Cultivating climate resilience: Empowering young innovators in Cambodian agriculture

The Dak Dam Innovators program, a collaborative effort between Impact Hub and the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), is fostering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in Cambodia. By combining hackathons, incubation, and mentorship, the program equips young minds with the tools and knowledge to develop innovative solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.

Let’s delve deeper into this impactful initiative through a Q&A with Dr. Rica Joy Flor, scientist at the International Rice Research Institute Cambodia and scaling expert of AMD, and Mr. Chhim Tithamatak, Director of Entrepreneurship Education at Impact Hub Phnom Penh.

Program design and impact

What motivated Impact Hub and AMD to collaborate on the Dak Dam Innovators program?
Dr. Flor: The driving force behind Dak Dam Innovators was the need for new business models to support climate-resilient practices. AMD recognized the potential of the business sector, particularly services like processing and extension support, to support farmers in implementing climate-resilient practices on their farms. Additionally, there was a shared interest in promoting social inclusion and gender equality by engaging youth and women.

AMD and Impact Hub Phnom Penh shares an interest to catalyze the business sector for climate resilient agri-food systems, while being mindful that women and youth can also be at the forefront of the intervention.

How did the program structure nurture young innovators?
Dr. Flor: The program was designed specifically for youth entrepreneurs focused on climate-resilient agriculture. We selected participants from universities across Cambodia, fostering interaction and collaboration through hackathons. These events helped them form teams, develop business ideas, and refine them through training and mentorship. The Demo Day provided a platform to showcase their work and help them attract potential investors.

Focus on youth and women

Why prioritize youth and women’s entrepreneurship?
Mr. Tithamatak: We believe youth and women can significantly contribute to agricultural innovation without necessarily becoming farmers themselves. By supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors, they can in-turn empower existing farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices and technologies.

What mechanisms ensured inclusivity and empowered young women?
Mr. Tithamatak: We ensured at least 50% female participation in the hackathons and actively promoted women-led startups during the incubation phase. The program successfully fostered a youth-driven environment, with most participants under the age of 25.

Future prospects and collaborations

How do you envision the Dak Dam Innovators program evolving in the future?
Mr. Tithamatak: The program’s success lies in its ability to provide young innovators with a springboard for launching their ideas. We envision these startups integrating with AMD’s farming communities and receiving continued support through mentorship, industry connections, and potential funding opportunities.

How will collaborations scale up the impact?
Dr. Flor: We see collaboration with government agencies and NGOs as key to scaling up the impact of these startups. Impact Hub will continue mentoring them and connecting them with industry leaders, while investor organizations like Khmer Enterprise can potentially offer further funding opportunities.

Impact Hub’s mission

How does the Dak Dam Innovators program reflect Impact Hub’s broader mission of supporting entrepreneurs and social innovation?
Mr. Tithamatak: The Dak Dam Innovators program aligns perfectly with Impact Hub’s mission. We believe in fostering youth-led social innovation in agriculture to create a more sustainable and impactful ecosystem. By encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets, we can pave the way for a more resilient agricultural future in Cambodia.

AMD’s goals

How do initiatives like Dak Dam Innovators contribute to AMD’s goals for climate resilience in the Cambodian Mekong Delta?
Dr. Flor: Initiatives like Dak Dam Innovators address the systemic barriers hindering the adoption of climate-resilient practices. By creating new business models and market drivers, these startups can incentivize farmers to adopt practices such as diversified cropping, better agronomic management or improved use of inputs, ultimately contributing to AMD’s goals for climate resilience in the Cambodian Mekong Delta.

The Dak Dam Innovators program is a shining example of how collaboration and youth empowerment can drive positive change in agriculture. By nurturing young minds and fostering innovation, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Cambodian agriculture.