ACIAR - Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradehcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/files/hnoi/Newsletter Jan17 _ ENG.pdf · Ambassador met with scientist alumni of John Dillon Fellowship

ACIARin Vietnam January 2017

<aciar.gov.au>

NewsAmbassador’s first visit to North West (p.2)Promoting gender equality in agricultural research and development (p.3)Climate change − a key focus for an ACIAR PAC meeting (p.4)Sustainability of a project (p.5)Ambassador met with scientist alumni of John Dillon Fellowship (p.6)ACIAR Vietnam key dates in first half of 2017 (p.7)

Project updatesTowards sustainable cassava value chains in Son La and Dak Lak (p.8) Early results of mollusc project after two years of implementation in Vietnam (p10) Mid-term reflection of the temperate fruit project (p.12)Supporting farmers in responding to drought and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta (p.15)Rice-Shrimp project final review highlights research successes (p.17)Mid-term review and future plans for project on water, soil and nutrients management (p.19)

Capacity buildingCongratulations to the new awardees! (p.21)My experience in research and life in Australia (p.22)

Humans of ACIARDedicated to the prosperity of the highlands (p.23)

Collecting market information on plums from Fivimart. Photo: Project temperate fruit. (See page 12)

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

In October 2016, the new Australian Ambassador to Vietnam HE Mr Craig Chittick paid his first visit to the North West. He and embassy staff, who are in charge of Development Cooperation and Agriculture, were warmly welcomed by the North West people and leaders.

In the trip to Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai and Son La, the delegation observed the significant Australian contributions to the development of this region. They include farm management, application of advanced mining technologies, water supply in remote areas, and particularly agricultural research partnership through ACIAR program.

In Son La, five ACIAR projects are being implemented. During meetings with the Ambassador, Son La provincial leaders expressed their appreciation for the support from the Australian Government and for the growing partnerships. The delegation visited four sites of the Agroforestry and Off-seasonal vegetable projects located in Son La. The Ambassador met with key researchers, farmers and businesses participating in and receiving benefits from the projects. The Ambassador and partners saw the positive impacts of the research program in economic growth, private sector linkages, women’s empowerment, environmental protection and capacity building.

In meetings with North West leaders, the Ambassador announced a new Australian Government investment through a A$35 million development project focusing on women’s economic empowerment in Son La and Lao Cai, promoting

Ambassador’s first visit to the North West

The delegation with TAFOOD staff. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

Joining a dance of Thai ethnic at farmer’s house. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

‘Farmers can earn VND300 million (~A$18,000) per ha per year from accredited safe vegetables, which is 150% more than conventional vegetable cropping, and 14 times more than the VND20 million (~A$1,260) per ha expected from growing maize or rice’. – Findings from the off-seasonal vegetable.

gender equality in the agricultural and tourism sectors. Collaborative research through ACIAR will continue to focus on supporting market linkages for agricultural products from the North West, complementing the Australian development investment in the region.

The hospitality of local people and typical Northwest cuisine and landscape have left unforgettable memories for the delegation through the busy but successful trip.

Addressing the Ambassador, Mrs Tham, director of TAFOOD, a company adopting processing technology for Son Tra fruit transferred from AFLi – an agroforestry project, remarked: ‘Information from ACIAR research helped us better understand the potentials of production areas and markets, so that we can have much clearer and practical business plans’.

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

Among Vietnam’s farming communities, what are the existing gender norms, and how do these impact development projects aimed at delivering more productive, sustainable and profitable agricultural systems?

Agricultural researchers believe that failure to consider gender norms ultimately leads to low levels of adoption of technological innovations among the intended users, and in fact, exacerbates gender inequality among members of agricultural communities. To help research and development workers increase their impact, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) organised a workshop on ‘Strengthening the gender lens in agricultural production and value-chain research in Vietnam’ on 6 and 7 October 2016.

Representatives from research and development organisations and NGOs expanded and shared their knowledge of gender dimensions in agricultural production, especially challenges to the traditional roles of women and men in rural areas in the context of rapidly changing agriculture in Vietnam. The challenges identified include: increased levels of commercialisation and market integration, adoption of labour-efficient technologies, migration of youth seeking non-farm work opportunities, and other factors.

Promoting gender equality in agricultural research and development

Ms Mia Urbano (Australian Embassy) performed a remarkable presentation, drawing active participation. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

Speaking at the workshop, Prof Dang Nguyen Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), highlighted the paradox of the women’s role and benefits they receive from agricultural production. He said: ‘Women account for over 50% of the total agricultural workforce. The market economy, land reforms and rural development have brought about more favourable conditions for agricultural production in Vietnam, however it is typically men rather than women who are the key beneficiaries’.

Gender equality is one of the development priorities of the Australian Government in Vietnam. Australian Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Layton Pike, in his opening remarks said: ‘Australia places a strong emphasis on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across all of the Embassy’s engagements in Vietnam. We are proud of the long standing cooperation between Australian and Vietnamese agricultural research institutions, and believe that improving the terms of women’s engagement in agriculture will be contributing to the socio-economic development of this country’.

The workshop has provided inputs for ACIAR gender strategy in Vietnam. Details of this strategy are at <Vietnam.embassy.gov.au>. Further information and reports of the workshop are at <aciargenderlens.wordpress.com>.

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

The Policy Advisory Council (PAC) of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) met in September 2016 to discuss strategic issues related to climate change and the impact on agriculture in the IndoPacific Region. The function of the Council is to provide advice to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the agricultural problems of developing countries, and programs and policies relating to agricultural research for identifying or finding solutions to those problems.

The PAC President, Prof Kym Anderson AO acknowledged the multi-sectoral and economy-wide nature of the climate change issue. He said: ‘Agriculture is both affected by, and a contributor to, climate change. There is great scope for agricultural research to contribute to adaptation by farmers’.

Dr Nguyen Van Bo, PAC member from Vietnam said: ‘The impact of climate change on agricultural production in Vietnam has become the biggest challenge. According to the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dec 2016), for the first six months of the year, growth in the agricultural sector decreased by 0.18% due to severe damage caused by natural disasters1 and marine life disaster affecting four provinces in Central Vietnam. However, with the sector’s

efforts, GDP growth of the whole sector so far has reached 1.2%, according to estimates by the General Statistics Office; production value (in constant prices in 2010) increased by 1.44%2 , of which Horticulture decreased by 0.9%, Livestock, Forestry, and Fishery increased respectively by 5.4%, 6.17%, and 2.91%’.

After the meeting, the Council recommended ACIAR develop a 10-year plan to support knowledge sharing and capacity building for agricultural research to adapt to climate change. The recommendations are taken seriously by ACIAR. Instead of a 4-year strategy as in the past, ACIAR is developing a 10-year strategy in the first half of 2017. Climate change remains one of the top priorities in its future agenda.

