Cambodia's Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (NSFSN) 2024-2028

KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA NATION RELIGION KING THE THIRD NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION 2024-2028 DEVELOPED BY THE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP FOR FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION Council for Agricultural and Rural Development Office of the Council of Ministers #41, Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone: +855 (0) 23 214 006 Email: cardfsn@gmail.com Web: www.card.gov.kh http ://foodsecu rity. gov. kh KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA NATION RELIGION KING THE THIRD NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION 2024-2028 Contents Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... v Li st of Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................... v ii 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Conceptual Foundations ....................................................................................................................... 2 3. Strategic Directions ............................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Vision ............................................................................................................ ........................ ............... 3 3.2 Goal ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 4 3.4 Baseline Situation, Progress and Targets ........................................................................................... 4 4. The Twin Track Approach ......................................................................................................................... 5 5. Joint Priorities ........................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1 Sustainable Food Systems .............................................................................................................. . 6 5.2 Health Systems ................................................................................................................................ 7 5.3 Nutrition sensitive Socia l Protection Systems ................................................................................. 7 5.4 Nutrition-Sensitive Water Supply, San itation and Hygiene ............................................................ 7 5.5 Social behaviour cha nge .................................................................................................................. 7 6. Sector-Led Activities .... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ..... 8 6 .1 Agriculture .... ...... .................. ...... .................. ...... .................. .. .... .. ................ .. .... .. ................ .. .... .. ... 8 6 .2 lndustry ... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. .... .. ... 9 6 .3 Commerce .... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ..... ... .... ..... ...... ...... ... .... ..... ...... ...... ... .... ..... ...... 9 6 .4 Hea lth ..... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ..... ...... ... .... ..... ...... ...... ... .... ..... 9 6.5 Education ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ..... ... .. .... .... .. .... ..... ... .. .... .... .. .... ...... ...... ...... .. . 10 7. Cross-cutting issues ................................................................................................................................ 10 8. Governance and Partnership .................................................................................................................. 11 9. Community Led Food Security and Nutrition ........................................................................................ 12 10. Financing .. ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... .. .... .. .... .. . 12 11. Operationalization Plan and way forward .................................... .... ........................ ........................ ... 13 ANNEX 1: KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2025 ........................... ........................ ................. .. .......... .. .... ........ .......... .. .... ... 15 1. Sustainable Food Systems ............................................................................................................... 15 2 . Health system .................................................................................................................................. 15 3 . Nutrition-sensitive Socia l Protection ..... ....... ................. .................................................................. 15 4. Nutrition-sensitive WASH ................................................................................................................ 15 5 . Socia l behaviour change for hea lthy diets and improved care practices ........................................ 16 6. Evide nce for advocacy on he a lthy diet s and improved care practices .. ...................... .... .............. . 16 ANNEX 2: CAMBODIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, 2016-2030 RELEVANT TO THE THIRD NSFSN 2024-2028 17 Annex 3: Aligned Plans, Strategies and Policies ........................................................................................ 19 Annex 4: Policy processes Related to Food Security and Nutrition Sector .............................................. 21 4.1 Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 ............................................................................................................ 21 4.2 The Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) ................................................................ 21 4.3 Aligning Companion Plans ................................................................................................................ 22 4.3.1 Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030 ........................... 22 4.3.2 Cambodia's Operational Plan for the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Wasting 23 4.3.3 Cambodia's Nutrition for Growth Commitments ....................................................................... 23 4.3.4 The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation .................................................. 24 Annex 5: Key Intervention Areas for Food Systems Transformation ....................................................... 25 ii A ~~S~ftmn5 Royal Government t,~:~~RmGl,ISIStf ~ Kingdom of Cambodia Message ' A ~es ~Mm t~:snmru1!f Nation Religion King Samdech Moha BorvorThipadei HUN MANET, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia To support the implementation of the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition 2024-2028 - .,,.... . Over the past 25 years, under the Win-Win Policy ofSamdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia has achieved full peace, stability, public order, and significant development across all sectors. Through the coordination of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development, substantial progress has been made in food security and nutrition. This progress is evident in the Global Hunger Index, which demonstrates a reduction in Cambodia's score from 4 1 . 4 0 in 2 0 0 0 to 14. 9 0 in 2 0 2 3 . According to the Cambodia Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2 0 0 0 and 2 0 2 1 -2 0 2 2, the prevalence of child stunting under the age of five has declined from 50% to 21.9%. Additionally, the rates of child wasting and underweight have dropped from 17% to 9.6% and from 39% to 16%, respectively. By 2023, 86.60% of the rural population have access to basic sanitation, and 83.50% have access to clean water supply. During the same period, the underweight rate among women aged 1 5 -4 9 decreased from 2 0 . 6 % to 10.55%. However, the rate of overweight young women has significantly risen from 7% in 2000 to 32% in 2 0 2 1 -2 0 2 2. This shift reflects Cambodia's remarkable recent economic growth, which has been accompanied by significant changes in the food environment, resulting in increased availability and consumption of unhealthy snacks and beverages high in fat, salt, and sugar across all segments of the population. These developments highlight the ongoing efforts of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia across all sectors, consistently dedicated on improving the health and well-being of every citizen. This includes enhancing food systems, health systems, and social protection, along with clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, all aimed at ensuring food security and nutrition for everyone, leaving no one behind. The Royal Government of Cambodia of the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly continues to prioritize food security and nutrition as key priorities and fundamental pillars for boosting productivity and fostering human capital development. In this~>Context, the Royal Government, through the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development/ has launched the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition for 2 0 2 4- 2 0 2 8 which vision is to ensure that all Cambodians have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food while being protected from all forms of malnutrition through strengthening food systems to make them more resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and equitable, promoting good nutrition and health for everyone. The National Strategy aims to promote healthy diets by encouraging both individual and social behavioral changes and regulating food environments thtough ensuring food quality and safety, as well as improving access to various nutrition services to address the triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight and obesity. The strategy prioritizes key iii areas, including: (1 ) sustainable food systems, (2) health systems, (3 ) social protection systems, ( 4) water sanitation and hygiene, and (5) social behavioral change, and includes sector-led responsibilities such as agriculture, industry, commerce, health, and education. Additionally, the strategy addresses cross-cutting issues such as gender and youth, climate change, equity, private sector engagement, and digitalization. Governance and partnerships are also integrated into the strategy, ensuring broader and more inclusive implementation. I would like to express my deep appreciation and support to the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Technical Working Group for Food Security and Nutrition, under the leadership of His Excellency Senior Minister Dr. OUK Rabun. