Zhang Dongdong helps transport prawn fry donated to local farmers in Takeo, Cambodia, in September. CHINA DAILY

On-site experience

For Zhang Dongdong, a Chinese visiting teacher in Cambodia involved in the project, introducing a new farming model requires more than explaining its scientific principles.

Many local farmers initially had little understanding of integrated rice-fish farming or related advanced techniques, he said.

The project team began by demonstrating the methods, then guiding farmers through the process step by step.

"We showed them how to do it first. At the same time, we taught them how to do it. We provided hands-on guidance," Zhang said.

After farmers achieved successful results, the team invited other households to visit the demonstration sites and learn from their experience. "In this way, they saw tangible results. More farmers got involved," he said.

The approach has helped turn individual demonstrations into a process of knowledge sharing. Rather than simply introducing equipment, the project seeks to equip farmers with the skills to manage production themselves and continue applying the techniques.

As farmers' needs differ according to their resources, infrastructure and technical knowledge, measures that address these constraints directly are more likely to produce sustained improvements in income.

In Takeo, the combination of existing farmland, additional aquaculture production, digital monitoring and practical training has offered a model adapted to local circumstances.

The project was recognized in 2025 by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as one of the best practices of global poverty reduction.

Spreading influence

The Cambodia experience has attracted attention from international agricultural experts, who see potential in combining established farming practices with technological innovation.

Eduardo Leano, director-general of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific, said rice-fish farming is a community-based aquaculture system that can be particularly appropriate for developing countries.

Integrating innovations into the system could help small-scale farmers improve production, he said, while addressing the challenge of translating research and innovation into practical applications at the farm level.

"The gap that we are trying to address is how we can bring this technology from innovation down to the farm level," Leano said.

He added that China could play an important role in promoting innovative technologies and helping developing countries adopt them, particularly among small-scale farms.

For Leano, the significance of cooperation lies not only in the technologies being introduced, but also in the possibility of making scientific advances accessible to communities that have traditionally had limited access to them.

Essam Yassin Mohammed, director-general of WorldFish, similarly emphasized the role of aquaculture in addressing food security, nutritional needs and poverty.

As natural fish stocks face pressure and demand for food continues to grow, fish farming can make an important contribution to feeding communities and supporting rural livelihoods, he said.

China's experience is particularly relevant. The country accounts for about 60 percent of global aquaculture production, Mohammed said, giving it considerable experience in transforming the sector and developing technologies that can support production.

But he cautioned that innovation alone does not guarantee inclusive development. Advances in artificial intelligence, data and digital technologies can improve production efficiency, yet high capital costs may prevent small-scale producers from accessing them.

He urged universities and governments to examine how technological advances can be made accessible not only to farmers, but also to people involved in marketing, processing and value addition.

"What we need is an inclusive transformation to bring about that shared prosperity that we always dream about," he said.

Li Jiayu contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at zhaoyimeng@chinadaily.com.cn