1 In 2016, natural disasters caused 1,424 sunk or damaged boats; respectively 520,414 and 148,501 ha of damaged rice and produce; 387,945 ha of damaged industrial and perennial crops and fruit trees; 528 damaged lakes and small dams, 131 km eroded dykes; respectively 75,386 and 1,746,300 dead cattle and poultry.

2 The growth rate of production value in 2015: +2.45% in Q1, +1.82% in QII; +1.77% in Q3, +4.05% in Q4, +2.63% in total annual growth rate. The growth rate of production value in 2016: -0.5% in Q1; +0.28% in Q2; -2.31% in Q3, +6.02% in Q4; +1.44% in total annual growth rate.

Climate change − a key focus for an ACIAR PAC meeting

ACIAR CEO, Commissioners and PAC members at the University of Queensland. Photo: ACIAR.

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

Sustainability of a projectDuring 2009 - 2013, Tay Bac University (TBU) joined a collaborative research project on soil erosion management, integrated crop management and maize and plum value chain, under the ACIAR project ‘Improved market engagement for sustainable upland production systems in the north-western highlands of Vietnam’ (AGB/2008/002). The project itself has been completed, but the research methodology and the lessons learnt are being used by TBU lecturers and students for further studies on Maize-Legume intercropping. They inherited the ACIAR project’s results on farming and intercropping techniques and soil erosion management methods for maize cultivation.

At the 7th National Conference on Science and Technology by Youth in Universities and Colleges for Agriculture, Forestry,

By Nguyen Hoang Phuong − Tay Bac University

Fisheries, and Water Resources, MSc Nguyen Hoang Phuong - Lecturer of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry (TBU) submitted the research results to the academic council on Agronomy. The Conference was held jointly by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union at Vietnam National University of Forestry in 26 – 27 November 2016. Phuong’s report was recognised by the Council and was awarded the first prize.

Tay Bac University appreciates the support and cooperation of ACIAR and related partners. The university is looking forward to collaborating in further activities for sustainable development in North West Vietnam.

MSc Nguyen Hoang Phuong’s report won the first prize at the conference. Photo provided by Nguyen Hoang Phuong.

Left: MSc Nguyen Hoang Phuong with colleagues on farm. Photo provided by Nguyen Hoang Phuong.

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

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On 21 September 2016, scientists who participated in ACIAR’s John Dillon Fellowship (JDF) were invited to a function hosted by HE Mr Craig Chittick, the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam at his residence. They shared their training experiences and the ways that the courses benefited their work with the Ambassador.

Four JDF alumni at the function are currently working as managers at top agriculture research institutions and universities in Vietnam. They appreciated the rigour of the training they received in communication and leadership skills, as well as the visits to Australian institutions, organisations and businesses to see how they operate, and gain practical experience.

Dr Tran Minh Tien remarked that the JDF program was very interesting. The course about leadership skills allowed participants to identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve themselves. Dr Pham Thi Ngoc Linh spoke about the differences between a leader and a manager and recognised ACIAR for supporting her in both roles. She also received a John Allwright Fellowship to do her PhD in Perth before joining JDF. Dr Luu Ngoc Quyen appraised Australia’s performance in linking farmers with businesses. ‘I was impressed by the good

Ambassador met with scientist alumni of John Dillon Fellowship

relationship between producers and distributors of farmer organisations in Alice Springs and Darwin’, said Dr Quyen to the Ambassador and guests. Dr Tien also shared his opinion and recommended that Vietnam may selectively adopt the way organisations and institutions in Australia actively seek and manage funds from various sources (including enterprises) for their research. Dr Mai Anh Khoa explained the importance of good communication skills because a project team usually works with various stakeholders and partners from different backgrounds.

The Ambassador places significant value on building a strategic plan to enhance the long-term partnership between the two countries. Alumni play an essential role in delivering knowledge of Australia to Vietnamese people and vice versa.

The John Dillon Fellowship and the John Allwright Fellowship are two scholarship programs for researchers who are directly involved in projects funded by ACIAR in its partner countries. During the last 23 years, ACIAR’s JDF has received 18 fellows from Vietnam, while the JAF has brought 73 talented Vietnamese researchers to Australia for Masters of Science and PhD programs. The Fellowships have made a great contribution to agricultural research and development in Vietnam.

JDF Alumni with Ambassador and Embassy officers. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

NEWS<aciar.gov.au>

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In 2017, ACIAR Vietnam will be busy with 17 new research and a number of significant events, including:

• The final round of consultations with Vietnamese partners to refresh the priority list for 2017-2027 for ACIAR Vietnam program on 6 March

• A research symposium and market day to highlight the impacts and potentials of the program in North West in the week of 5 June. The collaboration between farmers-business people-researchers-policy makers will be promoted during the event.

Key dates are:

ACIAR Vietnam key dates in first half of 2017

DATE EVENT

17 – 18 Jan Annual meeting project Forest Plantation Policy ADP/2014/047

30 Jan ACIAR Photography Competition closure

12 – 15 Feb Midterm review project Beef cattle in South Central Coast

13 – 23 Feb Innovation Xchange visit

16 – 17 Feb Fisheries program meeting in Brisbane

6 Mar Final round of Country Consultations for ACIAR Vietnam strategy 2017 - 2027

9 Mar Launch of project North West Beef cattle LPS/2015/037

14 Mar Launch of project Vegetables AGB/2014/035

21 Mar Launch of project AFLi 2 FST/2016/152

31 May Deadline for submission of John Allwright Fellowship applications

6 – 11 Jun Mountain Research Symposium, Industry Forum and Market

June Launch of project Maize 2 SMCN/2014/049

2017 project locations in Vietnam.

PROJECT UPDATES<aciar.gov.au>

The production, processing and use of cassava in Southeast Asia constitute a highly complex value chain that is undergoing rapid development. Cassava has become an important cash crop in Southeast Asia in terms of smallholder income and rural livelihoods, with significant contributions to regional and national economies. Vietnam is the world’s second largest exporter of cassava products, with the value of exports exceeding US$1.3 billion in 2015. Yet the sustainability of the industry is under increasing pressure from several endogenous and exogenous factors, including soil erosion, declining soil fertility, spread of emerging pests and diseases, and increasing labour costs. In addition, while the underlying global demand is currently strong it is highly variable due to connections with other global commodity markets, exposing farmers to considerable risk.