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all ministries, institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector for their undying support and collaboration throughout the whole proce~s in the development of the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, 2024-2028 , aligning it with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and the Royal Government's priority policy programs. The successful implementation of the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, 2024-2028, is of utmost importance for achieving Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) 2016-2030 and serves as a foundation for human capital development in reaching Cambodia's Vision 2050. In this regard, I urge all ministries, institutions, sub-national administrations, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to actively implement this Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, 2024-2028, and contribute to its success. Ho.r-cfL 2025 iv Foreword The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the brilliant and energetic leadership of Samdech Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has launched the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 for Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability, which continues to place a top priority on People. This includes Pentagon 1 for Human Capital Development which focusses on people's health and well-being, and strengthening the social protection system and food system to support food security and nutrition for all Cambodians. Pentagon 4 Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Development promotes gender equity and ensures environmental sustainability, managing natural resources and agricultural and rural development aimed at the development of a modern, diversified and resilient agricultural sector that supports rural development, ensuring food security and safety, value adding, competitiveness, and the strengthening of people livelihoods. The Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (the 3rd NSFSN), 2024-2028 is align with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, 2024-2028, the National Strategic Development Plan 2024-2028, the Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2030 and to follows the Second National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition 2019-2023. The 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 also serves as a legal document and based on the Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030, the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation, the Country Operational Roadmap for the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting, Cambodia's Nutrition for Growth Commitments and their related legal documents. The Royal Government of Cambodia recommends that all responsible ministries, institutions and sub-national administrations continue to cooperate with development partners, civil society, academia and the private sector to accelerate their efforts to .implement the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 towards the achievement of Cambodia's Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 2: ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The Council for Agricultural and Rural Development assists the Royal Government of Cambodia in coor~inating agricultural and rural development, food security and nutrition and food system transformation, and continues to work closely with all stakeholders to address all forms of malnutrition in Cambodia through coordination, collaboration and interventions with relevant sectors, cross-cutting issues, multisector priorities, and the governance of food security and nutrition and food systems. These actions are in line with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, especially the fourth angle of Pentagon 1, which is the strengthening of the social protection system and food system and the third angle of Pentagon 4, which is the promotion of agriculture and rural development. On behalf of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and as Chairman of the Technical Working Group for Food Security and Nutrition, I would like to express my deep v gratitude to all stakeholders, both national and international, for their cooperation, support and inputs in developing this strategy to its successful completion. I call on relevant ministries, institutions, sub-national administrations, development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society to participate in the implementation of the 3 rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 to ensure that it leads to t he most positive impacts. Chairman of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development vi List of Abbreviations ACF ASMP BMI CA CAO CARD CCTWG ccwc CDHS CDP CIP COP CSDG CTPWCu2 DP FAO FIES FSN GIZ GMP GS-NSPC HMIS HRF ISC IYCF JMI MAFF MAD MEF MISTI Moc MoE MoEYS MoH Mol Mo Inf MoLVT MoSVY MoP MoT Mo WA MoWRAM MRD MUAC N4G NADP NAP NCDD NCDM NOC NMCHC The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation Agricultural Sector Master Plan 2030 Body Mass Index Competent Authority Commune Agricultural Officer Council for Agricultural and Rural Development Climate Change Technical Working Group Commune Committee for Women and Children Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey Commune Development Plan Commune Investment Program Conference of the Parties on Climate Change Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals Cash Transfer for Pregnant Women and Children Under 2 Years Development Partner The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food Insecurity Experience Scale Food Security and Nutrition Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Growth Monitoring and Promotion General Secretariat for National Social Protection Council Health Management Information System Humanitarian Response Forum Institute of Standards of Cambodia Infant and Young Child Feeding Joint Monitoring Indicator Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minimum Acceptable Diet Ministry of Economy and Finance Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Environment Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Ministry of Health Ministry of Interior Ministry of Information Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Ministry of Planning Ministry of Tourism Ministry of Women's Affairs Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology Ministry of Rural Development Middle Upper Arm Circumference Nutrition for Growth National Agricultural Development Policy National Adaptation Plan National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Nati onal Committ ee for Disaster Management Nationally Det ermined Contribution National Maternal and Child Health Centre vii NNP NSCFF NSDP NSFSN NSPC ODF PFM POU PWG-FSN RAC SAM SASC SBC SBN SSB SUN TVET TWG-FSN VHSG VNR W&NSWG WASH WFP WHO WRA UNICEF UNSDCF ZHC National Nutrition Program National Sub-committee for Food Fortification National Strategic Development Plan National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition National Social Protection Council Open Defecation Free Public Financial Management Prevalence of Undernourishment Provincial/Municipal Working Groups for the coordination of Food Security and Nutrition Royal Academy of Cambodia Severe Acute Malnutrition Social Assistance Sub-committee Social Behaviour Change SUN Business Network Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Scaling Up Nutrition Technical and Vocational Education and Training Technical Working Group on Food Security and Nutrition Village Health Support Group Voluntary National Review WASH and Nutrition Sub-Working Group Water, Sanitation and Hygiene World Food Programme World Health Organization Women of Reproductive Age United Nations International Children's Fund United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Zero Hunger Challenge vii i The Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, 2024-2028 1. Introduction Throughout its history, Cambodia has made many great achievements through the implementation of win-win policies founded on the principles of national solidarity and unity under the motto of the Nation, Religion and the King, these efforts have played a crucial role in restoring Cambodia's economic and social development. This has elevated Cambodia from low to lower-middle-income country status, an impressive achievement that has set the stage for Cambodia's vision to reach upper-middle income status by 2030, and high-income status by 2050. Nutrition is a critical factor in Cambodia's development as a healthy and productive nation. Malnutrition includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies) along with overweight and obesity, with associated diet-related non-communicable diseases. Despite notable economic growth and poverty reduction, malnutrition remains a significant challenge, affecting human capital development and imposing high social and economic costs estimated as high as 2.66% of GDP1 . By comparison, Cambodia's entire health expenditure was about 7.5% of the country's GDP in 2021 2• Poor nutrition diminishes individuals' productivity and increases healthcare expenses, with women and children being particularly vulnerable. Prioritizing nutrition is essential for Cambodia to achieve its goal of reaching upper-middle income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050. Address ing malnutrition, adapting food systems to climate change, and fostering strong leadership and partnerships are vital to ensuring long-term health, education, and economic benefits. Cambodia's recent impressive economic growth has been accompanied by dramatic shifts in the nutrition landsca pe. Stunting in children under five reduced from 32% in 2014 to 22% in 2022, with major differences between wealth quintiles {31% among poorest compared with 12% among wealthiest); however acute malnutrition or wasting still affects 9.6% of children under five. On the other hand, overweight and obesity among women aged 15-49 increased from 18% to 32%, increasing with age. Moreover, the proportion of women meeting minimum dietary diversity standards dropped from 68% to 57% in 2021 (CDHS, 2021}. This changing nutrition landscape demands a strategic shift to reduce wasting, micronutrient deficiencies and prevent overweight and obesity. With the growing burden of non­ communicable diseases in Cambodia, inadequate nutrition and obesity are major risk factors to address. To do so requires the promotion of healthy, nutrient-adequate diets, specifica lly focusing on more fruit and vegetables, fewer unhealthy snacks and drinks, and promotion of fortified food s. With increasing availability, accessibility and consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks with high fat, sa lt and sugar content across all population segments, the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (The 3rd NSFSN}, 2024-2028 underscores the need for policy measures that incentivize and regulate food environments, use soc ial https: //cdn.wfp.org/wfp.org/publications/Report%20on%20Economic%20Consequences%20of%20Malnutritio n%20in%20Cambodia.pdf? ga=2.225673629.686798521.1603989474-1617563600.1601314520 https:// uni atf. who.int/ docs/I ibrari esprovi d er22/ defa u lt -docu ment-1 ibra ry I cam bod ia-ncd­ report. pdf?sfvrsn= 12263136 1 1 behaviour change to promote improved diets and care practices, and improve supply chains for healthier food options. In alignment with this vision, the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD} has collaborated with line ministries, institutions, and development partners to develop the 3rd NSFSN 2024-2028. This strategy builds on the foundation of the 2nd NSFSN, 2019-2023 and is aligned with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and Cambodia's Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2030. 2. Conceptual Foundations The 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 is based on the well-known UNICEF framework for nutrition, which also guided the previous strategy. This framework highlights the key factors that influence nutrition for mothers and children, focusing on access to healthy diets and proper care practices. These factors include how available and accessible nutritious food is, the feeding practices used, and the overall quality of the environments in which people live. The strategy emphasizes using proven, evidence-based methods to address these critical aspects of nutrition. .-., Outcomes w for ch dr n andwo • • Underlying determinants ..