Proper citation:
IRRI Vietnam Office. 2022. Inception Workshop of the CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems of 
Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience. Proceedings. Hanoi, Vietnam: International 
Rice Research Institute (IRRI). 
©2022 CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas 
for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD)
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INCEPTION WORKSHOP
Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas
for Climate and Livelihood Resilience
PROCEEDINGS
Can Tho City, Vietnam  |  28-29  June 2022
#AsianDeltasInitiative
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviation 1
About the Workshop 2
Opening Program 3
Country priorities and statement of support and expectations 5
from the partner countries
Overview of CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems of 7
Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience
Workshop Activity (Getting to know each other) 10
Plenary Session with national agencies on the implementation 12
of the AMD Initiative
Breakout Session 1 (Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities) 15
Challenges and opportunities of scaling natural resources and 17
agriculture initiatives in Asia
Plenary Session with International Organizations on the 18
implementation of the AMD Initiative
Breakout Session 2 (Scaling the AMD initiative) 21
Breakout Session 3 (Work Planning) 23
Conclusions and Next Steps 26
List of Participants 28
Workshop Agenda 30
Media Releases 33
i
List of Abbreviation
1M5R   1 Must 5 Reductions
3R3G   Three Reductions, Three Gains
ABC   Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture
ADB   Asian Development Bank
AMD   Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience
ANR   agriculture and natural resources
ASEAN  Association of Southeast Asian Nations
AWD   alternate wetting and drying
CARDI  Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
CC   climate change
CCA   climate change adaptation
CFR   Community Fish Refuge 
CIGs   Common Interest Groups
CIMMYT  International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
CIP   International Potato Center
COP   Conference of the Parties 
CS-MAP  Climate-Smart Mapping and Adaptation Planning
CSA   climate-smart agriculture
DALYs   Disability-adjusted life years
DARD   Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DCAS+  digital climate advisory and bundled services 
DCP   Department of Crop Production
FA   focus area
FAO   Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FFPI   FAO Food Price index 
FOCUS  Farmer Options for Crops under Saline conditions 
GIC   Green Innovation Centre
GSLR   global sea level rise 
IAE   Institute of Agricultural Environment 
IFAD   International Fund for Agricultural Development
IMPP   Improving Market Participation of the Poor 
INDC  intended nationally determined contribution
IPCC   Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IRRI   International Rice Research Institute
IWMI   International Water Management Institute
KAP   knowledge, attitude and practice
LA   learning alliances
LED   low emissions development
MARD   Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 
MCRP   Mekong Delta Climate Resilience Programme 
MDI   Mekong Delta Development Research Institute 
MRD   Mekong River Delta
NAP   National Adaptation Plan
NDC   Nationally Determined Contribution
PMU   program management unit
PPP   Public-Private Partnership
PSAV  Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Viet Nam
RUA   Royal University of Agriculture 
SCGs  savings and credit groups
SDGs   Sustainable Development Goals
SWOT   strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
UNCCD  United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNFSS  UN Food Systems Summit
USD   US dollar
VnSAT   Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation
1
About the Workshop Workshop objectives
Home to 177 million people, 36% of them The inception workshop aimed to:
poor, the Asian Mega-Deltas are biodiverse, 
fertile, and productive food baskets dominated 1. Provide a venue for open discussion between 
by rice, fisheries, and aquaculture that support the research team and stakeholders on the 
millions within and beyond the deltas. However, initiative’s plans and programs;
deltaic food systems are hit by serious impacts 2. Co-design specific work plans for Cambodia 
of climate change, including more frequent and Vietnam for each of the Focus Areas 
and more intense floods, salinization, water (FA);
shortages, and climate extremes that will slow 3. Build crucial partnerships for research 
down economic growth, further erode food and activities and scaling, both national agencies 
nutrition security, exacerbate urbanization and and international organizations; and
migration challenges, and trigger new poverty 4. Officially launch the initiative and promote 
traps and emerging hotspots of hunger. it to a wider audience through various 
channels.
To address these urgent concerns, the CGIAR, 
together with its centers and development More than 80 participants attended the event 
partners, is officially launching the Securing the representing the government agencies of 
Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate Vietnam and Cambodia; CGIAR and its centers 
and Livelihood Resilience (AMD). This Initiative working for AMD, such as the Alliance of 
aims to create resilient, inclusive, and productive Bioversity and CIAT, International Potato Center, 
deltas — which maintain socio-ecological International Maize and Wheat Improvement 
integrity, adapt to climatic and other stressors, Center, International Rice Research Institute, 
and support human prosperity and wellbeing International Water Management Institute, and 
— by removing systemic barriers to the scaling WorldFish; international organizations working 
of transformative technologies and practices at in the region, particularly in the Mekong Delta; 
community, national, and regional levels. academic institutions; private sector; and other 
relevant stakeholders groups.
This objective will be achieved through:
• Adapting deltaic production systems
• Nutrition-sensitive deltaic agrifood systems
• De-risking delta-oriented value chains
• Inclusive deltaic food-systems governance
• Evidence-based delta development planning
2
Opening Program
OPENING REMARKS partnerships. The participatory process 
employed fully in the previous CGIAR works 
Mr. Le Thanh Tung empowered the partners to take not only 
Deputy Director for South ownership but full responsibility of the 
Department of Crop Production programs.  