The project ‘Developing value-chain linkages to improve smallholder cassava production systems in Vietnam and Indonesia’ was commissioned to facilitate the development of more sustainable and inclusive cassava value chains. Specifically, the project aims to identify opportunities and constraints facing smallholder production and marketing of cassava within different value chains in Vietnam and Indonesia. Through an understanding of the production systems and value chains, the

project seeks to enhance the adoption of improved cassava technologies by developing agribusiness models to better link primary value-chain players (farmers, traders, processors) and support players (researchers, government agencies, industry bodies). Through learning alliances at the province, national and international scale, successful agribusiness models will be disseminated within the Southeast Asian region as part of a five country program supported by ACIAR.

In Vietnam, the project operates in two important cassava growing regions - Son La province in the North West and Dak Lak province in the Central Highlands. In September 2016 the project held inception workshops in the two project sites to introduce the project and to identify opportunities to support the needs of cassava farmers, processors and traders. The workshops involved representatives from government organisations, research institutions, the private sector, local extension network representatives and members of farming communities. The inception workshops are part of a process to define the problems facing small stakeholders participating in different agro-ecological regions and cassava value chains and to identify priorities for the project’s intervention during the next three years.

By Pham Thi Sen1, Do Trong Hieu1, and Jonathan Newby2

Project team and partners. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

Towards sustainable cassava value chains in Son La and Dak Lak

Group discussions on project’s priorities. Photo: Project team. Inception workshop in Son La province. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

Local participants in the workshop all expressed strong interest in the project and commitment to its implementation. Participants included leaders of the Son La and Dak Lak provinces, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, extension workers and cassava farmers. One

of the prerequisites for the project is to strengthen linkages between stakeholders and promote the adoption of improved technologies in the cassava industry. Both local authorities and industry leaders committed to support the implementation of agronomic trials and demonstrations beginning in 2017.

The University Queensland and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) provided training on conducting value-chain assessments to the research team, local government, and private sector representatives. The training brought together stakeholders in the value chain to map the current linkages, constraints, and opportunities. The results are helping not only to determine what activities are conducted in 2017 but also to develop strategies to scale-up for widespread adoption by working with key people in the value chain who have an incentive to promote these innovations.

As cassava prices fall substantially, boosting productivity in 2016-17 will be critical to ensuring profitability for smallholders and a sustainable and reliable supply of feedstock for processors. Technologies identified by stakeholders as having potential for boosting productivity included (i) identifying more locally adapted varieties; (ii) extending the processing season through delayed harvesting;(iii) addressing emerging pests and diseases (such as cassava witches broom); and (iv) ensuring sustainable production and supply of cassava roots for processors by minimising land degradation and addressing soil fertility decline. Economic evaluation of existing technologies, the development of new business models, and policy engagement are all aimed at ensuring that cassava – the hidden ingredient in global value chains – remains a sustainable livelihood ac- tivity for upland farmers throughout Vietnam and a profitable part of the rural economy.

Follow the project team and market developments at: https://goo.gl/P8EYDR.1 Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (NOMAFSI)2 International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

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Commencing in 2014 researchers from the Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 (RIA1) and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industry have been working on an ACIAR project: ‘Enhancing bivalve production in northern Vietnam and Australia’ (FIS/2010/100). The objectives are to increase hatchery-based bivalve mollusc production in Vietnam and Australia and expand opportunities for coastal communities in Vietnam to rear molluscs.

In 2008 stocks of the Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) were imported, and with the help of Australian experts under the ACIAR program were produced in the hatchery by RIA1 staff. Although they are a new aquaculture species in northern Vietnam, Crassostrea angulate are fast growing with good shell shape and meat quality and are now cultured in 28 provinces. Overall, production is estimated to have reached 15,000 tonnes per annum, with the majority coming from Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces. Oysters are now available in wholesale markets, supermarkets (Metro, Aeon, Coopmart), restaurants and luxury hotels in small coastal towns and big cities like Hanoi.

Two years after implementation, the project has achieved significant results. The genetic diversity of available Crassostrea angulata stocks originally sourced from Vietnam and China can be used to establish a breeding program. Selective breeding has begun and systems capable of producing up to 100 families of oysters at a time have been constructed and used at the National Marine Broodstock Center, Cat Ba, Hai Phong. The second generation of oysters from the breeding program has now been produced and is being evaluated on the basis of key performance traits including growth and survival. A hatchery run using the best performing families produced from the original breeding stock is currently underway to distribute improved seed to selected commercial partners for evaluation.

A challenge that has been identified is the lack of females in the breeding season which directly affects both the breeding program and commercial seed production. The cause is unknown, but strategies, such as conditioning and deployment to different sites, are being developed to increase broodstock availability.

Early results of mollusc project after two years of implementation in Vietnam

By Vu Van In1, Vu Thi Ngoc Lien1, Michael Dove2, Wayne O’Connor2

Oyster farming in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

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1 Research Institute for Aquaculture No.12 NSW Department of Primary Industries

For further information, please contact Dr Vu Van In <vuvanin@ria1.org>.

A water quality monitoring program has been established and continues to regularly collect environmental data on farms in Ban Sen commune (Van Don district, Quang Ninh province) including physico-chemical parameters (ToC; pH; DO, S‰); nutrients (N - NH4+, N- NO2-, N - NO3-, P - PO43-), metals (As, Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn) and phytoplankton diversity. Oyster health has been monitored through routine collection and archiving of samples. Oyster and water samples are being regularly collected and analysed for microorganisms (E. coli, Salmonella and Vibrio) that could affect food safety while other farming challenges, such as low survival due to marine worm infestations are being studied to develop management solutions.

Left: Commercial oysters. Photo: Project team.

Data analysis for oyster breeding program. Photo: Project team.

Below: Replicated rearing systems for the production of oyster family generations. Photo: Project team.

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Market and consumer research – potential for development

During 2015 and 2016 the project research team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and China markets for plums and a less extensive analysis for peach, persimmon and pear. The project team also studied supply chains for these four focus fruit from Moc Chau and Bac Ha.

Important findings stemming from this study are:

• the potential for further growth in export of both ripened and unripened plums to China

• the opportunity for development of a plum processing industry in Vietnam once the potential environmental impact is appropriately assessed

• the strong competitive advantage that Vietnamese Tam Hoa plums have in China due to the variety being popular and ripening 2-3 weeks earlier than in China

• the higher price of ripened plums in urban markets and increase in production areas over the last decade due to the development of export chains to China that reduced the supply to domestic markets and stabilised plum prices at a more profitable level

• a decline in plum production in Lao Cai and to a lesser extent in Son La province in recent years

• a substantial quantity of plums is imported from China, but because of the difference in seasonality between countries, this does not affect early ripening plum varieties grown in Vietnam

• the very short production season and limited market size for plums can still cause oversupply and rapid price declines, making the industry risky for farmers

• diversification of plum varieties could help to extend the plum season but any plum production that would ripen in late June and July will compete with plums imported from China

• old plum orchards need to be renewed and orchard management practices need to be improved

• the opportunity to develop a production protocol for unripen plums in areas that do not have favourable microclimatic conditions to grow high quality ripened plums.