& Enabling • determinants MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION Improved survival, health, pliiysical growth, cognitive development, school readiness and school performance in children and adolescents, improved survival, health, productivity and wages in women and adults, and improved prosperity and cohes100 1n societies. DIETS CARE Good diets. driven by adequate food and feeding for children and 'WOffiBn Good care. dnven by adequate services and practices for children and women FOOD Age-appropriate, nument-nch foods - including breastmllk Ill early childhood - with safe drin~1ng water and household food security RESOURCES FEEDING Age-appropriate dietary practices - 1ndud1ng responsive feedtng and st1mulat1on 1n early , chldhood - with adequate food preparauon. food consumption and hygiene practices ENVIRONMENTS Healthy food erMronments, adequate nulf'tJOn, health and sanilaoon sel'Vlces. and healthy living ell\MOl\mems that promote good diets and physical actlVllY NORMS Sufficient resources - including environmental, financial, soaal and human resources -to enable children's and women's right to nutrition Posnive social and culrura norms and actions to advance chidren's and women's right to numbon GOVERNANCE Good governance - 1nclud1ng pohtical f1nanc1al. social and pubhc and private sector actions - to enable chddren·s and women's right to nutnt1on Figure 1: The UNICEF Conceptual framework on the Determinants of Maternal and Child Nutrition (2020). A framework for the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms. The concept of food security adopted in Ca mbodia, as part of the 'food' determinant of malnutrition, is based on six key dimensions: availability, access ibility, utilization, st ability, 2 agency, and sustainability3. According to the most widely accepted definition from the High­ Level Panel of Experts {2020}, 1ood security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life'. This strategy uses a systems approach to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition. This approach ensures that all sectors contribute clearly and work together across different levels. Key principles include promoting inclusivity, enhancing research and analysis, and fostering good governance, partnerships, and coordination at both national and local levels. Cross­ cutting issues such as Gender and Youth, Environment, Climate Change, Equity, Private Sector Engagement, Digitalization are also integrated into all relevant activities. 3. Strategic Directions Cambodia's strategic directions for the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 are outlined in several key frameworks: 1. Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 {2024-2028} 2. National Strategic Development Plan 2024-2028 3. Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2030 4. Sectoral and cross-cutting strategies and action plans These strategies and plans provide a clear foundation for all sectoral and multi-sectoral strat egies. To ensure that Ca mbodia meet s its international commitments, particularly those rel at ed t o food security and nutrition, including Food Systems Coordination Hub, SUN Movement, Alliance of Champion for Food System Transform ation, the Sust ainable Development Goals (SDG} 2030 t arget s and Nutrition for Growth Commitments, the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 incorporates several national plans. By harmonizing these plans, the strategy aims to: • Simplify the policy landscape, making it easier to understand and navigate. • Reduce perceived duplication of efforts, ensuring resources are used efficiently. • Highlight key directions and activities, providing clear guidance for implementation t o close gap between current plans and actions required to address the goals set forth in th is strat egy. • Recognize and involve the relevant authorities to improve healthy diets and care practices to address all forms of malnutrition in Cambodia. The 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 is further supported by Joint Monitoring Indicators (JMls} deve loped by the Technica l Working Group for Food Security and Nutrition, which is chaired by the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD}. 3.1 Vision All Cambodian people are food secure and protected against all forms of malnutrition by sustainable and resilient systems that promote health, well-being, and equity, in line with the CSDG 2030 agenda. 3 HLPE. 2020. Food securit y and nutrit ion: building a global narrative t owards 2030. A report by the High-Level Panel of Expert s on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome4 M in istry of Health (2020) Cambodia National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Social Behavior Change and Communication Strategy 2020-2025. 3 3.2 Goal Between 20241!1 and 2028, Cambodia aims to achieve the following improvements for women and children, aligned with the Fast-Track Roadmap for Nutrition 2023-2030 and in line with Cambodia's SDG targets 2030: • Reduce the rate of child stunting (children who are too short fortheir age) from 21.9%to19%. • Lower the rate of child wasting (children who are too thin for their height) from 9.6% to less than 5.8%. • Prevent any increase in childhood overweight. • Halt rise in overweight and obesity among women aged 20-49, currently at 32.6% to 27%. ill The base line reference date is from 2022 because this was the date of the most recent CDHS, 2021-2022. 3.3 Objectives The objectives for the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 are to improve dietary quality (particularly among women of reproductive age and children aged 6-23 months), food security, and care practices (measured by outcome indicators in Table 1). 3.4 Baseline Situation, Progress and Targets The baseline situation for key indicators and accompanying targets are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1: BASELINE 2000, PROGRESS TO 2021-2022, TARGETS FOR 2028 IMPACT INDICATORS CDHS2000 CDHS 2014 CDHS 2021- Target 2028 22 Stunting children under 5 50% 32% 21.9% 19% Wasting children under 5 17% 9.6% 9.6% 5.8% Overweight children under 5 3% 2% 4% No increase Overweight women (BMI ~25.0) 2Q-49 7.87% (15- 18% (15-49) 32.6% (20-49) No increase- years 49) (3% among 15-19) 6% (15-19) among women 20-49 Underweight women (BMI <18.5) 2Q-49 20.64% 11.39% 7.10% 5.4% years4 Micronutrient deficiencies women 15-49 Anemia : Anemia: 47% 23.1% 44%7 (WHO, 2019) Micronutrient deficiencies 6-59 months Anemia : Anemia: 49% 53%7 (WHO, 2019) OUTCOME INDICATORS CDHS2000 CDHS 2014 CDHS 2021-22 Target 2028 Prevalence of Undernourishment 20% in 16% in 2016 4.8 in 2024 TBD 2004 (SOFI) (SOFI) (SOFI) Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women 15- 57% 65% (2025) 49 (MDD-W) 70%2 (2030) Children 6-23 months who consume MAD 21.7% 30.4% 42% 60% (2030) (2005)3 Sweetened beverage consumption 6-23 28% months Sweetened beverage consumption women 63% 15-49 4 Zero fruit and vegetable consumption 6-23 29% months Unhealthy food consumption 6-23 months 21% Unhealthy food consumption women 15-49 33% Exclusive breastfeeding 0-5 months 11.1% 64.6% 50% 50%(WHA 2025)1 85% (2030)2 Households with adequately iodized salt 13.8% 68.9% 49% 65% Households without a toilet facility 79% 43.4% 11.7% N/A Access to basic water supply services5 74.7% 97% Access to basic sanitation services5 78.5% 97% ** The operational plan and M&E framework (including output level indicators) will be developed upon endorsement of the 3 rd NSFSN,2024-2028. Sources: 1 World Health Assembly 2 N4G Commitments (2021) 3 Indicators for assessing infant and young ch ild feed ing practices. Part 3 Count ry Profiles. UNICE F 2010. 4 Prior to 2021-2022, t he averages for women aged 20-49 years were calculated from published CDHS data for all age groups, w eighted according to the proportion of the sample falli ng w ith in each group. 5 MRD M IS - Q4 2021 data. 6 National Institute of Stat istics, Directorat e General for Health and ICF International. 2015. Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2014. 4. The Twin Track Approach In the previous strategy (The 2nd NSFSN, 2019- 2023), a 'twin-track' approach was used t o distinguish between sector-led activities and joint priorities that required collaborati on across multiple sectors. This approach continues in the Third NSFSN (2024- 2028), where different sectors contribute t o improving diets and care practices, wh ile also addressing the gaps between t yp ica l sector acti vities and the areas where sectors need to work together. The main responsibilities for sector-led activities fall w ithin Agriculture, Industry, Commerce, Health, and Education. However, certa in priorities - the "joint priorities" - require multisectoral coord ination t o enhance healthy diets and care practi ces. In addition, the strategy integrates critica l cross-cutting element s to ensure inclus ion and susta inability; and is built on a foundation of strengthened governance frameworks and partnership. These element s are represented in Figure 2 and described in further detail below. 5 VISION All Cambodian people are food secure and protected against all forms of malnutrition through sustainable and resilient systems that promote health, we/I-being, and equity, in line with the CSDG 2030 agenda. IMPACT All forms of malnutrition reduced: Undernutrition I Micronutrient Deficiencies I Overweight OUTCOMES Healthy diets I Care practices JOINT PRIORITIES Sustainable food systems I Health systems I Nutrition-sensitive social protection I Nutrition-sensitive WASH I Social behaviour change SECTOR-LED RESPONSIBILITIES Agriculture I Industry I Commerce I Health I Education CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Gender and Youth I Climate Change I Equity I Private Sector Engagement I Digitalization GOVERNANCE I PARTNERSHIP Figure 2: The Strategic Framework for the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 5. Joint Priorities Key 'joint priorities' have been identified as essential to improving diets and care practices in Cambodia. These priorities cut across multiple systems-food, health, social protection, and WASH-and require social behavior change to encourage better practices. Each sector has a role to play in addressing these priorities - some of these sectoral activities have already been programmed and budgeted whereas others still require scaled and concerted effort. 5.1 Sustainable Food Systems • Ensure Access to Healthy Diets: Support consumers, especially women of reproductive age and children during their first 1,000 days of life (from conception to a child's second birthday), to access healthy, diversified, and adequate diets by addressing gaps in knowledge and financial, physical and social barriers to access. • Strengthen Food Environments: Reduce the promotion and availability of unhealthy foods and sweetened beverages. Improve food safety and standard mechanisms to ensure compliance with food fortification standards and better regulate complementary foods produced for children. Regulate food environments in public spaces including schools to protect children' s diets during formative years. • Promote Diversified and Sustainable Food Production: Encourage the production of a variety of nutritious and sustainable foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and fish. Strengthen value chains to ensure food safety, quality, and resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. • Protect Food Security and Livelihoods: Safeguard food security, nutrition, and livelihoods from seasonal, chronic, and unexpected shocks and stresses, including those caused by climate change. • Promote Equity in the Food System: Ensure equal and equitable access to and control over the food system. Empower women, youth , girls, diverse gender groups, and 6 indigenous peoples to exercise their rights and take on leadership roles in decision­ making related to the food system. 