The Mekong Delta, a critical region in southwestern Viet Nam, has long been known for its fertile lands, waterways, and vibrant agricultural and aquaculture industries. This region produces nearly half of Viet Nam’s rice and a significant portion of its aquaculture, fisheries, and fruit products. However, the impacts of climate change have posed significant challenges to the region’s agricultural productivity, threatening both the environment and local livelihoods.
One of the most pressing issues facing the Mekong Delta is saline intrusion. As a result of rising sea levels and altered seasonal rainfall patterns, freshwater availability has diminished, causing saltwater to move further inland. This intrusion has caused substantial crop losses, particularly in rice farming, where up to 70% of rice crops have become salt-affected. The remainder of crops either failed to produce or yielded no grain, leading to severe income losses for thousands of farmers.
In response to these challenges, a collaborative initiative was launched to address the issue of saline agriculture in the Mekong Delta. This capacity-building program was developed through a partnership between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and several international and local organizations, including Can Tho University, Eurofins, Fresh Studio, Royal Eijkelkamp, SkillEd, The Salt Doctors, Wageningen University and Research, and Witteveen+Bos. The program was funded by the Netherlands Trust Fund under the Water Financing Partnership Facility (WFPF), which has been instrumental in delivering innovative water-related solutions across Asia and the Pacific since 2006.
The program aimed to provide practical training and knowledge on saline agriculture to farmers in the Mekong Delta. By focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, the initiative sought to empower rural communities and equip them with the skills and tools needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Key aspects of the program included introducing salt-tolerant crop varieties and promoting effective adaptation strategies to sustain agricultural productivity in saline-affected areas.
Through hands-on workshops and training sessions, farmers were educated about the potential of saline agriculture and how they could benefit from growing crops that are more resilient to salt stress. The training program emphasized the importance of understanding soil salinity and how to manage it to ensure better crop yields. Participants were also encouraged to engage with the private sector, which played a critical role in investing in the supply chain for saline-resilient crops.
The program also focused on fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and the private sector. This collective approach was designed to build confidence in the long-term viability of saline agriculture and create a robust, sustainable agricultural ecosystem in the region. By working together, stakeholders aimed to drive economic growth, improve food security, and increase climate resilience in the Mekong Delta.
This innovative capacity-building program is not only helping farmers cope with the immediate effects of saline intrusion but also setting the stage for broader, long-term changes in the region’s agricultural landscape. By demonstrating that successful farming can continue in salt-affected areas, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a more resilient agricultural sector in the Mekong Delta and beyond.
