Farmers adopting deeper digging strategies to combat persistent droughts
Strengthening the Resilience of Smallholder Agriculture in Vietnam's Vulnerable Regions
Over the past year, the Strengthening the Resilience of Smallholder Agriculture to Climate Change-Induced Water Insecurity (SACCR) project has been making a significant impact on local communities in Vietnam's South-Central Coast and Central Highlands provinces. Since its launch in May 2021, the project has reached over 80,000 smallholder farmers across Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Khánh Hòa, and Bình Thuận[1][2].
The SACCR project focuses on implementing simple, scalable, and climate-smart agricultural practices such as composting, straw mulching, crop rotation, and integrated farming[1]. These practices, which can be adopted with basic training and local resources, are designed to help farmers cope with the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Despite the challenges of difficult mountainous terrain, variable learning levels, and irregular attendance due to farmers' other obligations, the project has managed to achieve solid community engagement and results[1]. SACCR collaborates closely with provincial extension services to embed these practices into long-term agricultural strategies, aiming to strengthen peer-learning networks and scale impacts by 2026[1].
The impact of the SACCR project is already evident. Participants have reported measurable improvements, including reduced chemical use, better soil moisture, and stronger, more resilient crops[1]. The project is also contributing to broader goals of climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and poverty reduction in rural communities[1][3].
In Lâm Đồng, farmer Vương Thị Linh Chi led peer-learning sessions on intercropping to improve soil health and water retention[1]. In Đắk Lắk, 420 farmers, many from ethnic minority backgrounds, completed modules on crop planning and water use efficiency[1]. In Khánh Hòa, 30 smallholders recently gathered for a session on soil regeneration using the FFS model[1]. Sessions on composting and organic dragon fruit farming have reached 730 households in Lâm Đồng[1].
By 2026, the project aims to equip over 50,000 smallholder farmers in the targeted provinces with tools and training for climate adaptation[1]. The project also aims to expand peer-learning networks and strengthen links with provincial extension services, so that more communities can adapt successfully[1].
The SACCR project is funded by the Green Climate Fund and highlights the integration of community-based approaches to build resilience among smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate-induced water insecurity[3]. Agricultural advisor Nguyễn Văn Đình stated, "Since 2021, we've supported farmers not just with inputs, but with practical knowledge. That makes all the difference."[1]
However, challenges remain. Deputy Director of SACCR in Khánh Hòa, Lương Kim Ngân, mentioned that some farmers are unable to attend regularly due to family or work obligations, the terrain is often mountainous, and learning levels vary[1]. Despite these challenges, the SACCR project continues to provide practical knowledge to farmers, aiming to sustain its gains in Vietnam’s vulnerable agro-ecological zones[1][3].
The South-Central Coast and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam are experiencing climate change effects, such as shifting weather patterns and increased frequency of droughts[1]. The SACCR project is a vital step towards helping these communities adapt and build resilience in the face of these challenges.
[1] SACCR Project Website: www.saccr.vn [2] UNDP Vietnam: www.vietnam.undp.org [3] Green Climate Fund: www.greenclimate.fund
- The SACCR project, aiding smallholder farmers in Vietnam, embraces scientific methods like composting, straw mulching, and integrated farming, all of which are aimed at improving resilience against climate change.
- Incorporating environmental science principles into long-term agricultural strategies, SACCR seeks to promote health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and healthier crops through peer-learning networks.
- The government, in partnership with the Green Climate Fund, supports the SACCR project, which emphasizes the importance of AI and technological advancements in overcoming climate change challenges such as climate-change and environmental-science issues.
- The impacts of SACCR are noticeable in improved soil health, reduced chemical use, and more resilient crops, contributing to the government's goals for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and poverty reduction.
- War and conflict, however, can hinder the project's progress, as some farmers may be unable to attend due to family or work obligations and the difficult mountainous terrain.
- The SACCR project addresses the climate change-induced water insecurity problem in Vietnam's vulnerable regions by implementing practical knowledge and tools for climate adaptation among 50,000 smallholder farmers by 2026, building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient culture overall.
