Effective agricultural technology uptake depends on a continuum of knowledge within the rural
community. Involving government officials, research and extension personnel, producers and
consumers in the process of technology development, adaptation and evaluation is often a
frustrating and slow process but it pays long-term dividends, particularly in developing countries.
This paper discusses the process through which the Cambodia-IRRI-Australia Project involved its
major donor, government officials, international and local institutions, non-government
organizations, traders and farmers in developing technologies for rice-based farming systems in
Cambodia. This successful approach re-established Cambodia as a rice-exporting nation after
suffering 25 years of grain shortages. New technology is estimated to add $2.4 billion Australian to
the income of rice farmers over a 30-year evaluation period.
