Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen "Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient futures"

From food safety to climate resilience: CamGAP-certified vegetable value chains in Battambang, Cambodia

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Fac. of Tropical Agrisciences - Dept. of Economics and Development, Czech Republic

Abstract

Vegetable value chains in Cambodia remain largely informal, with smallholder farmers facing unstable prices, limited bargaining power, weak quality differentiation, and increasing concerns over food safety. CamGAP certification offers a pathway to improve vegetable production by promoting safer farming practices, strengthening consumer trust, and creating opportunities for more sustainable and resilient value chains. However, its practical contribution to smallholder value-chain upgrading remains underexplored.

This study examines the role of CamGAP certification in supporting sustainable and climate-resilient vegetable value chains in Battambang Province, Cambodia. A qualitative value-chain approach was applied, using interviews with vegetable farmers, traders, and relevant value-chain actors. Total of 12 interviews across the value chain were collected during August and September 2025. The analysis focused on production practices, certification experiences, market access, price incentives, and constraints to wider adoption.

The findings show that CamGAP certification improves the reputation and marketability of vegetables by signaling safer production and better product quality. Certified farmers reported stronger buyer confidence and price premiums compared with non-certified products. However, adoption remains limited by high certification costs, complex procedures, limited technical knowledge, weak farmer awareness, and difficulties in maintaining compliance with standards. Market incentives are also inconsistent, reducing farmers’ motivation to pursue or renew certification.

The study suggests that CamGAP can contribute to sustainable and climate-resilient vegetable value chains when certification is supported by practical training, cooperative coordination, quality control, traceability systems, and reliable buyer demand. Strengthening these support mechanisms can help move smallholder vegetable production from informal market participation toward safer, more coordinated, and more resilient agri-food systems.

Keywords: Agricultural certificate, good agricultural practices, quality standards, small-holder market access, sustainable farming

Contact Address: Simona Tomanová, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Fac. of Tropical Agrisciences - Dept. of Economics and Development, Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: tomanovasftz.czu.cz