This study examines the role of Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) in Cambodia’s Home‑Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) during the 2024/25 school year. Through a mixed‑methods assessment conducted between July and August 2025, the research analysed AC contributions to supply chain performance, farmer livelihoods and sustainability. Findings indicate that ACs deliver fresher vegetables with superior post‑harvest practices compared to individual suppliers, though seasonal price fluctuations constrained delivery fulfilment.
Animal‑sourced foods remained largely market‑sourced due to limited AC production capacity. Economically, only 9 percent of AC members participated, indicating unfair distribution of profits among AC members, while school meal contracts contributed up to 40 percent of profits for some cooperatives. Profit distribution was inequitable, with 50–70 percent retained by contract managers and 30–50 percent shared among members.
ACs demonstrated cost efficiency for vegetables but limited comparative advantage for animal proteins, due to their limited capacity to produce animal-source foods. Recommendations include revising procurement frameworks, piloting slaughterhouse partnerships, strengthening AC governance and securing sustainable financing. These measures align with Cambodia’s 2024-2035 School Feeding Policy and aim to enhance sustainability, equity and supply‑chain efficiency.