5.2 Health Systems • Improve quality and equitable primary health care Services: Expand the coverage, quality, accessibility, and use of health services related to nutrition and child care, especially in areas with high wasting rates. • Strengthen policy development and implementation for the prevention of Non­ communicable Diseases (NCDs) and risk factors including overweight and obesity. • Improve data systems to track coverage of health and nutrition services, and progress on key nutrition indicators. 5.3 Nutrition sensitive Social Protection Systems • Reduce Barriers to Access: Lower the barriers that prevent vulnerable and marginalized groups- such as infants, young and adolescent girls, pregnant women, and indigenous people-from accessing sufficient, nutritious, and diverse foods. Ensure that financial transfers are sufficient to cover healthy diets and care services, and that these transfers are paired with interventions that discourage unhealthy food consumption and promote healthy diets and care practices. • Mandate Food Fortification: Require food fortification in food-based social assistance programs to reduce micronutrient deficiency and related health issues. • Protect Nutrition During Disasters: Safeguard nutrition outcomes during droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters through responsive and nutrition-sensitive social protection. Set transfer values that meet nutritional needs and ensure services ca n continue or be adjusted to meet these needs. • Provide Healthy School Meals: Provide nutritionally adequate school meals to primary and secondary school daily in the morning. 5.4 Nutrition-Sensitive Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene • Improve Nutrient Absorption: Enhance nutrient absorption and reduce diseases among children, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents by increa sing access t o safely managed drinking water and improving hygiene and sanitation practices at the household level. 5.5 Social behaviour change • Strengthen community engagement on nutrition promotion and referral to socia l services that contribute t o improved nutrition. • Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage healthy lifestyles and appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding through multiple channels and service platforms, for optimal nutrition and to prevent diet-related non-communicable diseases. • Broaden channels and audiences: Identify and pilot SBC approaches using non­ trad itional platforms (e.g schoo ls, agricultural cooperatives and Commune/Sangkat Agriculture Officers, Village Health Support Groups (VHSG s) to reinforce messages delivered through the health sector and reach a wider audience (particularly those who are important influencers of behavior) 7 6. Sector-Led Activities In the Third NSFSN 2024-2028, sector-led contributions are crucial for improving diets and care practices. These contributions are guided by specific policies, strategies, and plans within individual sectors, involving ministries, private sector, development partners, and civil society. Each sector has its own coordinating mechanism at both national and sub-national levels to ensure effective implementation. The sector-led priorities for the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 are: 6.1 Agriculture The agricultural sector is focused on enhancing production sustainably to ensure food security and boost livelihoods. With the overarching goal to drive agricultural growth through increased productivity, commercialization, and diversification, efforts also emphasize promoting digitalization for competitiveness and inclusiveness. Policies are tailored to minimize risks and maximize benefits along the entire food value chain-from production to consumption. Critical contributions from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM), along with sectoral coordination through various Technical Working Groups (TWGs), support productivity and diversity essential for Food Security and Nutrition {FSN). The Fifth and Sixth Priority Policy Programs of the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly and the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Development 2024-2028 have the overall goal "to promote agricultural growth through increased productivity, commercialization, agricultural diversification, and promote digitalization with competitiveness and inclusiveness that provide high quality and safety products and ensuring food security with high consideration of land, water, and forest and fisheries resources management." The Cambodia Roadmap for Food System for Sustainable Development 2030 is another important strategic and policy document. The Nationa l Agricultural Development Policy, 2022-2030 recognizes that there is a need to reshape the current food system towards a system that is susta inable and inclusive, produces food that is healthy and nutritious, wh ile also being both beneficial for people's health and profitable for the economy. While the availability of rice is sufficient at the national level, domestic demand w ill continue to develop in terms of the types and quantities of food desired - particularly fruit and vegetables, animal-sources foods - as Cambodia transitions t o upper-middle-income country by 2030. MAFF will take the lead on: Given gaps in vegetable and fruit consumption to meet WHO recommendations of 400 grams/per adult/per day, MAFF's diversification agenda can contribute significantly and can contribute to improve diets and prevent NCDs Rising incomes provide an excellent opportunity to increase quality and safety awareness among both consumers and producers, and to strengthen demand for a healthy diet; but concert ed effort is required as incomes can also contribute t o a deterioration in diets. Emphasis w ill also place on sca ling up climate-smart agricultural practices to protect natural resources. Improving post-harvest handling and primary-processing to reduce losses and improve safety. This includes investing in infrastructure such as cold storage and enhancing the safety and quality of food through improved handling and value addition practices, thereby strengthening public-private partnerships and ensuring a supp ly cha in that meet s the demand for healthy, nutritious foods. 8 6.2 Industry Industry plays a critical role in nutrition by establishing food standards, enhancing food processing, promoting and increasing market availability of healthy food options, and ensuring food safety, thereby supporting nutrition-sensitive food systems. It also focuses on maintaining a healthy workforce. The sector prioritizes creating environments where the quality and safety of nutritious foods, such as iodized sa lt and other fortified products, are monitored and promoted, complying with established standards. The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI} oversees food standards in Cambodia, with specific responsibilities related to processed foods. This includes overseeing advanced food processing activities, as well as improving traceability, transportation, storage, and logistics to ensure food safety and industry compliance. MISTI is also a key Ministry supporting efforts to reduce in sa lt content throughout the food system, as per the National Action Plan for Salt Reduction 2021-2027. 6.3 Commerce Commerce contributes to FSN by managing food stocks in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia's (RGC} strategic plans and adhering, ensuring adherence to food marketing regulations, nutrition labeling and food standards. This includes compliance with Sub-Decree 133 on the Marketing of Products for Infants and Young Child Feeding, and Sub-Decree 145 on the Establishment of the Cambodia Food Reserve System and Fortified products. Commerce also promotes a business environment conducive to private sector engagement and safeguards consumer interests through measures such as establishing regulations related to food labelling, maintaining food price stability, enhancing food sa fety, enforcing labeling and geographic identifi cation, and protecting consumers from fraudulent claims. The Ministry of Commerce (M oe} is responsible for food safety as a competent authority managing the food control system in accordance w ith Food Sa fety Law. MoC ensures food safety in commerce through effective traceability systems, and by promoting co ld chains and, food hygiene practices. This approach is supported by, but not limited to, by contributions from other ministries such as the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD}, Ministry of Information (Molnf}, Ministry of Planning (MoP}, Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF}, and the Ministry of Interior (Mal}, among others. 6.4 Health The health sector plays a crucial role in improving diets and care practices by enhancing the quality and accessibility of nutrition-related services. This encompasses a w ide range of initiatives such as promoting optimal nutrition and breastfeeding practices, nutrition counseling, routine health and micronutrient supplementation, growth monitoring and promotion, treatment for acute malnutrition (including severe and moderate wasting), preventing diet-related non-communicable diseases, and promoting healthy food environments through legislation, food standards for children, and quality assurance of fortified foods. The Ministry of Hea lth (Mo H} leads these efforts through comprehensive strat egies, including the Fast Track Road Map for Improving Nutrition 2023-2030 and the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicab le Diseases 2022-2030. The MoH takes a leading role to: Promote awareness of heathy diets and ensure women's healthcare between the ages of 15 - 49, including prenata l care, safe childbirth, postnatal care, and care practices; 9 Promote exclusive breastfeeding forthe first six months, continued breastfeeding until two years and counseling on nutritious and adequate complementary foods for children aged 6-23 months; Monitor growth of children, screen for acute malnutrition, and provide referral, in­ patient treatment and out-patient services as necessary for acute malnutrition; Protect children from consuming unhealthy foods including sweet beverages through advertising restrictions and behaviour change promotion; Protect breastfeeding through restricting advertising and promotion of formula milk substitutes to replace breast milk, and provide access to nutritional services, including breastfeeding support and counselling; Lead and coordinate measures to reduce risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases, including implementation of the National Action Plan for Salt Reduction 2021-27 and advocacy for regulatory instruments such as increased taxes on sugar sweetened beverages; Provide health and nutrition information through the Health Management Information System (HMIS}; Set micronutrient targets to develop fortification standards to address nutrient needs of the population, working closely with MoP, MISTI and MoC; Develop and promote national food-based dietary guidelines. 