Strengthening cover crop seed value chains to scale agroecology in Cambodia: a Battambang case study

Introduction In Cambodia, cover crops (CC) are being explored as an agroecological practice to improve soil health, sustain crop productivity, and enhance land profitability over time. Since 2004, initiatives have introduced CC into rubber production systems during the immature period, later extending their use to annual rainfed crops and rice-based systems. In recent years, private companies, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations have become increasingly involved in developing the CC sector. Method This shift toward commercial operations prompted us to investigate the CC seed value chain and analyse the stakeholder network, aiming to identify key challenges, opportunities, and address the research gap. This case study in Battambang Province used a mixed-methods approach. Data collection included: (i) an agroeconomic assessment (2023–2024); (ii) a qualitative survey of 23 seed producers; (iii) four focus group discussions with rice farmers using CC; (iv) 26 key informant interviews; and (v) value chain analysis, including participatory elements such as a multi-stakeholder workshop. Results Findings indicate rapid expansion in CC seed production, from 2 ha in 2017 to 177 ha in 2023, mainly involving Crotalaria ochroleuca and Crotalaria juncea . Seed producers reported an additional mean net profit of $314.6/ha/year from CC seeds, compared to $438.5/ha/year from a single Maize production system. Fifty percent of seed producers cited soil fertility improvement and profitability as main incentives. In 2023, seed production was expected to reach 288.5 ha, but this target was not met due to lack of equipment and unfavourable climate. While 90% of rice farmers observed notable improvements in soil fertility, the same proportion identified economic and climatic constraints as barriers to scaling-up the use of cover crops. Discussion Stakeholder mapping revealed a diverse landscape with varying influence and interest. The study examines how stakeholder recommendations could support the scaling of CC, highlighting short-term economic incentives but also practice and results-based reward mechanisms as promising strategies.