AN ANALYSIS OF PADDY SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN CAMBODIA

Efforts by developing economies to increase the export of agricultural products to global markets have focused increased attention on supply chain management. In seeking to promote the export of its agricultural products such as rice, Cambodia faces numerous challenges. This study analyses supply chain practices in Cambodia for paddy and identifies areas for improvement in terms of competitiveness, efficiency and value distribution with the interests of producers, consumers and industry competitiveness in mind. The study synthesizes the literature, industry information and perspectives from industry participants to develop a deep understanding of the Cambodian rice industry. Rice in Cambodia is the staple food and plays a vital role in economic development and poverty alleviation. The industry is dominated by traditional supply chain practices, characterised by inconsistent supply, many chain actors, small-scale and dispersed producers, a lack of drying and storage facilities, limited access to markets and market information. Poor communication and low levels of coordination along the supply chain impairs Cambodia’s competitiveness and capacity to export to global markets.