Hanoi, Viet Nam – The recently concluded National Knowledge-Sharing Workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Viet Nam stressed the crucial role of innovative financial solutions in promoting sustainable agriculture. Participants recommended the introduction of green bonds, green loans, and CSA-specific insurance products to meet the climate-related needs of farmers.
Food security, livelihoods, and economic stability in Viet Nam are under threat due to climate change. Responding to these pressing challenges, the Mekong Institute (MI), in collaboration with the Vietnam University of Agriculture (VNUA) and with support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), organized the workshop on November 6-7, 2024, in Hanoi.
Opening the event, Ms. Maria Theresa Medialdia, Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department at MI, welcomed participants and emphasized the urgent need to advance CSA in response to the growing challenges of climate change. “Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and fluctuating water availability are now our new reality,” she stated. “These impacts are particularly severe for smallholder farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods.”
Prof. Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President of VNUA, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts between MI and VNUA in advancing CSA in Viet Nam through the workshop. He noted that the partnership leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations: “Our collaboration combines VNUA’s academic expertise and research capacity with MI’s regional reach and practical field experience. Together, we are equipping stakeholders with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to adapt to climate challenges and secure resilient livelihoods,” Prof. Dr. Cuong said.
Representing DFAT, Mr. Tony Harman, Counsellor (Agriculture) at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, underlined DFAT’s commitment to working alongside Viet Nam to address the agricultural challenges posed by climate change.
The workshop revealed several barriers to CSA adoption among stakeholders, including limited awareness of CSA practices, a lack of supportive finance policies, and farmers’ insufficient capacity to invest in long-term sustainable practices. In addition, smallholder farmers face challenges, such as restricted land ownership and inadequate access to collateral and skills necessary for CSA adoption.
Despite these challenges, the workshop highlighted promising opportunities. The Vietnamese government’s emphasis on digital technology in agriculture, combined with international market demand for sustainable products, presents unique growth prospects. The “Revolution 4.0” initiative focused on digital transformation was cited as a potential driver for CSA innovations in Viet Nam.
To bridge the knowledge gap, participants called for enhanced capacity-building programs aimed at agricultural extension officers and farmers. They recommended utilizing digital tools to effectively disseminate CSA practices while suggesting that pilot projects and model farms could serve as practical examples for others to follow.
The workshop included a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, Food and Agriculture Organization – Viet Nam Office, Agribank Viet Nam, and Hachi Vietnam High Technology Joint Stock Company. The panelists shared insights on CSA-related challenges and opportunities.
On the second day of the workshop, participants visited Vineco Tam Dao Greenhouses, the Hydroponic NFT system operated by Hachi Vietnam and the Center of Excellence in Research and Innovation at VNUA. This hands-on experience provided practical insights into the application of CSA technologies and underscored the value of real-world learning in promoting sustainable practices.
Ms. Medialdia expressed optimism about the workshop’s impact, “By fostering a supportive environment, strengthening knowledge sharing, and mobilizing resources, we can help Viet Nam build a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.”
MI will use the insights and recommendations from the workshop to guide future CSA initiatives in Viet Nam and other Mekong countries, as it continues to support the subregion’s efforts toward a climate-resilient agricultural sector.