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, • He encouraged the participants, 
Vietnam representing the different stakeholders, to 
participate actively in the workshop and to 
In his opening remarks, Mr. Tung acknowledged take the opportunity to give the AMD team 
the distinguished guests and participants of the the necessary ideas and feedback to make 
workshop, particularly the high-level government the initiative truly responsive to the needs 
officials from Cambodia and Vietnam. Some of of the smallholder farmers and the other 
the highlights of his message are: marginalized sectors in the deltas.
• For more than 50 years, the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) 
of Vietnam and its attached agencies have 
been actively working with the CGIAR and its 
centers. Aligning with MARD’s and Vietnam 
government’s priorities, CGIAR science and 
innovations contributed to the creation of 
an enabling environment that supports the 
promotion of agricultural development in 
the country.
• AMD is expected to be one of the new 
platforms for continuing the harmonious 
working relationship between MARD 
and CGIAR and carrying on the learnings 
from previous collaborations, like the 
value of stakeholders’ participation and 
empowerment in research for development 
work. 
• He hoped that AMD should continue to 
nurture, and even expand, Vietnam-CGIAR 
3
Mr. Tran Thai Nghiem
Deputy Director General
Department of Agriculture and Rural 
Development of Can Tho City
Mr. Nghiem officially welcomed all the 
participants to Can Tho City: 
WELCOME MESSAGES • Can Tho City plays an important role in agricultural production and development of 
Dr. Stephan Weise food systems for the whole region as well as 
Managing Director - Asia the whole country.
Alliance of Bioversity International and • Like other localities in the Mekong River Delta 
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (MRD), agricultural production in Can Tho in the coming time will face many difficulties 
On behalf of Dr. Jean Balié, Regional Director due to adverse market fluctuations as well 
for Southeast Asia and the Pacific for CGIAR, Dr. as environmental impacts and increasingly 
Weise gave a welcome message providing a brief extreme climate change. Besides the risks due 
overview of CGIAR and a glimpse of how to work to the small scale of agricultural production 
together as a unified organization to create and and the limited production, there are also 
foster better opportunities for the region’s agri- limitations in processing and preservation 
food sector transformation. Some key messages technology for some commodities.
from his speech are: • This requires the agricultural sector to have long-term solutions and strategies 
• CGIAR’s ambition is to be a vibrant, to develop agriculture in the direction of a 
global organization and a global leader smart and sustainable agricultural economy, 
in agricultural science and innovation adapting to climate change and enhancing 
positioned to deliver across the 2030 added value. 
Sustainable Development Agenda. • He recognized the AMD Initiative to 
• In the unified CGIAR, scientific innovations help address these challenges and build 
for food, land, and water systems can be sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta 
deployed faster, at a larger scale, and at that maintains socio-ecological integrity.
reduced cost, having greater impact where • Can Tho DARD committed to work closely 
they are needed the most. The new CGIAR with MARD, Mekong Delta provinces, CGIAR 
can also offer several advantages, namely: centers and other partners to develop and 
holistic approach; individual and collective implement the AMD Initiative to achieve the 
expertise, capabilities, resources, and set goals.
networks; extensive network; scaling proven 
innovations; and strong presence in ASEAN.
• He introduced the new 3-year CGIAR 
Initiatives, which is one of the three types of 
engagement within the CGIAR 2030 Research 
and Innovation Strategy. He enumerated 
the nine that are being implemented in 
Vietnam and four in Cambodia, plus the 
cross-cutting effort of breeding staple crops 
in both countries.
• He encouraged the workshop participants to 
work collaboratively in planning the specific 
activities to have a more stakeholder-
responsive AMD initiative. 
4
Country priorities and statement of support and 
expectations from the partner countries 
VIETNAM and people health; infrastructure and logistic 
Dr. Nguyen Hong Son issue/processing; and market access.
President • Country priorities in MRD: restructuring 
Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences the rice sector; diversifying the rice 
cropping systems; rice land conversion for 
• MRD region accounts for 31.7% of the production of fruit trees or fisheries; the 
agricultural sector’s GDP. It contributes up rotation of rice-fisheries, particularly rice-
to 50% of the country’s rice output, 65% of shrimp rotation; developing organic and 
aquaculture, and 70% of fruits. It also makes eco-sound production systems linkage with 
up 95 % of rice volume for export and 60 % rural tourism; strengthening conservation 
of fish volume for export. MRD is the biggest agriculture; and developing large farm and 
agricultural production hub of Vietnam with certification system.