Mid-term reflection of the temperate fruit projectBy Oleg Nicetic1 and Dinh Thi Huyen Tram2

At the beginning of October 2016, a three-day mid-term review (MTR) workshop was organised for project ‘Increasing competitiveness and market access of smallholders in NW Vietnam to regional temperate fruit markets’ (AGB/2012/060) to evaluate past activities and draft necessary adjustments for future progress.

Researchers and reviewers discussing at Fivimart superarket. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

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The study has proposed some specific interventions, which are:

• developing a channel for high-quality ripened plums to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and China (mainly Nanning)

• increasing unripened plum production for export to China and evaluate feasibility for development of green plum processing facilities in Vietnam

• diversifying plum varieties to extend the plum season

• developing plum production protocols that are specific for green plum and ripened plum markets

• evaluating the value of Geographic Indication certification and branding for temperate fruit (TF) in North West Vietnam.

These important findings as well as recommendations were communicated to relevant stakeholders in the first provincial forums held in Lao Cai and Son La (September 2015).

Modern markets – opportunities and challenges

In the 2016 plum season, the project team also facilitated the development of a high quality plum value chain, which supplied the best plums from Ban On and Pa Khen villages of Moc Chau district, Son La province to major modern retailers in Hanoi including Fivimart, Bac Tom and even Klever Fruit, a retail chain that focuses on high quality imported fruits. Growers from Pa Khen received a certificate for safe fruit production. High-quality hand-picked plums were delivered to local collectors. They packed and transported plums to retailers within 24 hours, with negligible post-harvest losses. Despite the successful establishment and operation of the chain, initial analysis indicates that even though high value is created in the market, a relatively small proportion of that value benefited farmers and local collectors. In addition, the volume of plums that modern retailers can absorb is small, with limited potential for scaling up in the short term.

State of nurseries – major limiting factor for temperate fruit industry development

In June 2016, the project organised two provincial forums with Lao Cai, Lai Chau and Son La provinces, focusing on nursery production of grafted seedlings. Prior to the forums, nursery experts from Australia and Southern Vietnam were invited to work with the project team and review the current situation of the nursery industry (both private and state-owned nurseries) in the North West region.

Several issues were identified, including:

• nurseries have a very narrow product focus consisting of two - three species that are represented with only one - two varieties

• scions are sourced from a very limited number of aging

mother trees that are in decline

• rootstock are grown from the seeds collected in the local area and this seems to be working well with current varieties, but with the introduction of new cultivars/scions this is likely to change and selected rootstock mother trees will need to be grown in the future.

Recommendations include the need to:

• develop a skills training package in nursery production and business management

• develop and implement a seedling quality standard/system relevant for Vietnam

• track on-farm seedling failure to establish the primary causes of failure

• evaluate and improve diagnostic laboratories in Vietnam to support development of nurseries by providing testing on pathogens and soil nutrients

• establish a relationship and trust with international breeding and nursery networks.

In addition, a GIS map of two districts in Lai Chau province was completed and sent to the Department of Agriculture in Lai Chau. This map will help to identify suitable fruit for certain areas, thus informing local government planning for fruit production development. The GIS maps of Moc Chau and Van Ho district (Son La province) are planned to be completed in 2017.

Barriers of adoption – limited stakeholder participation

The project team evaluated five recently completed projects related to TF implemented in NW Vietnam in an attempt to better understand barriers to adoption of new technologies by farmers.

Preliminary results indicate that the lack of participation and low level of empowerment of farmers and local extension and research staff are the major contributing factors to the low impact of implemented projects. Other factors include improper project design, often developed without taking into account the findings of previous projects, and inappropriateness of technical innovations for adoption in a specific context, which would be avoided if local stakeholders were involved in the project design.

There are also important factors after project completion, which influence the adoption of project outputs. These include the lack of ongoing support to farmers, volatility of fruit prices and difficulty for farmers to access the required inputs such as grafted seedlings of appropriate varieties. It is interesting to note that there is no evidence that the barriers of adoption are related to ethnicity.

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What is coming next?

While research was the major focus of the first two years of the project, in the remaining two years, the project will focus on facilitating, planning and implementation of development activities.

These activities will include:

• planning for development of the TF industry including nurseries in Lao Cai, Lai Chau and Son La provinces

• providing support to Bac Ha station to improve grafted seedling production and develop a business plan for expanding operations in order to become a major regional nursery

• facilitating development of linkages between Chinese plum processers and Vietnamese exporters and evaluate feasibility of plum processing in Vietnam

1 University of Queensland2 Project temperate fruit

For further information please contact Dr Oleg Nicetic <o.nicetic1@uq.edu.au>.

• assessing the value of geographical indication and branding as a vehicle for increasing income for small holder farmers

To achieve these development outcomes the research team will be enlarged with experts in industry, planning and nursery production. The research to support development will continue with focus on consumer preferences and better understanding of retail segments. Research into barriers of adoption will focus more on the relationship between the ethnicity of farmers and adoption of market oriented technologies. Based on that research, communication strategies for facilitation of innovation will be developed.

Visiting retail chains during the MTR. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

Plum from high quality value chain supported by the project presented in Fivimart. Photo: Project temperate fruit.

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Introduction

Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s intensive agricultural production area, would be greatly impacted by climate change, as predicted. Moreover, the Mekong River hydrological regime has been changing by its’ upstream developments. This multiple impact led to recently extreme weather events, natural disasters, especially drought and saltwater intrusion with higher frequency and stronger intensity that affect negatively farmers’ livelihood and production, especially rice producers. Therefore, ACIAR funded project ‘Assessing farmers’ responses to climate change – policy recommendations’ (ADP/2011/039) implemented by the researchers of Center for Agricultural Policy (CAP). The main objective are initially examining the farmers’ perception and responses, and the determinants of their responses to climate change; then based on these evidence to provide policy recommendations to enhance those responses.

Activities

The study conducted 3-round surveys on 390 farmers in four districts of two provinces: Ben Tre and Tra Vinh. The first round implemented in the end of 2012 recalling information

Supporting farmers in responding to drought and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta

By Do Huy Thiep – Center for Agricultural Policy (CAP)

for 3 years from 2010 to 2012, and witnessing one year of moderate disaster (2011); the second round implemented in the early of 2015 recalling information for 2013 and 2014, and witnessing all normal weather years; and the last round implemented in middle of 2016 recalling information for 2015 and 2016, and witnessing the years of serious drought and saltwater intrusion. Information collected from the surveys included household’s characteristics, land characteristics, agricultural productions, climate change’s impacts, farmers’ awareness and their response/adaptation to climate change and cost of the response/adaptation.

