The purpose of the assignment was to provide technical assistance (PPTA) to the Cambodian ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and of Post and Telecommunications to review the achievements of the 1st phase of the Tonle Sap Poverty Reduction and Smallholder Development Project, and to make recommendations for using ICTs during the 2nd phase, from 2018 to 2023. The overall aim of the project was to provide solutions and access to the Internet to help farmers get timely access to information about agricultural technologies and practices and share this content, and to make better use of networks for marketing and sales of produce. The use of technologies such as IVR – Interactive Voice Response, e-payments, and electronic platforms for enhancing market visibility and introducing e-commerce applications were considered. Use of data collection, integration and visualization technologies were also proposed.

The project also included an analysis of the innovation capacity of the Cambodian ICT market and startup ecosystem to determine existing capabilities of firms and individuals and their further capacity to develop digital applications to support and enhance small holder agriculture, employment of women and youth in small holder agriculture, and agribusiness and e-commerce development. This also entailed a needs assessment of small holders and of their capabilities to use ICTs and especially mobile devices and technologies.

• Reviewed achievements of the 1st Phase of the project
• Made recommendatios for using ICTs in the 2nd Phase
• Prepared budget to support proposed activities
• Researched on innovation capacity of Cambodian ICT market and start-up ecosystem
• Conducted needs assessment of small holders and their capabilities to use ICTs