the mission to ensure national food security • Vietnam’s expectations from the AMD 
and export, creating jobs for 65% of people Initiative: improving land use effect and 
in the region. management; scaling up the application/
• MRD, is one of the regions hardest hit by adoption of climate-smart innovative 
the effects of climate change. The effects technologies and advanced-farming 
of climate change are now substantially practices; enhancing early warning and 
manifested in MRD, through sea level climate information to smallholders; 
rise in low lying areas at the mouth of the climate policies or strategies; decision-
delta, increased rainfall, increased number support for targeting interventions in 
of extreme weather events, rising average climate-risk areas; more productivity due 
temperatures, and increased salinity to increased resilience to climate change; 
intrusion. evidence-based planning support to attract 
• Issues threatening the food security and international climate-financing; improved 
farmers’ livelihood: smallholder farmers information and knowledge dissemination; 
struggle to meet the increasing quality development of ecological, organic and 
demands, unorganized smallholder conservation agriculture; and product 
farmers have limited access to commodity quality improvement, certification and 
production, quality certification, and market access.
markets; high intensive farming with high 
input is causing problem to the environment 
5
CAMBODIA • CSA technologies and practices are being 
Dr. Chan Phaloeun applied already in the country, such as: 
Undersecretary of State stressed-tolerant varieties, direct-seeded 
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries rice, less methane rice production practice, 
Integrated Pest Management, water-saving 
• Cambodia has been rice self-sufficient practices, greenhouse for horticulture, 
since 1995 with high rice production and conservation agriculture, and bio-energy 
exporting to 49 countries. Frequent flooding and renewable energy.
and drought are affecting rice production. • Cambodia has also committed to UNCCD 
• To address the climate change impacts Decision to Combat Land Degradation 
to agriculture, the Royal Government of aiming to achieve land degradation 
Cambodia developed the long-term strategy neutrality in 2030 by promoting agro 
on carbon neutrality, and the Cambodian ecological technologies, commitment to 
strategic plan of action, and mainstreaming global soil organic carbon initiative, and 
climate change activity in relevant sectors. joining the regional network program on 
• Research and development agenda also agro-ecology and safety food transition, 
try to address climate change impact by such as Agroecology Alliance for Southeast 
developing technological innovations Asia and agro-ecology and food transition 
(climate-friendly technologies and practices) projects.
and building resilience by carrying out • Dr. Chan expressed that Cambodia supports 
adaption and mitigation activities. and joins the implementation of the One 
• Cambodia also adopted and started applying CGIAR initiatives, particularly AMD. She 
the ASEAN Guidelines on the Promotion of congratulated and thanked IRRI Vietnam and 
Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices as well One CGIAR for hosting the AMD inception 
as the ASEAN Guidelines for Sustainable workshop.
Agriculture to identify and prioritize the CSA 
approaches and practices and the climate-
friendly technologies and innovations for 
the application in the agriculture and food 
production systems and value chains.
6
Overview of CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems 
of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience
Dr. Björn Ole Sander • Importance of Asian Mega-Deltas. They 
Senior Climate Change Expert are the food basket for the country (i.e., 
Country Representative to Vietnam Irrawaddy: ~70% of rice and aquaculture; 
International Rice Research Institute Mekong: 54% rice, 60% fruits and 70% 
Initiative Leader, AMD seafood). More than 400 million people 
depend on the deltas, which are also hotspot 
• New IPCC sea-level rise projections stated of poverty and malnutrition.
that global sea level rise (GSLR) by year 2100 • Several climatic risks affecting the deltas 
will reach 0.6m (RCP2.6) to 1.1m (RCP8.5) are: extreme precipitation, drought, salinity, 
(IPCC, 2019), compared to IPCC 2001’s tropical storm, sea-level rise, and extreme 
projection of 0.2-0.7m GSLR by 2100. heat.
• Deltas are drowing. The Mekong Delta • The steps in the co-development of the AMD 
is much lower elevated than previously Initiative: demand mapping consultations in 
assumed, making it more vulnerable to sea- three deltas (2020, Two degree initiative); 
level rise. reviewers comments on Pre-Concept note 
• The challenges of the Asian Mega-Deltas: (May, 2021); interaction with other Initiatives 
- Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (in Bangladesh and country representatives (June-August, 
and India) - ~ 53% of the coastal area affected 2021); validation of demand and value 
by salinity jeopardizing 7% of the national proposition with countries and investors 
rice production (Schneider & Asch, 2020); an (July-August 2021); proposal drafting 
estimated significant decrease (11%-30%) in (August-November 2021); proposal revision, 
the area suitable for agriculture. staffing, partner mapping (February-May 
- Irrawaddy Delta (in Myanmar) - Millions of 2022); and inception workshop.
people may be displaced; dry season crop • The following are the measurable three-
yield is estimated to be reduced by as much year outcomes to be achieved by 2025: 
as 40%, due to saline irrigation water (Asch 50,000 smallholders adapt and improve 
& Wopereis, 2001). management of 100,000 ha of land; 
- Mekong Delta (in Vietnam and Cambodia) reduce mortality, DALYs and micronutrient 
- A 0.5 meter rise in relative sea level would deficiencies, for 20,000 producers (80% 
inundate 37% of the MRD to a depth over women) and 100,000 consumers; climate 
1m (Thao et al. 2014); Increased vulnerability services used by  ≥800,000 smallholders; 
of rural poor and increased labor burden of at least three (3) national governments and 
women as urbanization increases (Ylipaa et partners co-design governance policies or 
al. 2019). strategies with marginalized actors; and 
7
national governments and partners work deltaic production systems and reduce 
with AMD to design at least two (2) climate environmental footprints and climatic risks. 
policies, projects, and investment plans. This will be done by convening stakeholders 
• Contribution to the five CGIAR impact areas in learning alliances, providing technical 
during 2022-2030: nutrition - 1.5M people knowhow on land suitability and agronomy, 
(80% women) gain vitamin A adequacy, and enabling value chain development.
