 5% per annum over the past decade. Improved access to agriculture inputs (seed, fertilisers and insect and disease control and irrigation), extension, machinery and access to finance have contributed to this. Agriculture inputs, specifically chemicals (AGC), represent 32.8% of farmer production costs. However, the role of policy and practice in promoting more efficient AGC use and improving associated environment and human health remains poorly understood.

A one-year ACIAR funded project addressed these knowledge gaps, aiming to identify pathways for a One Health approach to smallholder development. Two key work packages addressed this aim. First, we analysed key policy instruments against the lifecycle of agriculture inputs, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of regulatory, financial, information and planning and management instruments. Findings highlight the relative strength of the regulatory framework, alongside opportunities to improve implementation and practice. Second, through a series of case studies on best practice, we analysed cognitive, affective and behavioural constraints to change. Findings highlight the need for improved extension that not only shares technical information but also addresses affective constraints to change.

This presentation shares key findings, and reflects on the policy-practice divide, including our recommendations for facilitating more appropriate AGC use as Cambodia’s export economy grows.

Presenters

Associate Professor Chris Jacobson (Project Lead)
Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman

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