6.5 Education Education contributes to healthy diets and nutrition through the National Policy on School Health (2019} and accompanying National Action Plan on School Health (2021-2030}. To support operationalization of these strategic documents, the Ministry of Education Youth, and Sport (MoEYS} has developed Standard Operational Guidelines for School Health Promotion (2022} and Model School Standards (2023}, both of which establish standards and indicators related to health and nutritional promotion activities in schools. Schools, teachers, parents, guardians and communities will be more responsible for student study results, including school health, hygiene, environmental education and nutrition status. In supporting health and sa fety in education, schools should monitor and record nutrition status of individual student (age, weight, height} and information on students that are receiving nutrition interventions. MoEYS also implements social protection programs - including home-grown school feeding and scholarships - that actively contribute to school-age children's nutritional status. In terms of unhealthy food, MoEYS leads efforts to improve the quality of food sold by vendors located on school grounds through Directive 18, which prohibits sale of snacks and drinks with high fat/salt/sugar content, as well foods that are unsafe or unhygienic. The integration of all nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific activities including nutrition education, school feeding, deworming, WASH in schools, school gardening, and other health programs all fall under a cohesive program. Sub-national administration and local communities must be sensitized and engaged in supporting FSN activities in schools 7. Cross-cutting issues In addition to the sector-led activities and joint priorities, key cross-cutting issues are incorporated throughout the Third NSFSN 2024- 2028 to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. All responsible agencies req uired to report progress on the following cross-cutting issues to CARD: 10 • Gender and Youth Inclusion: The strategy promotes gender equality and youth engagement across all actions. Priorities include fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing agency among all stakeholder groups, with the Ministry of Women's Affairs (MoWA) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) playing a central role. • Climate Change: Addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, environmental contamination (or soil, water, food) and managing water use are crucial. The Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028 aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2050, with contributions expected from several ministries, including the Ministry of Environment (MoE), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, Ministry of Health (MoH), and Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC). • Equity: Actions will focus on reducing disparities by addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged. Equity is integrated across all interventions, with significant contributions from MoH, MoWA, MoSVY, and the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training {MLVT). • Private Sector Engagement: Recognizing the private sector's role in improving availability of nutritious food, food safety and FSN, and the critical role that the private sector plays in influencing the food environment; private sector engagement spans production, processing, distribution, marketing, and retail, and is supported by entities like the Cambodian Rice Federation and Chambers of Commerce and coordinated by the SUN Business Network. • Digitalization: With Cambodia's digital transformation agenda, interventions and strategies should consider the use of digital tools, systems and innovation where feas ible t o achieve effective and susta inable results. This includes digitalisation for data systems, communication, training to improve nutrition. 8. Governance and Partnership The strengthening of governance and partnerships and the promotion of Community-Led Nutrition have implications for all joint priority activities as well as for sector-led activities. CARD plays a critica l fun ction to bring different sectors together to address the many determinants of malnutrition and supports coord ination among relevant sectors to ensure convergence of interventions, cons istency in messaging and standards, joint research, provision of training, advocacy, knowledge and information management, and facilitating networks. CARD also chairs the TWG for FSN, the FSN Forum, the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, Food Syst ems Dialogues, WASH and Nutrition Sub-Working Group, and supports the PWG-FSN and Provincial Core Team for Nutrition-sensitive WASH. Partnerships like the SUN Networks will be strengthened and expanded and used more effectively to promote dialogue, gather data and share information knowledge on progress, and to capitalize on regional and global support. The SU N Business Network is a key platform for engagement with the private sector requiring ongoing support. At the sub-national level, 25 Provincial/Municipal Working Groups for Coordinating Food Security and Nutrition were officially established and meet on at least a quarterly basis to guide the implementation of their annual joint action plans in alignment with the 3rd NSFSN 2024-2028. In addition, structural arrangement at sub-nationa l level to support the implementation of this national strategy. 11 Improved governance arrangements for food security and nutrition include the continuing development of digital capabilities, research and information systems for knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation progress and information sharing. These capabilities are essential for CARD and will contribute to relationships with line ministries, development partners and for the sub-national administrations. At the commune/sangkat and district levels, technical assistance and other resources are required to enhance the capacity in FSN. 9. Community Led Food Security and Nutrition Communities should be actively engaged in designing and managing nutrition and information related services and have access to the array of services they require and desire (health, WASH, agriculture, socia l protection etc.) to achieve good nutrition and food security. Building capacity for local authorities and support staff working at the community level such as the Village Health Support Group (VHSG) and the Commune Agricultural Officers (CAO) are critical steps in promoting community led FSN. The aim of community led FSN is to increase efforts to reach communities with FSN information and services. With the ongoing decentralization process in Cambodia, there is a good opportunity to engage commune councils in development to accelerate good nutrition at the community level. In addition, there are also opportunities for drawing external resources to directly support FSN activities at thi s commune level and require significant capacity and infrastructure support. Commune councils will be increasingly responsible for coordinating FSN programme implementation with active participation in decision-making and action by families and comm unities. CARD, relevant ministries and Development Partners (DPs) will cont inue t o work with the National Comm ittee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD) at the sub-national level to support the PWG-FSN and conduct capac ity building at the commune level for mainstreaming FSN into the CDP and CIP, in line with the guidelines of the NCDD. Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) is critical on many fronts, and the roll­ out of the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition SBCC Strategy 2020-20254 will raise awareness of healthy diets and promote healthy behaviour including support for cash transfer programmes, and celebration of national events around food security and nutrition. 10. Financing Following the release of the Third NSFSN 2024-2028, joint priorities for multisectoral coordination will be costed as part of the Food Systems roadmap financing strategy, w ith potential funding sources identified. At a minimum, the activities managed by CARD must be fully costed to optimize resource use and advocate for necessary funding to support coordination efforts crucial to the strategy 's success. Advocacy and Budgeting: In line w ith the distinction between sector-led and multisectoral activities, CARD will support advocacy on budgeting for joint priorities, while each ministry is responsible for sector-led activities as per the framework above. Ministries are required to outline specific outcomes and activities aimed at improving food security and nutrition, w ith these details needed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) t o justify requests for increased national budget allocations. This level of detail ensures that funding claims for FSN can be supported effectively. 4 Ministry of Health (2020) Cambodia National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Social Behavior Change and Communication Strategy 2020-2025. 12 To further strengthen FSN funding, innovative financing mechanisms such as private sector investments, public-private partnerships, and international funding opportunities should be explored. Diversifying funding sources can help complement national budgets. Sub-National Budget Allocations: Sub-national budget allocations and expenditures are critical to implementing the Third NSFSN 2024-2028. It is essential that budget allocations by communes and Sangkats be tracked to understand how investments translate into results. Given the limited budgets and competing demands at the local level, CARD and relevant line ministries will assist commune and Sangkat councils in accessing additional funding for FSN initiatives. Advocacy efforts for these investments must align with the financial and policy frameworks set by the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD}. This support will ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to implement FSN initiatives effectively, while also tracking and demonstrating the impact of these investments on local food security and nutrition outcomes. 11. Operationalization Plan and way forward This strategy is critical not only for preventing all forms of malnutrition in Cambodia but also for fulfilling the country's commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The successful implementation of the strategy requires strong commitment and adherence to clearly defined responsibilities to achieve the set targets for food security and nutrition by 2028. The strategy will be operationalized at both national and sub-national levels. The planning and operational plan development phase ensures that local governments are empowered to implement and sust ain food security and nutrition interventions aligned with NSFSN priorities, while also allowing for context-specific adaptations. Key steps include: • Workplan Development and Sectoral Integration: A detailed workplan for the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 will be developed within the first six months of the plan's endorsement, and align with sectoral plans across key ministries. This will ensure responsibilities of each ministry are clearly outlined, ensuring efficient resource use and effective interventions. • Strengthened Coordination Mechanisms: Effective coordination is vital forthe success of the strategy. CARD will lead coordination efforts through establi shed mechanisms that bring together government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders at national using the Technica l Working Group on Food Security and Nutrition and Provincial Working Groups on Food Security and Nutrition to ensure adequate finan cial and technica l resources are mobilized and leveraged for effective and sust ainable NSFSN implementation. CARD will champion the joint narrative as articulated in thi s narrative and support the operationalization of joint priorities through sectoral and multi sectoral contributions. • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability: A robust M&E system will be set up to track progress and provide feedback loops for continuous improvement. This system will ensure accountability and allow for timely adjustments to the strategy where needed. • Costing and Resource Allocation: The costing of CARD led and supported activities, particularly related to convening, coordination, capacity building and M&E, will be completed within six months of the endorsement of the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028. Moreover, the joint priorities, as outlined above, will also be costed - underscoring areas that require greater sector or co llaborative (convergent) engagement t o achieve 13 the outcomes of this strategy. This costing will be used to inform sectors' subsequent budget planning cycle. • Sub-National Rollout and Implementation: At the sub-national level, local workplans will be developed in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders in alignment to the NSFSN's operational plan. This collaborative approach ensures that interventions are tailored to specific community needs and are implemented with local ownership within the first year of the plan's endorsement. 