DALYs, or lives saved; poverty - 400,000 
people gain 50% permanent income increase; FOCUS AREA 2 
175,000 exit poverty; gender - 4.7M women Nutrition-Sensitive Deltaic Agrifood Systems
benefit from CGIAR innovations; impacts 
are gender-responsive to –transformative; Dr. Benjamin Belton
climate - 17Mt CO2 reduction; 4.8M benefit Senior Scientist
from climate adaptation; USD 1.8B in climate WorldFish
adaptation investments; and environment - 
2.6M ha under improved management. • The challenges specific to the focus area are: 
• AMD is co-designed with >400 participants; food systems are transforming extremely 
the process is aimed to support the creation rapidly; nutrition outcomes of changes in 
of resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas; production and consumption practices; and 
and built on partnerships and learnings inadequate knowledge.
from the former CGIAR Research Programs • The focus area aims to ensure that deltaic 
and various bilateral projects in the focus food systems sustain and enhance nutrition 
regions. security equitably, in a context of rapid 
change. The first requirement of designing 
Brief Introduction appropriate nutrition sensitive interventions 
of the five AMD Focus Areas  is to understand the characteristics of these 
systems and their socially differentiated 
FOCUS AREA 1 nutrition implications.
Adapting Deltaic Production Systems
FOCUS AREA 3
Dr. Sudhir Yadav De-risking Delta-oriented Value Chains
Research Leader - Soil, Water and Environment 
Unit, Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Dr. Cornelis Swaans
Systems, International Rice Research Institute Senior scientist/Regional Lead for Climate Action 
in Asia , Alliance of Bioversity International and 
• Specific challenges of the focus area include: International Center for Tropical Agriculture
low profitability of agri-production system; 
decreasing trend of engagement in agri • Specific challenges are: increasing risks to 
sectors; and sustainability at stake. smallholders in variable delta-environments 
• The focus area aims to facilitate innovation as they strive to intensify under the effects of 
scaling to support resilient diversified climate change; lack of tailor-made products 
and services to reduce (climate) risks based 
8
on user needs; low institutional capacity to 
deliver high quality digital climate advisory 
and bundled services (DCAS+); limited 
institutional collaboration among public and 
private sector; lack of sustainable financing 
of inclusive DCAS+, and insufficient 
mobilization of private sector investment to 
reach scale
• The objective of the focus area is to reduce 
climate risks among smallholders (including 
women and youth) and facilitate investment 
in deltaic value chains through DCAS+.
FOCUS AREA 4 FOCUS AREA 5
Inclusive deltaic food-systems governance Evidence-based Delta Development Planning
Dr. Deepa Joshi Dr. Katherine Nelson
Scientist Scientist 
International Water Management Institute International Rice Research Institute
• The challenge: how to operationalize more • Specific challenges include: interconnections 
sustainable and inclusive food systems? between sea level rise, salinity, subsidence, 
• The objective is to facilitate more joined flooding, drought, changing livelihoods 
up agriculture, water and environment and changing demographics are complex 
governance for sustainable, climate resilient, interwoven ecological, social, and economic 
and inclusive food systems innovations. systems; lack of holistic assessments 
• The focus are plan to do: transdisciplinary makes sustainable and integrated planning 
analyses of bio-physical, political, economic extremely challenging; limited interaction 
and social barriers, risks and opportunities across sectors and from local actors, as well 
to integrated food systems (research); bring as a lack of financing and limited knowledge 
together key public, private, civil society of the tools and resources available, nor 
and grassroots actors to co-analyze (data, capacity to use tools to undertake a planning 
evidence) and co-design more sustainable, process.
diverse and climate resilient food systems • The focus area aims to improve the 
interventions (approach); and identify key development of climate-resilient and 
drivers, brokers and incentives to ensure inclusive food systems in Asian Mega-Deltas 
system innovations (impact). through evidence-supported policy dialogue 
and strategic planning and investment.
To close his presentation, Dr. Sander shared some 
of the future engagements of AMD, such as: 
• Support to AgriTechnica Asia Live (24-26 
August 2022)
• Co-organize water security conference 
(November 2022)
• Define better the ‘niche’ for AMD with delta 
development context
• Develop ‘plug-in’ opportunities for global 
initiatives to work within regional agri-food 
systems innovation systems
9
Workshop Activity • How to create an enabling environment 
Getting to know each other from production to healthy consumption?