The survey provided the most detailed and complete database on climate change’s impacts and farmers’ response/adaptation to climate change in Vietnam for six years which contained details at plot level (2 biggest plots of household). By employing this database, series of quantitative research were analysed by researcher groups to examine: determinants of farmers’ awareness to climate change; impacts of farmers’ assets, infrastructure and policies on farmers’ response/adaptation to drought; impacts of farmers’ response/adaptation to climate change on rice yield; rice supply elasticity change to price under climate change and forecast impacts of natural disasters on Vietnam’s rice sector.

Many farmers in Ben Tre have switched from rice to grass cultivation for cow and goat. This is considered an effective method to reduce impacts of climate change. Photo: CAP.

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Impacts

The research had contributions to scientific aspects and capacity building, especially policy impacts.

Regarding scientific aspects, research provided a detailed database on impacts of climate change and farmers’ response/adaptation to climate change in Mekong Delta for Vietnamese and international researchers to study other related topics. Under the project’s framework, nine papers were completed and submitted/will be submitted to peer-reviewed domestic and international journals and conferences. In addition, the study provided rice supply elasticity to price under climate change which would be used as an important input in forecasting models to other sectors in the future (GTAP, CGE, CAPSim, ect…).

Regarding capacity building, research groups worked with students and lecturers of Ho Chi Minh Agricultural and Forestry University, An Giang University and Quy Nhon University in implementing survey. Thus, more than 60 lecturers and students skills related to questionnaires design, survey interview and monitoring, and data cleaning were enhanced though the project’s trainings. This, in addition, gave an opportunity for them to accumulate practical knowledge from farmers.

For further information, please contact Do Huy Thiep <thiep.do@cap.gov.vn>.

Regarding policy impacts, two policy briefs analysed impacts of policy supports on farmers’ response/adaptation to climate change was published. In addition, an analysis of climate change’s impacts in the short-run and long-run was conducted to provide the effective response/adaptation measures. These two policy briefs were also sent to policy makers at national level (MARD, MONRE, Central Economic Committee), regional level (Southwest Steering Committee), and local level (Ben Tre and Tra Vinh DARDs and all district leaders of research sites). They received and gave feedbacks to the projects’ research results. Some research results were used for provinces’ agricultural development plans in 2017.

Conclusion

Although there are some achievements, the survey scale is still small due to limitation of time and finance. In the future, research group will continue employing this database to implement further study and propose expanding research to other locations such as the Central Highlands and North Region.

A farmer interview in Thanh Phu district – Ben Tre province. Photo: CAP.

Working with Department of Agricultural and Rural Development of Ben Tre to present research results and update the situation of drought/salinity intrusion. Photo: CAP.

A training course for students and lecturers in An Giang University. Photo: CAP.

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Rice-Shrimp project final review highlights research successes

By Jes Sammut1 and Chau Minh Khoi2

Farming rice and shrimp in the same farming system has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Rice is generally grown in the wet season when water and soil salinity is low. Shrimp is grown in the dry season when conditions are not suitable for the rice. Occasionally there is overlap of the crops. However, a reduction in freshwater flows, associated with water use in the catchment and climate variability, has led to higher than normal soil and water salinities in the wet season. Consequently, farming rice has become difficult for farmers. Similarly, the pressures on water resources and the effects of climate variability has also degraded water quality for shrimp farming in the dry season. This has led to lower yields, shrimp disease outbreaks and shrimp crop losses.

In 2013, ACIAR launched project ‘Improving the sustainability of rice- shrimp farming systems in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’ (SMCN/2010/083) with the overall aim is to test the design of rice-shrimp farming systems and improve practices to increase rice and shrimp yields. Specifically, the project has been investigating how rice and shrimp potentially contribute nutrients to each other, what risk factors need to be better managed, and how the soil and water quality in the system contributes to productivity. Initially, 18 farms at Hoa My commune were used to measure soil and water quality, rice and shrimp production, interactions between the farm commodities and the environmental conditions, and how different farming practices affect rice and shrimp yields.

The first two years were remarkably difficult because of very saline conditions at Hoa My commune, but the team turned this into an opportunity to investigate the key risk factors for production, better appreciate the challenges the farmers face, and to understand soil and water interactions that can be used to develop better management strategies or to guide farming-based decision making processes. The project’s main research approach was underpinned by a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) which is a research tool used to understand interactions between farm practices, environmental factors and farm productivity. It is essentially a model, but built by researchers and the stakeholders. To construct the BBN, the team used interviews, focus group discussions and other activities to capture expert knowledge from farmers, researchers and extension officers. The BBN drew on information from rice-shrimp farming at Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Kien Giang provinces. The exercise yielded valuable information that was applied in the third year of the project with success.

A mid-term review in 2015 recommended moving field trials to a new location and applying knowledge from the Hoa My commune research and the BBN under more focussed experiments. With the help of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the project team and collaborating farmers commenced work at Tan Bang commune; the outcomes have been positive. Lessons learnt

Field trial testing the value of shrimp farming ‘sludge’ as a replacement for rice-crop fertiliser at Tan Bang commune, Ca Mau province. Photo: Project team.

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1 University of New South Wales 2 Can Tho University

For further information, please contact Prof Jes Sammut <j.sammut@unsw.edu.au> or Dr Nguyen Van Sang <nguyenvansang1973@yahoo.com>.

from the first two years, trials on better practices - along with a decision to use a more typical farming environment - led to success. Despite another year of severe drought conditions, the farmers participating in the project at Tan Bang commune produced a good crop of rice and shrimp, while neighbouring farms struggled to produce rice.

Since the mid-term review, the project team has made significant advances in understanding of the environmental processes and farm practices that can lead to success in the rice-shrimp farming system. The team has also identified, and has been developing solutions to the salinity issues such as practices that improve the soil quality of the rice growing platform. The research has also shed light on the nutrient status of the system and ways to reduce fertiliser costs and utilise sludge from the shrimp farming. ‘The findings from 2016 were uplifting. We requested an early final review to consider varying the project so that the team could repeat some of the field trials. We also wanted to refine and test some of the modified practices that evolved from the research at both locations. The farmers and DARD have been incredibly supportive and want to continue the research for two more seasons. ACIAR responded favourably and the project’s final review was brought forward to December 2016’, said Prof Sammut.

