AKP Phnom Penh, April 01, 2026 --

The Accelerating Inclusive Markets for Smallholders (AIMS) project, implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, announced today the allocation of US$1.5 million in grant financing under the project’s Value Chain Innovation Fund (VCIF) Window 1 to support the development of the Khmer chicken, safe vegetable, and premium rice value chains and market linkages for rural smallholders across 18 targeted provinces in Cambodia. 

This allocation follows positive results achieved in 2025, during which the project disbursed nearly US$1 million to support 686 rural households as “first movers” testing commercially viable technologies and practices in the Khmer chicken and safe vegetable value chains. 

In 2026, support will be expanded to an additional 1,400 rural households to adopt these commercially viable technologies and practices, building on the proven results from the previous year. 

In addition to Khmer chicken and safe vegetables, support will also be extended to the premium rice value chain this year. 

AIMS is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and co-financed by the Royal Government of Cambodia and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It aims to enhance the prosperity of Cambodian smallholder farmers by building increasingly profitable links to agribusinesses and markets.

Against this backdrop, the financing reflects the Ministry of Commerce’s continued commitment, through the AIMS Project, to accelerating inclusive market development for smallholder farmers by reducing investment risks and promoting practical, market-oriented solutions. 

H.E. Eng Sothyvon, Director General of the General Department of Domestic Trade and Project Director, stated that this new grant reflects the Ministry of Commerce’s strong commitment to accelerating inclusive market development for smallholder farmers. 

“By reducing investment risks and promoting practical, market-oriented solutions, we are enabling smallholder farmers, particularly women and poorer households, to adopt improved technologies, increase productivity, and strengthen their linkages to reliable markets,” he underlined.

The support also comes at a significant moment in the long-standing partnership between IFAD and Cambodia and underscores the value of sustained investment in solutions that help rural smallholders participate more effectively in growing markets while strengthening resilience and expanding economic opportunities. 

Mr. Frew Behabtu, Country Director and Representative of IFAD in Cambodia, said that IFAD’s support focuses on boosting rural livelihoods in Cambodia. “As IFAD and Cambodia mark 30 years of partnership this year, this support underscores the importance of continuing to invest in solutions that help rural smallholders achieve deeper market integration, expand rural employment, and strengthen resilience more effectively, with particular attention to women and other groups at risk of being left behind,” he added.
 
Through the Value Chain Innovation Fund (VCIF), AIMS reduce the financial barriers faced by smallholder farmers in adopting productivity-enhancing technologies and meeting market standards. 

By leveraging early adopters to demonstrate success, the project promotes wider replication without long-term subsidies, contributing to sustainable and inclusive rural economic growth. 

As of Quarter 1, 2026, total disbursements under VCIF Window 1 reached US$6.21 million, benefiting 5,271 rural households nationwide since the project began. Investments have focused on high-impact commodities, particularly safe vegetables, backyard and Khmer chicken, and rice seed production. 

Vegetable grants supported net house systems, while chicken production followed technical package-based business models, helping farmers improve productivity, manage risks, and meet market standards.

By Chea Vannak