Scaling up Sustainable Flood-based Livelihood Models in Dong Thap Muoi
On May 25, 2020, the Thap Muoi District Agricultural Service Center in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Resources Geography organised a training event on “Building sustainable livelihood models in Dong Thap Muoi”.
The session took place in Tan Kieu commune with the participation of representatives from IUCN, Tam Nong, Tan Hong and Thap Muoi districts and 50 members of Tan Kieu Cooperative in Thap Muoi district.
The training event conveyed important knowledge-sharing to farmers from theory to practical experience in floating-based livelihood models such as aquaculture-lotus cultivation in floodplain areas. Participants had a fruitful discussion on how to preserve fish and how to cope with diseases on differing flora and fauna, such as the lotus plant. All participants said that the training was very useful and they look forward to having similar activities in the future.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy – Vice Chairman of the Farmers’ Association of Thap Muoi district reassured members of the farming community about financial concerns surrounding the model. One farmer noted:
‘We are interested in and would like to apply the model, however our financial capacity is limited. We expect local government will provide support to us to implement this model”
Ms. Nguyen happily informed participants that following the pilot model, the District Farmers’ Association will spend VND 800 million from the Farmers’ Fund to lend to those who need production loans and so that sustainable livelihood models are prioritized.
It is a positive sign that the activities and project models of IUCN have been acknowledged and will be replicated in the community by the local authorities through training sessions and funding support.
In 2020, IUCN will continue to support the community of Phu Loi commune, Thanh Binh district, Dong Thap province to deploy the model of “raising fish in the flood season” to help increase farmers’ income through co-management. With the enthusiasm and support of donors, local authorities and people, we are confident that the IUCN project funded by the Coca Cola Foundation will be successful and bring more profits to local people through sustainable livelihood models in flood season.