The final review was conducted by Mr Barney Smith and Prof Bui Chi Buu and attended by ACIAR representatives, the team and key stakeholders from other agencies and farming communities. The formal meeting was hosted by Can Tho University and the group visited the field trials at Hoa My and Tan Bang communes, so the reviewers could see the challenges faced by farmers and the researchers, and also the success of the latest field trials.

The recommendations of the review are forthcoming, but the reviewers praised the project team and the participating

farmers and DARD for the successes of the project. Most noteworthy was praise given to the spirit of collaboration between the researchers and the stakeholders, and within the research team.

The project team, reviewers, stakeholders and ACIAR representatives at the project meeting. Photo: Project team.

Salt-tolerant rice varieties were tested at various sites to select the best varieties for different conditions. Photo: Project team.

Prof Buu and some of the team checking the quality of the rice seed from a successful trial. Photo: Project team.

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Mid-term review and future plans for a project on water, soil and nutrients management

By Surender Mann1, Richard Bell1, Okke Batelaan2, Margaret Shanafield2, Pham Vu Bao3, Hoang Minh Tam3, Ho Huy Cuong3, Hoang Vinh3, Do Thanh Nhan3, Nguyen Thi Thuong3, Nguyen Thi Hang Ni3, Cai Dinh Hoai3, Hoang Thi Thai Hoa4, Tran Kim Loi5

Project ‘Integrated water, soil and nutrient management for sustainable farming systems in South Central Coastal Vietnam and Australia’ (SMCN/2012/069) implemented from 2014 to 2018 aims to improve profitability and sustainability of water use in groundwater-dependent smallholder farming systems in South Central Coastal Vietnam (SCC VN). The groundwater in SCC VN is a valuable resource for increasing farm livelihoods, but is vulnerable to overexploitation and pollution due to nutrient and contaminant leaching. Improving knowledge of groundwater resources will improve planning and regulation of their use and boost livelihoods on farms through more productive water and nutrient use.

Groundwater dependent farming systems in SCC VN are mostly established on sands and are frequently affected by water shortages during the seven to nine month of dry season. Over 330,000 ha of low fertility sands and climatic extremes present challenges for agricultural production and poverty alleviation in SCC VN. Predominant irrigated crops in groundwater-dependant areas are peanut, mango and vegetables. Crop productivity on the sands is constrained by soil physical limitations and nutrient deficiencies. Integrated water, soil and nutrient management is a key to improving their productive capacity.

The broad questions the project is trying to address are:

• How can groundwater abstraction for irrigation be managed to fit the available supply?

• What are the most practical and cost effective solutions to overcome soil constraints and alleviate soil nutrient deficiencies in SCC VN?

• What technologies and practices can be utilised by groundwater-dependent farmers in SCC VN to improve on-farm water use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses?

The Mid-term review (MTR) of the Project was held from 26-28 July 2016. It reflected on past activities and discussed future activities.

After two years of research, a number of important scientific impacts from the project are:

i) Drip irrigation for mango production increased yields by 29% and saved about 90% of the water used for irrigation. This is the first research on drip irrigation in this region and based on the promising results, Agricultural Science Institute for Southern Central Coastal Vietnam (ASISOV) is in the process of gaining DARD endorsement of the technology to begin the promotion of the technology to farmers;

ii) Positive responses from using mini-pan as a guiding tool for irrigation scheduling along with sprinkler irrigation technology achieved higher peanut yield and profit together with 40-70% water savings;

iii) Response of peanut yield to K and S application in field trials on sands of SCCVN has been very consistent. Economic rates of K and S are being determined from the last 2 years of experiments. Total removal of K and S on sands exceeds inputs on peanut crops and this imbalance needs to be considered in determining the recommended rates and methods of application for crop production;

iv) Integrated irrigation (sprinklers + mini pan) and nutrient management (using organic (manure/biochar) in combination with inorganic fertilisers) were highly effective for increased crop production, decreased water use and decreased nutrient leaching;

v) High levels of nitrates of up to 200mg/L and salts (EC 10 dS/m) in groundwater are evident in parts of coastal

Discussing at mid-term review workshop. Photo: Project team.

Field trip during MTR.Photo: Project team.

Sprinkler in peanuts. Photo: Project team.

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Ninh Thuan, especially where vegetables are grown with high application rates (>200kg N/ha) of fertilizers (onion, water melon etc);

vi) Clay as a soil amendment was highly effective in increasing yield of vegetables. The increase of soil water storage and nutrient retention resulted in yield responses of 57 to 167% with 100, 150 and 300 t/ha of bentonite, zeolite and clay soil, respectively. In addition, sugarcane residue at 30 t/ha increased water and nutrient retention on sands. Moreover, the water use efficiency and water saving was increased by clay/amendment application with about 21-72% water saved depending on types of amendment and rates.

vii) A SWAT hydrological semi-distributed, rainfall-runoff model and a MODFLOW groundwater flow model were setup and tested. Development of the models has identified data gaps and has directed further data collection efforts to support water balance and sustainable water resources estimation.

viii) Copper deficient sand was collected in south-west Australia. Initial results from a pot experiment suggest that foliar Cu application was fully effective in correcting Cu deficiency for peanut seed production if applied at flowering, while delaying application until pegging reduced effectiveness.

Other activities within the project’s framework are also actively implemented. Flinders University, a partner in the project, in collaboration with NAWAPI, organized a successful seminar: ‘Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions’ in Hanoi on 26 November with the aim to introduce the fundamentals of groundwater-surface water interaction and to present some intermediate outcomes, examples and highlights of rese arch in Vietnam and Australia.

The key research planned for 2017 are:

Objective 1 plans:

The goal of the next year is to finalise the calibration and validation of SWAT and MODLFOW models for the La Vy catchment. Further improvements to the models will be obtained by additional hydrogeological and geophysical fieldwork in the La Vy catchment.

Regular groundwater and surface water quality monitoring will be undertaken for both Binh Dinh and Ninh Thuan targeted areas.

Objective 2 plans:

Irrigation with sprinkler guided by mini-pan for peanut and drip irrigation for mango were found to be the most effective. Evaluation of Potassium (K) and Sulfur (S) losses and nutrient balance were determined under different nutrient management practices, soil types, crops and irrigation methods. Combining the irrigation and fertilizers technologies, an integrated approach will be tested in 2017 both in Binh

Dinh and Ninh Thuan to develop management packages that are suitable to these regions.

Residual value for K, S, Cu and B will continue as part of the exercise to assess nutrient balances in the fields, and once assessed, the rates of nutrients could further be adjusted in the management package to optimise production systems.

Understanding the mechanisms of soil organic carbon accumulation in clay-amended sands and improved understanding of its role in nutrient cycling and crop productivity will continue in the following years in Western Australia and Vietnam. Follow up experiments are planned in Ninh Thuan for vegetable production with amendment of sands with sugarcane straw, bentonite, manure, etc.

