Context: Multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential for food systems transformation as it harnesses diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, enabling innovative solutions that address complex food systems challenges.
Partners: WWF, Minh Phu Social Enterprise, Local Government of Ca Mau Province, Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD)
Duration: Ongoing (three-year pilot started; expanded thereafter)
Location: Vietnam
Impact Achieved:
Description:
Rising rice prices have pushed Viet Nam Mekong Delta farmers to year-round cultivation, worsening climate impacts and harming fish populations due to the use of chemicals and disruption of natural flooding cycles. The Integrated Rice and Shrimp Farming initiative in the Mekong Delta brings together farmers, businesses, civil society, and local governments to implement a nature-positive solution aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and climate resilience. The project is implemented by Minh Phu Social Enterprise, a sustainability-focused arm of the country’s largest shrimp producer, and is supported by the local government. The project encourages farmers to replace their third rice crop with shrimp farming during the dry season, using the natural water cycle to alternate between saltwater and freshwater. Farmers are cultivating ancient floating rice and native varieties in flooded fields, promoting soil rejuvenation and sustainable practices without chemical inputs or water manipulation. This shrimp-rice rotation model enhances soil health, increases biodiversity, and boosts local incomes. Within a year, yields and profits have tripled, while environmental benefits include reduced land subsidence and the elimination of chemicals and groundwater extraction. Following its success, the project is being scaled up with support from green finance investors. Engaging private sector investment and social enterprises to successfully run the project has significantly accelerated the adoption of nature-positive practices by mobilizing more resources and increasing the scale of impact.
More info here.
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