14 ANNEX 1: KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2025 The overarching framework is designed to promote convergence between the sector-led priorities, joint priorities and cross-cutting issues under the Third NSFSN 2024-2028, as well as to accommodate a systems approach as part of a conceptual shift in the sectoral strategies at the national level. The emphasis on convergent actions should be a strong element of a supporting Action Plan for Food Security and Nutrition 2024-2028. 1. Sustainable Food Systems 1. Cambodia's Roadmap for Sustainable Food Systems 2030 is revised, including action plan. 2. Financing strategy for food systems transformation to mobilize resources from diverse sources to ensure the transformation is implemented sustainably at scale. 3. Advocacy strategy for food systems and nutrition finalized to engage sectors and sub­ national authorities. 4. Operational guidelines developed for the implementation of Directive No. 18 dated 24 June 2013 for Promoting food safety and healthy diets in public and private educational institutions 5. Operationalization of the Food sa fety Law. 6. Reduction of food waste and food loss in municipal areas through the development and communication of relevant key strategies and messages to the policy makers and public. 7. Co ld storage supported for perishable products missing in current diets or at risk of food safety risks including fi sh and an imal-source foods, vegetab les, fruits. 2. Health system 1. Strengthen quality of maternal and child nutrition interventions, including prevention and treatment of wasting, Infant and Young Child Feeding counselling, micronutrient supp lementation 2. Conduct a policy landscape analysis on overweight and obesity t o strengthen policy implementation . 3. Strengthen regulation related t o marketing of commercially produced complementary foods, breastmilk substitutes and sugar tax 3. Nutrition-sensitive Social Protection 1. Evaluation of Family Package based on diet quality indicators included to advocate for design t weaks/complementary packages. 2. Strengthen promotion, referral and monitoring of social cash transfer recipients to essential health services. 3. Nutrition Guidelines and Standards for school meals are finalized and phased approach designed to improve the quality of the school meal. As a first step, fortified rice will be included in at least two provinces. 4. Nutrition-sensitive WASH 1. Operationalization of the National Guiding Principles on Nutrition-Sensitive WASH 2. Support targeted health and school facilities on climate-adapted measures, for a safer and better care and learning environment for children which has an impact on nutritional outcomes 15 5. Social behaviour change for healthy diets and improved care practices 1. Improve quality and sca le-up Maternal and Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCN} counselling and promotion. 2. Strengthen community engagement on child nutrition screening-referral, and growth monitoring promotion. 3. Strengthen interpersonal communication of social services providers (health workers, Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs}, teachers, etc) 4. Healthy lifestyles guide dissemination 5. Pilot Healthy Diet SBC Package for Agricultural Cooperatives 6. Evidence for advocacy on healthy diets and improved care practices 1. Finalize and disseminate secondary analysis of CDHS, 2021-2022 2. Conduct cost of malnutrition study 3. Food systems modeling and financing analysis (Hesat2030} 4. Food-based prevention and rehabilitation for acute malnutrition 5. Research into the climate-nutrition nexus in Cambodia 6. Strengthen data systems in relevant sectors (e.g Health, Agriculture, Social Protection) for indicators that track related nutrition outputs and outcomes (as per M&E plan of the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028} 7. MoH studies: a. Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices (KAP} about breastfeeding and materna l diet among mothers of children aged 0-6 months b. Finalization & Dissemination of Implementation Research to Inform Loca l Food­ Based Complementary Feeding Recommendations for Ch ildren aged 6-23 months 16 ANNEX 2: CAMBODIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, 2016-2030 RELEVANT TO THE THIRD NSFSN 2024-2028 CROSS-CUTTING GOALS for the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 Goal 1: End poverty in all forms everywhere. Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture and other CSDGs. Goal 5: Gender equality. Goal 10: Reduced inequalities. KEY SYSTEMS FOOD HEALTH SOCIAL PROTECTION WASH CROSS-CUTTING TARGETS CSDG 1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women - in particular, people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty - have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ow nership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, na tu ral resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance. CSDG 2.1By2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people and particularly people experiencing poverty and people in vulnerable situat ions (including infants) to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. CSDG 2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving t he internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in chi ldren under five, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons by 2025. SDG S.a Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ow nership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources in accordance w ith nat ional laws. SDG 2.1.1 Prevalence of I CSDG 2.2.2a Reduce wasting in I SDG 2.1.1 Prevalence of undernourishment from 51% for 2020- 2022.5 SDG 2.1.2 Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity from 47.7% male and 54.6% female for 2020-2022. 5 FAO Stat ist ics based on a three-year rolling average. children under 5, from 9.6% in 2021-2022, to 5.8% in 2028. undernourishment reduced from 51% for 2020-2022. CSDG 2.2.2b reduce the rate of I SDG 2.1.2 Prevalence of overweight and obesity for women aged 15-19 to 3.4%, aged 20-49 years by 4 17 moderate or severe food insecurity reduced from 47.7% male and 54.6% female for 2020-2022. CSDG 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. CSDG 6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanit ation and hygiene for all and end open CSDG 2.3 By 2030, double the agricultural production and incomes of small-scale food producers - in particular women, indigenous peoples, pastoralists and fishers - including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. SDG 2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help to maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. SDG 2.a Increase investment - including through enhanced international cooperation - in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services technology development and plant and livestock gene banks to enhance agricultural productive capacity. percentage points to 28.2% by defecation, paying special 2028. attention to the needs of CSDG 3.3 (SDG 3.2) By 2030, CSDG 1.3 Implement nationally women and girls and people end preventable deaths of appropriate social protection in vulnerable situations. newborns and children under systems and measures for all, SDG 6.b Support and 5, aiming to reduce neonatal including floors, and by 2030 strengthen the participation mortality to at least as low as achieve substantial coverage of of local communities in 12 per 1,000 live births and the poor and the vulnerable. improving water and under-5 mortality to at least as sanitation management. low as 25 per 1,000 live births. CSDG 3.9 (SDG 3.8) Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. 18 CSDG 4.3.2 The number of student enrolments in technical­ vocational education programs (15 to 24 years old ) by sex. SDG 2.c Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives, and facilitate timely access to market information (including on food reserves) to help limit extreme price volatility. Annex 3: Aligned Plans, Strategies and Policies Food System • Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 20306 • Policy Priority Program 5 and 6 of the Royal Government in the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly and the Agriculture Sector Development Strategic Plan 2024-2028 • Alliance of Champion for Food Systems Transformation Agriculture Sector • National Agricultural Development Policy 2022-2030 Health Sector • Health Strategic Plan 4 (not yet official dissemination or launch by MoH) • Fast-track Roadmap for Improving Nutrition 2023-2030 • National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2022- 2030 • National Action Plan on Early Childhood Care and Development 2022-2026 • National Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2018-2027 • National Action Plan for Salt Reduction 2021-2027 • National Maternal, Infant and Young Child {MIYCN) Social and Behaviour Change Communication {SBCC) Strategy 2020-2025 6 https ://sum m itd ialogues .org/wp-content/u ploads/20 21/09 / FS-Roadma p Cam bodia Fina 1-for -subm ission-1. pdf 19 Social Protection Sector • National Social Protection Policy Framework Vision 2035 • Cambodia's Roadmap for Universal Health Coverage 2024-2035 Education Sector • Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028 • National Policy on School Health 2019 • National Action Plan on School Health 2021-2030 Nutrition-Sensitive WASH • The National Guiding Principles for Nutrition-Sensitive WASH Interventions and t he accompanying Operational Plan, 2023-2027 Plans Relevant to Multiple Systems • Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1: for Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability • Cambodia's Roadmap for Sustainable Consumption and Production 2022-20357 • Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport's Directive 18 on Strengthening the Implementation Rules for Promoting Food Safety and Well- being at Public and Private General Education Facilities • Neary Rattanak VI, Strategic Plan for Strengthening Gender Mainstreaming and Women's Empowerment 2024-2028 • The Country Operational Roadmap for the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting8 • Cambodia's Nutrition for Growth Commitments9 • SUN Business Network Cambodia Strategy 2021-202510 • Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals {CSDGs) Framework 2016-2030 & Revised List of Targets and Indicators by Goals {2022) • Cambodia's Updated Nationally Determined Contribution 2020 • The Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028 • The National Action Plan for the Zero Hunger Challenge 2015-202511 • United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Cambodia 2024-2028 7 General Directorate of Policy and St rategy, Ministry of Environment, Kingdom of Cambodia and SWITCH -Asia RPAC (2021). 