Environmental research

The project Developing a community-based model on conservation and sustainable use of drought and salinity tolerant rice varieties to adapt to climate change impact in Phuoc Long Commune, Phuoc Long District, Bac Lieu Province aims to contribute to minimizing vulnerability and strengthening local adaptive capacity in order to reduce the impacts from droughts and salt water intrusion in rice production at Phuoc Long Commune, Phuoc Long District, Bac Lieu Province. The project has two specific objectives as (1) To enhance the awareness and understanding of the local authorities and people on the impacts of climate change on socio-economic development and (2)To build a model for applying technological advances in conservation and sustainable use of local rice varieties which are tolerant to droughts and salinity. This is in line with the strategic directions in terms of restructuring in agriculture production for the socio-economic development of the People s Committee of Phuoc Long district. The project will be undertaken in 3 villages of Phuoc Long commune with a focus on the model building while awareness raising activities will be conducted widely in the whole commune. The project main activities include the followings. 1. Organizing awareness raising activities to enhance understanding and knowledge on CC and its impacts, and adaptation measures 2. Building a model of 100-105 ha of 2-3 drought and salinity tolerant rice varieties 3. Establishing 2-3 groups of farmers to meet the demand of the commune and other neighboring communes in drought and salinity tolerant rice seed production 4. Organizing 10 technical training workshops and one study tour for the participating farmers The key results of the project is to enhance the capacity of rice farmers to cope better with the droughts and salt water intrusion as impacts of climate change. Income of rice farmers will be secured and increased by 10-12%. The drought and salinity tolerant rice varieties which are tested successfully will be promoted for wide application in the commune and other areas through the dissemination of the project technical document and availability of provision of seeds.

Vietnam