• Diet and nutrition are influenced by 
Aside from introducing the members of the focus production, so how to change the behavior 
area discussion to each other, the objective of the of producers.
activity is also to get reactions and clarifications • Apply food balance sheet to ensure food 
from the participants on the AMD initiative based security. Food balance sheet from FAO and 
on presentation delivered by the AMD team. MARD are out of date, which needs to be 
updated for the whole country, especially 
Specific questions: in MRD region. Link the food balance sheet 
application for consumption and food waste 
1. Getting to know the group member reduction, in food production, exportation 
• Name, designation, institution, country, strategy, and other related policy and 
expertise, (other relevant personal strategies.
information)? • What indicators for nutrition and food 
• What are your previous and current security (i.e., micronutrient, diet quality, 
engagements with CGIAR? dietary diversity)? 
2. What are your reactions/clarifications on • Put together food system transition, zero 
the AMD presentation? hunger, and nutrition sensitive approach 
strategy to ensure their contributions to 
In the plenary presentations, the five breakout AMD FA2 and to ensure enough nutrients 
groups presented the highlights of the for the people.
discussions:
Focus Area 3
Focus Area 1 • How AMD will deal with climate shocks 
• Interest in sharing and learning across — early warnings and digital tools should 
countries and focus areas on capacity be focused as well (e.g., in Myanmar, 
building, sustainability approach Bangladesh)?
• How the academic institutions can be • AMD focuses on livelihoods but we need 
involved in the AMD? to pay attention that livelihoods are more 
• On technologies, there are interest in than production/value chains; it is about 
diversification, exporting, optimizing the people’s lives. Should focus on integrating 
cropping systems, by-products (i.e., rice more development dimension into the 
straw) initiative and make sure to produce tailored 
• Harmonizing quality standards information and added value to farmers.
• Synergies; how to coordinate with other • Saline intrusion is a key challenge but 
initiatives in the deltas? difficult to predict. Farmers are not sure if 
rice and fruit trees (e.g., durian, coconut) 
Focus Area 2 can tolerant to which level of salinity (part 
• What commodities in the food system of thousand) and the variance of tolerance 
should be the focus of AMD? capacity of crops/trees at different growth 
• Which areas in the Mekong Delta region will stages. Therefore, it is difficult for farmers to 
be selected for the research activities and adapt and prepare before the extreme event 
why? (e.g., big loss in coconut farming in Ben Tre 
10
due to saline intrusion). AMD should focus sectors, and academia can be a challenge 
on providing information about resilience and opportunity.
of crops/trees to salinity in the various crop • Information gaps, specifically lack of 
growth stages. information sharing and transparency. Data 
• Mekong river water level is low resulting gaps on gender and climate vulnerabilities 
to more salinity intrusion. Other extreme of the marginalized sectors.
weather events (i.e., storms, thunderstorm) • Focus heavily on agriculture. Involve other 
are not easy to forecast (it occurs in short important ministries, such as environment, 
time and at localized areas). Therefore, women affairs, economics and finance, 
there is a need to work on the on-time infrastructure planning, health, and water 
dissemination of information to farmers for resources.
them to take appropriate action.
• Two most important hazards in Cambodia Focus Area 5
are flood and drought, most low land are • Research needs: friendly technology 
rice production areas. There is a need (i.e., CSA, varieties that are high yielding, 
for information from the Meteorological stress tolerant, water saving technique, 
office about seasonal forecasts and the diversified crops, agricultural conservation 
development of capacity on translating practices); provision of early warning 
forecast information into advisory. Capacity system; cross-border information sharing; 
building efforts are needed for farmers and social-economics drivers; capacity building, 
technical staff to effectively disseminate and especially for young scientist; crop 
understand climate information. insurance, accessibility and usability of 
• There is a weak link among the scientist, information/technology to the community 
extension, and other relevant government level; feasibility study/tradeoff study; 
department, making knowledge transfer to urbanization; infrastructure; risk reduction 
farmers more difficult. Some suggestion to versus production maximization; and 
address the issue: increase applied research/ environmental impacts study in broader 
participatory research with extension staff scale/area.
involvement to transfer knowledge to • Scientific evidence to convince policy makers
farmers; consolidate all research outcomes; • Take into account priorities of the 
digitalization; and support in farmers’ government, e.g., climate change resilience, 
utilization of information. food system transformation
• Not only focus on crop but also on fish • Review what have been done in previous 
and fish systems/intercropped rice-fish and projects and identify the need for future 
maintain production of fish in rice-fish. research.
• The initiative needs more stakeholders with • Integrated Master Plan of Vietnam: does it 
different expertise. consult with Cambodia counterpart?
• Delta planning mechanism: interconnecting 
Focus Area 4 of delta when developing plans; the delta is 
• The initiative is ambitious yet very relevant. the unit.
• Coordination among IPs, ministries, private 
11
Plenary Session with national agencies on the 
implementation of the AMD Initiative
Five panelists from the governments of Cambodia emission factor, circular economic model 
and Vietnam were given five minutes each to for waste water, residue/solid waste, organic 
discuss the following guide questions: agriculture, mapping LED, and carbon.