Objective 3 plans:

Results of demonstration programme and field experiments assembled over the years had been submitted to DARD Binh Dinh for assessment and approval of technologies suitable for crop production. After evaluation of the recommendations by DARD-BD, further steps will be taken by the project team accordingly.

Demonstration trials on peanut and mango will continue with the involvement of DARD personnel for further assessment, approval and to make recommendations to MARD for a policy dialogue and for central government to consider case for approving and funding expansion of scale out program implemented during this project.

Field days of training for farmers, extension officers of DARD and commune representatives on irrigation and nutrient management technologies will continue in 2017.

1 Murdoch University2 Flinders University3 Agricultural Science Institute for Southern Central Coastal Vietnam4 Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry5 Nong Lam University

For further information, please contact Dr Surender Mann <S.Mann@murdoch.edu.au>.

Drip in mango. Photo: Project team.

CAPACITY BULDING<aciar.gov.au>

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The ACIAR Fellowship 2017 intake’s result has been announced with three awardees from Vietnam for John Allwright. Their names are Nguyen Thi Binh, Nguyen Thi Da Thao and Vu Van Sang. There is also one John Dillon fellow - Dang Kim Khoi. They are already in the process of preparing for the courses.

Nguyen Thi Binh - researcher at National Institute of Medicinal Materials (NIMM) shared her plans upon receiving the John Allwright Fellowship: ‘I have been involved in two ACIAR projects on safe vegetable production. In the current project, I’m working with the team on conducting research trials on soil management and crop nutrition. The PhD thesis on ‘Understanding the role of trace minerals in improving vegetable crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency and food quality’ will be important for me to develop knowledge and skills, and also share those skills with my partners. Addressing soil and nutrient requirements for medicinal and indigenous plants can increase yield and quality and provide new high value crops for poor farmers. Therefore, NIMM will be able to provide some useful advice to growers about the best ways to commercially cultivate medicinal plants, which can contribute greatly to public health care in Vietnam’.

Nguyen Thi Da Thao from Hue University will come back to Australia where she completed her Master studies at the University of Queensland. ‘Since 2012, I have participated in ACIAR project LPS/2012/062 ‘Developing productive and profitable smallholder beef enterprises in Central Vietnam’ as a Vietnamese team leader for Objective 3. During this time working with many researchers from Vietnam and Australia, I was inspired by their work in helping cattle farmers escape poverty. In addition, I have gained knowledge on the role and influence of women in cattle producing households. I think women should have more opportunities to participate in and benefit from the production. Upon the completion of my

PhD course, I hope that I can contribute more effectively to enhance rural women’s livelihoods in my country. In addition, as a female lecturer and researcher, I can inspire and engage young female researchers, my students and female farmers in activities that help to close the gender gap for sustainable agricultural developments. I would like to express my sincere thanks to ACIAR and Australian Government for offering me this exciting opportunity’.

Vu Van Sang is another talented researcher from project bivalve mollusc to join the JAF. ‘I have been involved in an ACIAR project since 2014 after completing my Master studies at University of New England. My further research will concentrate on oyster genetics and breeding and reproductive biology (peptide hormones). I hope the JAF course will provide me with modern skills and knowledge such as using hormone peptides techniques to proactively control oyster reproduction, contributing to the oyster breeding program to improve oyster production in Vietnam. I am indeed impressed by lecturers at Australian universities as they are extremely professional and kind. I also want to improve my English during the course. I am extremely happy to spend four more years in Australia’.

JDF will welcome a Vietnamese fellow, Dr Dang Kim Khoi, current Director of Center for Agricultural Policy (Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development). He received his bachelor degree in Hanoi Law University in 2001, master degree in International and Development Economics in 2006, master degree in Environmental and Resource Economics in 2007 and PhD in Economic Policy in 2014, all from Australian National University. Upon returning to Vietnam, Khoi has been undertaking the role of Vietnamese project leader on project ADP/2011/039 ‘Assessing farmers’ responses to climate change – policy recommendations’ funded by ACIAR.

Congratulations to the new awardees!

NEW SUBMISSION DATE FOR JAF APPLICATIONS:

Applications for the JAF 2018 intake will open on 1 February 2017 at 09:00am Australia Eastern Standard Time and close on 15 May 2017 at midnight Australia Eastern Standard Time which is three months earlier than in previous years.

Binh (in the middle) discussing with farmer. Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Binh.

Thao (second from right) with project's members and female farmers. Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Da Thao.

Dr Khoi interviewing a farmer in Ben Tre. Photo: Project climate change policy.

Vu Van Sang from RIA1. Photo provided by Vu Van Sang.

CAPACITY BUILDING<aciar.gov.au>

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Studying in Australia was always my dream, as I wanted to learn new techniques and experience different cultures and the international education environment. It was like a dream come true and my life dramatically changed when I received the John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) for my PhD of Science in Aquaculture in Australia, which has brought me to Queensland.

My life experience

Studying in Australia has offered me the chance to experience living abroad, which has been wonderful and unforgettable. When I first arrived at Brisbane airport, I was worried about how I would find my accommodation, how I would adapt to the weather, and how I would deal with cultural differences. Yet, it was not like what I had thought, as I came and saw that the sunshine coast has a warm climate with hot summer and warm dry winter, with a daytime temperature in mid-summer typically of 23-31°C and 18°C in mid-winter, so the climate was quite pleasant for me, as well as for other Vietnamese students.

Australia is really a safe country with high quality of life that has been hailed as one of the best places to live while studying. Furthermore, public transport has been very good with many services to choose from, including trains and buses, which all run in a very punctual manner. Moreover, studying in Australia has given me opportunities to meet with new people and make new friends of different backgrounds and different countries around the world. Furthermore, homestay has brought to me chances to learn and get exposed to the culture and habits of the local people such as diet, customs, activities, entertainment, working environments, family life, friendships, communications and values.

I have also discovered that Australians are very friendly, welcoming to foreigners, regardless of nationality or skin colour. In addition, during my study period, I have had the opportunity to visit some famous places in Queensland such as the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I have enjoyed outdoor parties with other international students which has been a really fascinating and unique experience.

My research experience in Australia

The advanced education system has widened my knowledge in the research field that I have undertaken. Firstly, the most important reason for choosing to study at University of the

Sunshine Coast is because the university has a good reputation both locally and internationally with modern facilities and high-tech equipment that would help me to develop my research. I was especially fortunate to do my research under renowned supervisors and staff and benefited from a supportive environment that has allowed me to improve my capacity for critical thinking and research as an intensive researcher in the field of aquaculture. The university provides a wide scope to interact with other international students for academic discussion, sharing thoughts and participating in different research areas which have expanded my skill set. Furthermore, studying abroad brings a great opportunity for me to experience courses that are not offered in Vietnam. Australia was the perfect fit for me, and I have only great things to say about the country. Indeed, the Australian education experience enriched me academically, socially and culturally.