8 https://www.childwasting.org/the-gap-framework 9 https ://globa In utritionreport .org/ resou rces/naf/tra ck er /?search=Ca m bod ia& order by= -date made&org location=& ta rget cou ntry=#listing 10 https://docs.wfp.org/a pi/documents/WFP-0000140219/download/? ga=2 .239948099.153048541.1709170463-2 14710704 7.1709 170463 11 https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOCl 73301/ 20 Annex 4: Policy processes Related to Food Security and Nutrition Sector The development of the Third National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, 2024-2028 was based on the key strategic frameworks tha t follow. 4.1 Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 The priority areas for the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 for Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability12 guide the Royal Government of Cambodia {RGC} of the Seventh legislature of the National Assembly for 2024- 2028. Of the five priorities for the Pent agonal Strategy, the top priority is People. For the Pentagons comprising the strategy, Pentagon 1: Human Capital Development and Pentagon 4: Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Development are most relevant to promoting gender equity, agriculture, rural development, environment and natural resources. 4.2 The Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) The Third NSFSN 2024-2028 supports the CSDGs, particularly CSDG 2, ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. Ensuring food security and improved nutrition is vital for sustaining healthy human resources to help Cambodia transition from Less Developed Country status by 2027 and for contributing to sustained growth and development to achieve upper­ middle-income country by 2030. The CSDGs 2016-2030 are overarching goals for the Third NSFSN 2024-2028. The CSDG indicators are generally robust, and the methods of data collection and analysis have become more reliable with each data collection cycle. Under CSDG 2.1, the goal is to end hunger and ensure access by all people (especially people experiencing poverty and other vulnerable situations, including infants} to safe, nutritious and sufficien t food year-round by 2030. The goal of CSDG 2.2 is to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. This includes achieving the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under five and addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons by 2025. Other CSDG targets are included in the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 to reflect the broader contributions of the food, health, socia l protection and WASH to food security and nutrition. The relevant CSDGs and targets are presented in Annex 1 as part of the framework of the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028. 12 https://mfa ic.gov. kh/files/ u ploads/lXK l l W 4MCTK9/EN %2 OPENTAGO NAL%2 OSTRA TEGY%20-%20P HASE%2 01. pdf 21 4.3 Aligning Companion Plans In addition to the key strategic directions discussed above, severa l plans relating to food security and nutrition and to food systems are incorporated into the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028. Other sectoral plans also complement and support the goals of the Third NSFSN. The harmonization of plans helps to simplify the policy landscape, highlight key directions and activities, and reduce the burden of work. The key plans for harmonization with the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028 are listed in Annex 2. To promote coherence and convergence, a deeper engagement w ith the relevant sectors is required to ensure that decision-makers understand how their sector supports the 3rd NSFSN,2024-2028 and what is meant by sector-led activities. Sectoral leads should be familiar w ith the Third NSFSN 2024-2028, and they should share information with CARD, ensuring the government , development partners, the private sector and civ il society are involved where relevant. CARD has a crucial role in lead ing and coordinating international cooperation at the national and sub­ national levels, adopting a systems approach for analysis and strategic action, and dialogue relating to food security and nutrition. The key plans for harmonization with the 3rd NSFSN,2024-2028 are listed in Annex 3. Further details are provided in Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030, the Country Operational Plan for Global Action Plan on Child Wasting, and Cambodia's Nutrition for Growth Commitments - initiatives that are coordinated by CARD. CARD is a member of Global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, and has played a crucial role in the organization, including the production of the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance in Cambodia: Advocacy Strategy 2021-2024 and the SUN Business Network Cambodia St rategy 2021-2025. 13 4.3.1 Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030 Under Cambodia's Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 203014, the country has identified four main priority areas. 1. Healthy diets for all to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. 2. Empowerment of youth, women and vulnerable people. 3. Resilient livelihoods and resilient food systems. 4. Governance for more inclusive food systems. 13 https://docs.wfo.org/a pi/documents/WFP-0000140219/download/? ga=2 .239948099.15304854 1.1709170463-214710704 7.1709170463 14 https://www. u nfood system sh u b.org/ mem ber-state-d ialogu e/ d ia logu es-and-pathways/ en 22 The four main priorities of the Road map serve as the framing for many actions w ith in this Strategy for both sector-led and joint priorities requ iring multisector coordination. The framework for the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 serves as a guide for joint monitoring and eva luation and reporting fo r the National Strategy Development Plan (NSDP) 2024-2028, and for periodic measuring of food systems transformation .... The relevant actions are included in the framework of the 3rd NSFSN, 2024- 2028 presented in Annex 3 of this Strategy. 4.3.2 Cambodia's Operational Plan for the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Wasting In March 2020, five UN agencies (FAO, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and W HO} released the Framework for Action for the UN Global Action Plan (GAP) on Child Wasting15 to accelerate progress in preventing and managing child w asting. The GAP identifies four outcomes to achieve the SDG targets on child wasting and to improve the early detection and treatment across four key syst ems: food , health, social protection and water, sa nita t ion and hygiene. In May 2021, Cambodia successfully developed a Country Operat ional Roadmap under the framework for GAP. Developed under CARD's leadership, the Country Operational Roadmap identified 13 provinces w ith high prevalence of child wasting. The Roadmap takes a life-cycle approach to addressing wasting and identifies four outcomes: 1. Reduced incidence of low birthweight 2. Improved child health 3. Improved infant and young child feeding 4. Improved treatment of children with wasting Under each outcome, several priority actions and delivery platforms were ident ified. To address t he problem of child wasting in Cambodia, t here is an urgent need for additional resource mobilization and swift implementation of t he Country Operational Roadmap for t he Global Action Plan (GAP) to accelerate the prevention and treatment of child wasting. Within the scope of the Third NSFSN 2024-2028, the Country Operational Roadmap for the GAP will be reviewed and updated to remain relevant during the implementation of the Strategy. 4.3.3 Cambodia's Nutrition for Growth Commitments The Nutrition for Growth (N4G} commitments16 have been incorporated in the overarching framework for the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 to ensure progress is measured and reporting is conducted on a regular basis. In addition, t he inclusion of N4G commitments into t he common framework 15 https://www.childwasting.org/the-gap-framework 16 https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100275456.pdf 23 helps to identify where some aspects of work contributing to improved nutrition have not been included in the commitments. The N4G commitments are built into the table in Annex 2, which presents the framework of the Third NSFSN 2024-2028. During the implementation of the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028, the N4G should be reviewed and amended as necessary to reflect progress. 4.3.4 The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF) 17 is a strategic coalition of ambitious countries determined to act urgently, together. As a signatory and founding member of the Alliance, Cambodia is committed to driving systemic change, taking a whole of government approach and inspiring others to go further and faster to deliver better outcomes for people, nature and climate. At the heart of ACF membersh ip is a commitment from member governments to act across 10 priority intervention areas. Many of these relate directly to food security, nutrit ion and the food system, and fall within the scope of the Third NSFSN 2024-2028 .... Alliance members are committed to: 1. Strengthen national vision and food systems transformation pathways, inclusive of the 10 priority intervention areas and cons istent with science-based targets. 2. Update Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies, and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, in line with the National Food System Transformation Pathways and/or Implementation Plans by 2025. 3. Communicate on progress and report annually on targets and priority intervention areas. The five key outcome areas for the Alliance are: (1) food and nutrition security, (2) adaptation and resilience, (3) equity and livelihoods, (4) nature and biodiversity, and (5) climate mitigation. The 10 intervention areas proposed by the Alliance are associated with these outcomes and have been incorporated into the 3rd NSFSN, 2024-2028. Cambodia has added two additional intervention areas for consumer choice and private sector engagement. These additional intervention areas are proposed for Cambodia based on country experience and fitting to the recommendations made by Samdech Thipadey HUN MANET, Prime Minister, on the Tenth National Nutrition Day, which took place on November 6, 2023. Annex 5 details the key intervention areas for food systems transformations for Cambodia, and how they align with the priority areas for the Cambodia Roadmap for Food Systems for Sustainable Development 2030. 17 https://a Ilia nceofcha mpions.org/ 24 Annex 5: Key Intervention Areas for Food Systems Transformation KEY INTERVENTION AREAS FOR FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION ALIGNED WITH THE PRIORITY AREAS FOR THE CAMBODIA ROADMAP FOR FOOD SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2030. Food Systems Roadmap Priority Area: Healthy diets for all to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. 