• IAE also assists MARD and provides local 
• What are the priority areas (short-term, governments the services/consultants to have 
medium-term, and/or long-term) of your sustainable agriculture by mainstreaming 
agency related to the Mekong Delta? NDC, green agriculture growth, organic 
• What are your agency’s existing programs agriculture, ecological agriculture, climate 
and activities to address food security change adaptations, Net-Zero, and 30% 
and climate and livelihood resilience in methane emission reduction (government 
the Mekong Delta? commitment in COP26).
• IAE’s international cooperation framework 
Dr. Mai Van Trinh allows the institute to work with organizations 
Director  like the One CGIAR by facilitating the sharing 
Institute of Agricultural Environment, Vietnam of advanced technology, data and other 
resources, and networks and connections.
• Dr. Trinh shared the current activities of his 
institute, such as: assessment of the impact Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa
of climate change to agriculture production; Head of Training Department
development of emission factor for rice, rice- National Agriculture Extension Center, Vietnam
shrimp, rice lands conversion, AWD, 3R3G, 
1M5R; development of agri-solar for land • Vietnam has the integrated and 
use optimization; and adaptation measures comprehensive extension system from the 
and mitigation options. national level to the village level. The country 
• He also shared the researches on: CS-MAP, has the biggest extension public services 
AWD suitability map, revise crop calendar in ASEAN in terms of number of extension 
on impacted soils, improve soil quality worker (about 40,000), half are working on 
and enhance adaptability, circular shrimp the local level, at least 3 extension workers 
wastewater, INDC, NDC, Green Growth per commune. 
strategy, Verifier for AgReSult, WB7, and • Vietnam government, particularly MARD, 
VnSAT. issued a new policy on extension focusing 
• The institute strategies aim toward a clean on capacity building, the national extension 
and sustainable agriculture. IAE main project, and the communication extension 
goal is to provide required technologies program. Also, to implement PPP extension 
and technical generators for the delta to program.
overcome issues on: effective water and • Strategic areas on PPP extension program 
fertilizer use, reasonable crop systems and were outlined, such as: identifying the role of 
calendars, suitability of mitigation options, public, which is to provide policy and general 
12
guidelines and to attract private sector • Cambodia’s updated NDC includes: the 2030 
investments; developing the agriculture raw NDC Scenario the overall emission reduction 
material for domestic use and exporting, target is at 42% compared to 2030 BAU 
which entails the government to invest in Scenario; 33 priority mitigation actions in 
infrastructure, local extension improvement, the sectors of energy, waste, industry (IPPU), 
and building extension network; and transport, agriculture, building and the 
digitalization of extension services, to FOLU; 58 priority adaptation actions in the 
cooperate with different stakeholders on sectors of agriculture, coastal zones, energy, 
the utilization of IT for extension. human health, industry, infrastructure – 
including roads, buildings and urban land 
Ms. Vichetratha Khlok use planning, livelihoods, poverty and 
Deputy Director biodiversity, tourism and water resources; 
Department of Climate Change and 29 enabling actions to facilitate the 
Ministry of Environment, Cambodia NDC implementation were identified in the 
education, gender, governance, information, 
• The Royal Government of Cambodia knowledge sharing, and policy and planning.
recognizes climate change as a major • To conclude, climate change negatively 
challenge to Cambodia’s efforts to develop impacts on Cambodia coastal zone, 
sustainably. The country is highly vulnerable provinces along the Mekong River. Policy 
to the climate change impacts, such as: and institutional arrangement are in place. 
severe floods, storms, droughts, increasing However, there are bottlenecks in terms 
temperatures, sea level rise, and changing of limited financial means to address the 
rainfall regimes. Also, due to its low adverse effects of climate change; limited 
adaptive capacity and high vulnerability of technology transfer and technical experts; 
its economy. mobilization of resources for the NDC 
• Rising sea levels will potentially impact implementation; participation of private 
coastal systems in a number of ways, sector investment; capacity building and 
including inundation, flood and storm awareness raising; youth involvement; 
damage, loss of wetlands, erosion, saltwater gender concerns; and close regional 
intrusion, and rising water tables. Will have collaboration.
direct and indirect socioeconomic impacts 
on tourism, human settlements, agriculture, Dr. Mak Soeun
freshwater supply and quality, fisheries, Director 
financial services, and human health in General Directorate of Agriculture-Extension 
coastal zone and Mekong Deltas. Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry 
• Responding to climate change is an and Fisheries, Cambodia
imperative for Cambodia and cannot be 
separated from the country’s economic • There are four Cambodian provinces in the 
development and poverty alleviation goals. Mekong Delta area, such as Takeo, Kandal, 
The country aims of achieving upper-middle Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng provinces.
income status by 2030, as enshrined in the • The government of Cambodia works to 
National Strategy Development Plan (NSDP). address risk and build resilience to climate 
• Cambodia has made significant progress in change, build infrastructure, and put early 
climate change strategies and policies and is warning system to protect the community 
rolling out its climate change response - in and ecosystem.
particular, explicit efforts have been made in • Cambodia has partnership with One CGIAR 
mainstreaming climate change into national and its centers, such as IRRI, WorldFish, 
and sub-national planning and budgeting. IWMI, and CIAT to work on maximizing 
• Key achievements and priorities include: research impact in the agriculture sector. 
negotiations UNFCCC report, adaptation, Current initiatives include: AMD, Resilient 
mitigation, climate finance, M&E, and Aquatic Food Systems for Healthy People 
capacity building. and Planet, Excellence in Agronomy for 
13
Sustainable Intensification and Climate Dr. Borarin Buntong
Change Adaptation; and Plant Health and Director, Division of Research and Extension 
Rapid Response to Protect Food Security Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia
and Livelihoods.
