NWP supports sustainable water & food solutions for saline Mekong Delta

Funded by the Asian Development Bank, NWP developed three unique training courses on saline agriculture in close collaboration with Dutch and Vietnamese partners. Based on local needs, participatory research, and on-site training, the courses covered an array of information and possibilities. The training pilot not only focused on adapting agriculture and horticulture to the irreversible saline conditions in the vulnerable Mekong Delta, but covered other areas too. This included thinking about reducing the monoculture of rice, creating freshwater resources, building on nature-based principles, and looking at alternative ways of food production.

The goal of this integrated approach that covers interventions on soil, water and crops, was to develop practical local skills to tackle salinity in agricultural production. This would support a more sustainable use of the water available in food production and enhance food security.

Water & Agri knowledge exchange

The training courses go in-depth into the practical implementation of knowledge on saline agriculture, in particular on how to improve fruit and vegetable production in the delta. The first course, 26-28 September, covered topics such as impacts on soil and water, measuring soil and water data, and data-driven action. The second course, 29 September–1 October, looked at hydroponics, and groundwater and water management combined with adaptation and mitigation strategies. It also looked at the connection with markets and economic aspects. The third course, 30 November–2 December, introduced the trainees to the world of blended learning. The trainees jointly worked on digital modules which enable them to share knowledge on the hydroponic cultivation of vegetables. The experience was based on a demo in the field. The data collected were used to support field activities.

Cross-sectoral collaboration

NWP has long worked on the interlinkages between water and other relevant themes, as it does not see water as a stand-alone commodity. The water-food-agriculture nexus in particular provides interesting opportunities for the broad NWP network to work together and create fit-for-purpose and sustainable solutions. The cross-sectoral collaboration between Dutch and Vietnamese partners showcased the strength of an international network, the effectiveness of partnering international financial institutes, the value of demand-driven knowledge, and the added value of Dutch expertise.

Joining forces

The trainees, representing an excellent mix of private sector, local departments of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture (DARD), and farmers' organisations, were very eager to learn more about putting saline agriculture knowledge, which was based on participatory research, into practice. NWP worked with local knowledge and research institutes, and local partnerships. These included: Can Tho University, Nông Lâm University, the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research Vietnam, the Digital Agriculture Association, and the Vietnam Farmers' Union. The Vietnam Farmers' Union is a network of 11 million farmers. On the Dutch side, NWP was joined by The Salt Doctors, SkillEd, Eurofins, Fresh Studio, and NWP members Royal Eijkelkamp Soil & Water, Wageningen University & Research, and Witteveen+Bos.