1. Increase the affordability of food GS-NS PC, MoSVY, MoEYS, MAFF, Moc, MEF and CARD CARD, MAFF, Moc • Coordination mechanisms and financing programs, promoting production, market access, and price stabi lity for key agricultural products at reasonable prices.18 Food reserve system contribution to price regulation as per policy priorities (Green Trade). • Promote linkages between Social Protection and Food Security and Nutrition, including Cash Transfers for Pregnant Women and Children Under 2 and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (GS-NSPC, MoEYS, MoSVY, WFP). • Routine monitoring and analysis of food prices (Moc, MAFF, WFP). Food Systems Roadmap Priority Area: Resilient livelihoods and resilient food systems to protect food systems against climate change and other shocks and stresses. 2. Improve livelihoods for those who working throughout food supply chains MAFF, MISTI, I MAFF Moc, MoE, MLVT, MRD, Mo WA 18 Immediate Policy Priority for the 7 th Legislature of the RGC 19 Immediate Policy Priority for the 7 th Legislature of the RGC 20 Immediate Policy Priority for th e 7 th Legislature of th e RGC • Deploying Commune Agricultural Officers to all agricultural communes across the nation and supporting modern agricultural cooperatives (MAFF).19 • Supporting vocationa l and technical training for youth from poor and vu lnerable households across the nation20 (MAFF}. Rural economic diversification: training in anima l and fish raising, crop production, and other ski lls (MRD). More inclusive, nutrit ion­ sensitive value chains and food systems. Women's Empowerment Program focuses on providing ski lls and techniques for raising chickens, growing vegetables, handicrafts, tourism services and other services (MoWA). 25 3. Build and enhance the resilience of food systems 5. Protect and restore nature MAFF, MoE I MAFF, NSPC, NCDM, NSPC, MoC, MoE MoWRAM, CARD, MoH, Moc, and MRD • Boosting income through exports and trade (Moe) • General Directorate of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Environment, and SWITCH-As ia RPAC (2021). Cambodia 's Roadmap for Sustainable Consumption and Production 2022- 2035. • Improved irrigation systems and water management (MAFF and MoWRAM}. • Early warning systems and anticipatory action (MoWRAM}. • Adaptive social protection policies to support food security and nutrition when disaster hits. Enhance and expand social protection systems to increase the resilience of people against life-cycle socioeconomic risks and shocks {UNSDCF and GS-NSPC). • Food reserve system (Green Trade} digitalization opportunities {Moe). • Rice fortification (Private sector, MoP and WFP}. • One Health Programme (MoH, MoE, MAFF, FAO, WHO}. • Infrastructure construction, especially resilient rural roads, data collection and mapping of road networks and hazards (MRD, World Bank}. • Strengthening the adaptive capacity of systems and communities to climate change and disasters {UNSDCF}. MoE, MAFF, I MoE and MAFF 1 • Cambodia 's Roadmap for Sustainable Consumption and Production 2022-2035. (MAFF} MoEYS, CARD • Promoting agro-ecological transitions and a landscape approach to protect ecosystem services. Conservation of protected areas, restriction of deforestation, forest , and wetland restoration (MoE}. Development of forest and fisheries communit ies, and Community Protected Areas using a landscape approach, including Indigenous Communities. For example, the Community Action for Sustainable Forests Project {MAFF, MoE, FAO, UNDP, RECOFTC, WCS supported by Swiss Development Cooperation }. • Cultivation and replanting of trees {Campaign to plant 1 million trees a year) {MoE). • Cooperation within the framework of ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Su bregion, focusing on environmental protection, conservation of natural resources and biod iversit y, and sustainable development in Cambodia {MoE }. • Enhanced natural resource management, conservation, preservation, and restorat ion activities {UNSCDF}. • Sala Baitong I Forest Education {MOEYS}. 26 6. Scale-up sustainable management practices 7. Reduce GHG Emissions 8. Reduce food loss and waste MAFF, MoE, MISTI, DPs MoE, MAFF, MISTI MAFF, MoE, CARD and Municipalities MAFF MoE, MAFF MoE, MAFF and CARD • Promote of biodiversity conservation by protection, conservation and restoration of wild life in the protection zoon and ruined ecology systems to increase the service and ecology system, maintain the food chain and community well-being. • Agrifood systems are more efficient, climate-adapted, inclusive, formalized and safer. For example: PEARL Project (UNSDCF, MAFF, MoE, FAO). • Promote GAP, climate sma rt agriculture, GAqP and GAHP, organic production, and deforestation free agricultural production (MAFF). • Regulate illegal exploitation of natural resources and promote agro-forestry. • Future Food Together (WWF Mondu lkiri) . • School gardening (MoEYS). • Deliver a new round of national climate plans (NDC) in 2025 which aligns national food systems pa thways with climate-related targets, including National Adaptation Plans, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans {MoE), Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028 and Long-term Strategy for Cabon Neutrality 2025 {LTS4CN) {MoE) • Implement mitigation actions including deforestation free agricultural practices, reduced burning for agriculture, reduced tillage, improved water management, and reduced food loss and wast e21 {MAFF). • Encourage Green Production methods for all t he food processing activities {MoE, MISTI). • Cooperative actions and information to reduce food loss and food waste and to manage potential risks along t he food chain, ensuring food safety guidelines are pu blic and standards enforced, through participation of stakeholders and consumers 22 (MoE, MAFF). • Promote waste recycl ing and the reduction in the use of plastic bags, w ith campaigns targeted at community-based eco-tourism, schools, and factories t hroughout t he country, and pilot projects to process kitchen waste into compost at four schools in Sihanoukville {MoE). 21 PM Recommendation #4, National Nutrition Day (NND) 6 Nov 2023. The MoE must continue t o implement and coordinate with re levant min istries and institutions to promote the livelihoods and improve t he nutrition of local communities th rough the conservation and sustainable management of prot ected areas and the development of supporting ecotourism communities, while cont inuing to promote the campaign to plant one million trees per year to increase forest cover and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, and promoting the Nationally Determined Contributions for the implementat ion of the Unit ed Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and advocate for green growth to ensure environmental protection , ecosystem services and sustainable food systems. 22 PM Recommendation #6, NND 6 Nov 2023. 27 • Circular Strategy with 3 angles: Clean, Green, and Sustainable (MoE). • Roadmap on Sustainable Consumption and Production 2022-2035 (MoE and WWF). Food Systems Roadmap Priority Area: Empowerment of youth, women and the vulnerable. 4. Improved gender equity Mo WA, CARD, MoH, MAFF, NSPC MoWA and CARD • Accelerating the agency of women, adolescent girls, gender diverse groups, youth, and the most vu lnerable in decision making process around food and nutrition system (MoWA). • Promote action at family and community leve l to remove discriminatory gender norms and practices to ensure equitable access and utilisation of food and nutrition services (MoWA). • Encourage women to actively participate in marketing, infrastructure and services for food systems to maintain the quality and quantity of products and to reduce food loss (MAFF, MoWA). • Women's Awareness Raising Program on Food Security and Nutrition, as well as establishing and operating nursery classes since 2018 (MoWA). • Increase civic participation in development and decision-making at all levels, including for women and youth (UNSDCF). • Promote awareness raising on micronutrient deficiency for pregnant women and chi ld feeding until 5 years old. Food Systems Roadmap Priority Area: Governance for more inclusive food systems. 9. Acceleration I MISTI, M EF, of Innovation MAFF, MoC, MoEYS, CARD, RAC, Universities 10. Realign public financial MEF, MoP, MoH, MAFF, CARD and MAFF, MISTI, and CARD CARD,NCDD MEF and MoP • Advocacy for increase investment on nutrition and incentives for innovative practice, w ith a focus on youth, ed ucation, digitalisation, mechanisation, enterprise, and SM Es (MISTI and Private Sector). • Capacity building and institutions to support research and development (MAFF, RAC). • Mechanization, digitalization, va lue adding, rice fortification (MAFF, MoC, W FP, Private Sector). • Digital schools and digital library (MoEYS) • Awareness raising for increased investment in nutrit ion (CARD). • Food fortification policy/strategy (MoP). 28 and policy incentives 11. Promoting informed consumer choice (Support healthy food choices from sustainable food systems). NCDD for sub-national level Molnf, Molnf, MoEYS, MoEYS, MoH, and CARD Moc, MISTI, Moc, MoH MoE, MAFF, MoP, CARD 23 PM Recommendation #2 NND, 6 Nov 2023. • Fiscal reform and promotion of green growth (MEF). • Advocacy for tax reforms to promote healthy diets and discourage consumption of unhealthy foods (CARD, DPs, CSOs). • Strengthen the governance and policies on climate change and the engagement of al l stakeholders (UNSDCF). • Facilitate the supply of nutritionally diverse, minimally processed staple foods such as fresh , seasonal and local fruits and vegetab les. • Facilitate the supply of a culturally acceptable, diverse basket of foods of both plant and animal origin to ensure sustainable diets (i.e. both healthy and environmentally sustainable). • Encourage the production of educational materials related to the topic of food systems, food sa fety, nutrition, and climate change for wide dissemination to the public (Mo lnf)23, with Moc, MoH, Moc, MAFF, MoE. Promote nutrition awareness campaigns t o foster behaviour change. Nutrition and Health days promoted at schools (MoEYS). • Create econom ic structures and support services to encourage and support better nutrition for pregnant and lactating women, exclus ive breast-feeding for infants up to six months and complementary feeding of children up to t wo years. Support for exclusive breast feeding (MoH), food fortification (MoP), promotion of locally sourced, safe and nutrit ious foods (MAFF), consumer protection t hrough food safety and food labell ing (Moc as focal point for food safety alerts and ACC ASEAN product recalls etc.). • Food labelling (MoC, M ISTI) including Eco-labelling (MoE) and establishing a traceability system and certification standards for aquaculture, fish and fish products, and other seafood products, to provide consumer information on the sustainability of fish products and other seafood products and to finance community fisheries (MAFF) 24. • Facilitate biodiversity conservation through sustainable use by promoting the product ion and consumption of nutritionally rich neglected and underutilized food species and local varieties (CARD, MAFF, FAO). 24 MoE, Cambodia's Roadmap for Susta inable Production and Consumption 2022-2035. 29 12. Engagement MAFF, MoC, CARD, SUN • Strengthen the contribution of the private sector towards healthy diets and pract ices for of the Private MoH, MISTI, Business improved nutrition for all Cambodians. Sector MoP Network • Provide incentives for improving the nutritional quality of processed foods and their promotion in food retail and advertising, as well as disincentives for non-adherence. • Improved food labelling and packaging (MoC, MISTI, MAFF, MoE, MoH). • Monitoring production standards and promotion of Iodized salt (MISTI). 30