• Cambodia is adapting the ASEAN Guidelines • The main goal of the Royal University of 
for Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture. Agriculture (RUA) is to produce high quality 
Cambodia also plans to develop and and qualified graduates, professional 
implement water security improvement researchers, and create products for policy 
project, climate-friendly and climate-smart decisions and industry in the whole chain of 
agriculture is included in this project. agriculture. RUA has 10 programs related to 
• Cambodia will continue to develop stress- agriculture and climate change and other 
tolerant varieties of rice, high yielding and relevant crosscutting issues.
short duration, less methane intensive rice • RUA aims to increase agricultural productivity, 
cultivar practices - DDSR, integrated crop diversification and industrialization, such 
management (integrated nutrient crop as in crop, rubber, and other crops, animal 
management, integrated pest management) production and health, fisheries, food sector 
as well as good agriculture practices, organic and agro-industry including food safety 
agriculture, mechanization, low methane and nutrition, agricultural engineering and 
aquaculture, protection and restoration mechanization, agribusiness and agriculture 
of soil and agro system, and conservation economics and forestry
agriculture. • RUA also aims to contribute in creating 
• Cambodia aims to promote climate- a sustainable environment and natural 
smart agribusiness by empowering and resources management and climate 
development agri-cooperative, business resilience through its natural management 
cluster to support trade facilitation, and and forestry programs
agriculture products. The government seeks • Also, to improve and institutional and human 
the support from One CGIAR on these topics. resource capacity, efficiency, and inclusion. 
• Cambodia has created the enabling • RUA targets to promote innovative and 
environment – strategies, policies, and resilient market and industry development 
laws. MAFF also works on mainstreaming that is environment-friendly through 
and integration the climate change in research, extension and technology 
agriculture development policy and in transfer; and to provide a platform for the 
setting up mechanisms. Cambodia aims for young generation to conduct business and 
more cooperation with One CGIAR on these continue career in research and provide 
concerns. them with entrepreneurship skills
• RUA is proud of its Center of Excellence in 
Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition, 
which focuses on conservation agriculture; 
and also of its Center for Biogas.
14
Breakout Session 1 to help farmers in building that investment 
Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities capabilities
Opportunities
For the first breakout session, the focus area • “We are in this project”, being together in 
groups tackled the challenges, gaps, and AMD
opportunities in the implementation and scaling • Rise of public-private partnerships, matching 
of the AMD initiative. market and producers, which goes towards 
network-building and creating those 
Specific questions linkages
• Building on existing groups of cooperatives 
1. What are the challenges in achieving the • Existing policies that are supportive
objectives of the focus area? The facilitator • Existing strands in services (i.e., 
can expound on topics that are relevant to mechanization, logistics)
the group (e.g., environmental challenges, Gaps
social, institutional, etc.) (External) • Research gaps on what the farmers’ really 
2. What are the opportunities in achieving need; disconnect between the researchers 
the objectives of the focus area? and farmers’ needs
3. What are the gaps relevant to the focus • Market needs assessment
area? (Internal) • Low cost technology for the supply chains
• Research • Expertise gap on good research practices 
• Resources for laboratories and protocols, reaching 
• Expertise towards policies
• Technology • Technological gaps like advanced 
• Others technology (i.e., good machines that are 
scale appropriate)
In the plenary presentations, the five breakout 
groups presented the highlights of the Focus Area 2
discussions: Challenges 
• To come up with a common understanding 
Focus Area 1 of what nutrition security means among 
Challenges: stakeholders
• Common strands for both Cambodia • Misalignment on existing data sets 
and Vietnam: technology suitability Opportunities
and packaging, finding location specific • Moving the discourse from food security to 
information nutrition security
• Investment capacities and capabilities, • Tapping into existing policy and networks of 
finding incentives from other stakeholders institution, for diffusion of information from 
national to local levels
15
• Aligning with consumer and policy interest needs to be apply at the local level)
on food safety certification • Supra–ministerial steering committee to 
• Tapping on existing top level policy coordinate existing efforts
commitments (i.e., COP and UNFSS) Gaps
Gaps • Lack of information for policymakers (e.g., 
• Limited partnerships (especially in data economic valuation, circular economy)
collection) • Lack of support to young and women 
scientists
Focus Area 3
Challenges Focus Area 5
• The overall context is a crowded space; Challenges 
lot of tools, platforms and services and • Coordination and communication 
disagreement of sectors challenges, such as: top-down and bottom 
• Fragmented value chains up not harmonized; micro context vs macro 
• Fast changes in the deltas; how to keep up policies
in terms of our interventions - Coordination between different partners/
• Technical challenges (e.g., availability of crop agencies
varieties) - Involving private partners
• Accessibility to the services; coming up with Opportunities
an effective business model • Various governments and organizations 
Opportunities commit and support CC adaptation and 
• “We do not start from scratch”; available mitigation
information on and platforms of climate - CGIAR development partners’ support
information services - Available policies that are responsive to 
• Improved technologies; access of farmers to climate change
these technologies • Providing science-based evidence
• Collaboration with the private sectors - research organizations support 
• Higher interest on climate information quantification of tradeoffs and provide 
services work unbiased sources of information for 
• Policy support around cooperatives and different policy options
farmers organizations - availability of data (i.e., big data, satellite 
• CGIAR to play the coordinating role data) for policy making and planning
Gaps
Focus Area 4 • Many plans but lack of effective 
Challenges implementation at the local levels
• Mindset being rice is the most important • Lack of scientific evidence for policy 
• Policies and strategies often work well on making (i.e., tradeoffs at large scale, scaling, 
large scale but not on small scale farming knowledge products for extension)
Opportunities • Need to update data for planning
• Incentives for nature-based solutions (but 
16
Challenges and opportunities of scaling natural resources 
and agriculture initiatives in Asia
Mr. Abul Basher lack of awareness about the climate-smart 
Senior Natural Resource and Agriculture agriculture; and missing customized and 
Specialist, Asian Development Bank context specific digital technologies and 
functional literacy, etc.  