My future plans after the course

After my graduation from the University of Sunshine Coast, I will return to the National Marine Broodstock Center (NMBC, Ria1). First of all, I will take responsibility to monitor some selective breeding programs that will contribute to improving the capacity of producing shrimp and bivalve species as well as developing projects (from ACIAR and the Vietnamese Government) to help raise the quantity and quality of larvae we produce. These projects will not only supply specimens for farmers and help them in terms of learning new techniques and management skills, but will also allow them to develop their own hatcheries that will reduce the pressure on wild fisheries and protect a number of species facing extinction. Secondly, I hope to expand my ability to collaborate with scientists in Australia and internationally to establish a research network on crustaceans and molluscs that will contribute to promoting interest and involvement in projects being implemented at the NMBC as well as new projects in the near future. In addition, I will also supervise students from universities in Northern Vietnam to help them improve their research capacity in terms of technique and skills needed for seed production and selective breeding management.

I hope my knowledge will contribute to improving the hatchery production capacity as well as the quality of larvae for shrimp and bivalves in Vietnam.

For further information, please contact Cao Truong Giang <truonggiang@ria1.org>.

My experience in research and life in AustraliaBy Cao Truong Giang, PhD candidate, University of the Sunshine Coast

Giang and his family at the Maleny mountain, Queensland. Photo provided by Cao Truong Giang.

Giang and his friend at the University of Sunshine Coast. Photo provided by Cao Truong Giang.

Harvesting the L. vannamei shrimp at Catba Island, Hai Phong province. Photo provided by Cao Truong Giang.

HUMANS OF ACIAR <aciar.gov.au>

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There are people who are living and working with a lot of love and enthusiasm for the development of high-potential highlands. For them, the greatest joy is to see their hometown more prosperous. I was delighted to have a talk with some inspiring people with great passion in the autumn days of Moc Chau.

Hang, Tung, and Chuong are three researchers of the youngest generation of Northern Mountainous Agriculture & Forestry Science Institute (NOMAFSI) which has more than 400 staff. They graduated from Tay Bac (North West) University, having worked in some of the ACIAR projects in Northwest Vietnam, and this year, they will all join the follow-on research for the vegetables project (AGB/2014/035) in Moc Chau and Van Ho districts, Son La province.

‘We have plenty of interesting stories to tell when working closely with farmers every day. At the moment, Tung and I (Hang) are in charge of four vegetable cooperatives in the project phase 1. All four groups have been performing well, despite different scales. The most challenging job of working with farmers is to reach and persuade them that the advanced techniques and knowledge from the project will help bring higher productivity and profits. After working with us in the

fields and seeing the effectiveness, farmers became more friendly and now they are close to us like family’.

‘Approaching farmers requires persistence from researchers. Usually, it takes about 2 months to become closer to farmers. Fortunately, being of Muong ethnic group is an advantage, since my job of communicating and building trust becomes much easier. We also receive support from leaders of the cooperatives, who have a great reputation in the village, to spread knowledge and experience to the community’, shared Tung.

‘We also face a lot of difficulties. In personal life, Tung is living away from his wife and baby. Our couple (Chuong and Hang) also have a little son. For work, we need to improve our English in order to communicate better and seek for further opportunities’, said Chuong.

‘After having worked in the project for four years, we feel the proudest when we contribute to the process of improving farmers’ livelihood for a prosperous and happier life. Last year, about 450 tons of vegetables were sold to Hanoi through the project, which made vegetables the main crop of many households. Both women and men have participated equally

Dedicated to the prosperity of the highlands‘Spending the last few years working for the project and living in Moc Chau highland, we've seen this land as a second home and its people as our family’, said researchers of veggie project.

By Pham Bich Thuy

Three young researchers with enthusiasm have been acting as a bridge between the project and farmers as well as local officials. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

HUMANS OF ACIAR <aciar.gov.au>

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<aciar.gov.au>

‘My husband and I equally share work in the field everyday’, Mrs Xoa proudly shared. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

in production. The local government has been supportive of the development of the safe vegetable sector. ACIAR gives us the chances to attend various events and forums, meet new partners, and learn a lot of things’, Hang said, on behalf of all.

The ACIAR program always encourages and creates favourable conditions to help young people participate in its activities to bring the research results directly to the community. We thank Hang, Tung, Chuong and all the junior researchers who have contributed significantly to the ACIAR program in Vietnam.

***Mrs Xoa is a former head of the Farmers' Committee in Van Ho commune. After her retirement, her family and some other households formed a cooperative with support from the district and participated in the ACIAR safe vegetable project. As a respected woman in the Muong community and in the village, Mrs Xoa holds a passion and desire for her community to improve farming practices, and adopt other crops to increase profits. She actively lobbied and persuaded people in the village to join the vegetable cooperative to learn.

‘I hope other families will also join the project to get higher incomes. It is easy to take the benefits for myself, but I want my whole community to take advantage from the project to learn a sustainable job, earn better income, and also pass on knowledge to the following generations. My dream is to see my village prosperous and developed.

Initial recruitment and trainings for members faced a lot of difficulties. At establishment, although the cooperative had only seven household members, I also encouraged people not to give up. Van Ho Cooperative was officially launched on 20 January 2015. After some early crop failure due to lack of experience, from June 2015, Van Ho cooperative began selling products. In 2015, my vegetable garden of 2000m2 brought a profit of about VND50 million, 25 times more than that from rice (previously, one rice crop per year yielded only VND2.5 million in profit).

As the leader of the cooperative, I am thankful for the support from the local government and the project, especially for the

hands-on instruction from researchers like Hang, Tung, Chang, who have personally given on-the-job training for us from the very first steps.

However, in the future, farmers will still face a lot of difficulties. The biggest problem is lack of start-up capital. I hope the government will open concessional loan programs to give farmers the confidence. My aspiration for 2017 is that the cooperative will be extended to 5-10ha, with 25-30 household members (currently 17 households with 4ha). In the coming years, hopefully, the cooperative will increase to 30ha to be independent in sales’.

The effort of Mrs Xoa has been recognised and followed by her community. ACIAR wish Mrs Xoa and her family health and happiness in the new year.

English flashcards are everywhere in their house. Photo: ACIAR Vietnam.

ACIAR - Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradehcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/files/hnoi/Newsletter Jan17 _ ENG.pdf · Ambassador met with scientist alumni of John Dillon Fellowship

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