Towards a Climate-Resilient Local Agriculture: CPAf Researcher Engaged with Policy Research Institute in Cambodia

Dr. Nico Jayson Anastacio, a University Researcher of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) collaborated with the Centre for Development Economics and Trade (CDET), Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) after being accepted as one of the visiting scholars under the CDRI Visiting Scholar Programme. The fellowship began on October 15, 2024 and will be concluded on February 28, 2025.

Dr. Anastacio’s engagement with CDRI focused on a collaborative research with two CDRI researchers, Mr. Raksmey Phal and Mr. Sombath Keo, and Dr. Paul Jersey Leron, a senior research from Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Their research focuses on strengthening social inclusion towards climate-resilient local agriculture sectors in the Philippines and Cambodia.

As part of the CDRI programme, Dr. Anastacio worked at the CDRI Office at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on December 1 to 15, 2024. The in-person engagement strengthened the collaboration and provided more opportunities for networking within and outside CDRI. During his stay in Cambodia, Dr. Anastacio also visited a farming community in Koah Thum District, Kandal Province. The objective of the farm visit was to acquaint Dr. Anastacio with the local farming dynamics and structures in Cambodia.

Aside from writing technical publications, Dr. Anastacio also presented the initial insights from their collaborative research on December 18, 2024 at a CDRI research seminar called the CDET Research Thought. The presentation highlighted the different challenges of the agriculture sector, especially the members of the marginalized sectors, in relation to the occurrence of climatic hazards.

“Strengthening social inclusion can actually contribute in establishing a more climate resilient agriculture sectors in the Philippines and Cambodia,” Dr. Anastacio emphasized.

CDRI is Cambodia’s leading independent development policy research institute that regularly invites applications from young and professional researchers in the ASEAN region for its visiting Scholar Programme.