• FAO Food Price index (FFPI) retreated • Production cycles creates uncertainties 
slightly in April 2022 from the all-time high discouraging private investment in 
in March 2022. Previously, FFPI had reached agriculture.
new record high month-on-month, at • Opportunities for CGIAR (IRRI, for example) 
159.3 points in March 2022, up 12.6% over and ADB to work together through: 
previous record high in February. The high continuous development and enhancement 
food inflation since the start of 2022, reflects of varietal adaptation to direct seeded 
new all-time record highs for oils, cereals, conditions to enhance climate resilience; 
and meat along with sharp increases in enhancement of climate resilience and 
sugar and dairy products profitability of rice through disruptive 
• An increase of annual investment in by technologies; developing clear target market 
USD 36.9 billion in agricultural research and segments for precise targeting of IRRI’s 
development (USD 1.3B), water management breeding programs connecting points with 
(USD 20B) and rural infrastructure (USD15.8B) national systems; developing well-aligned 
will reduce the food insecure people to 4.2% technologies suitable for future rice based 
of the projected population. systems by aligning genetics, breeding, 
• Issues and challenges: diminishing interest and crop management approaches; and 
by youth in farming; high post-harvest developing better understanding and 
losses due to disintegrated supply chains: provide support for policy discussion 
inadequate infrastructure and inefficient leading to enhancement of rice value chains 
market access which pose risks to food and related enterprises.
safety; continuing competition for land • Promote integrated solutions for long-
and water resources by other sectors— term resilience. The key approaches 
prime agricultural lands are being used include: climate-smart agriculture, digital 
for urbanization, industrialization, and technologies in agriculture, nature-based 
infrastructure; and climate change and solutions, and cross-sectoral/thematic 
extreme weather events. design of ANR projects. 
• Missing institutional settings/support: water • Support smallholder agriculture production 
markets with flat rates for water use need by: direct agribusiness lending, lending 
to be reviewed—“more water more charge, support to financial institutions, and 
less water less charge”; a knowledge-sharing microfinance program.
platform or a “community of practice”; 
17
Plenary Session with International Organizations 
on the implementation of the AMD Initiative
Five panelists from the international organizations river erosion interventions that strengthen 
working in the Mekong Delta were given five the resilience of rural infrastructure and 
minutes each to discuss the following guide ecosystems; and climate-resilient and 
questions: water-sensitive urban infrastructure - 
implementation of climate-resilient and 
• What are the priority areas (short-term, water-sensitive urban infrastructure.
medium-term, and/or long-term) of your • Another GIZ project in the delta is the Green 
organization related to the Mekong Delta? Innovation Centre (GIC) Vietnam, which 
• What are your organization’s existing focuses mainly on rice and mango value 
programs and activities to address food chains.
security and climate and livelihood 
resilience in the Mekong Delta? Mr. Laurent Umans
First Secretary Water and Climate Change 
Mr. Nguyen Khiem Embassy of the Netherlands
Programme Officer, GIZ Vietnam
• Some of the dynamic challenges and issues 
• GIZ portfolio in the Mekong Delta includes a in the Mekong Delta: flood and drought, 
total of 14 projects, four (4) are completed, poverty and pollution, climate change and 
nine (9) ongoing and one (1) on the pipeline. subsidence and salinity, rice and aquaculture, 
• The Mekong Delta Climate Resilience and technical and governance and political 
Programme (MCRP) of GIZ is being economy and ecology.
implemented from 2019 to 2025. The • Solutions and programs: water retention 
climate-resilient management of natural and (aquifer) storage, water treatment, 
resources in coastal areas of the Mekong agricultural transformation, reduce 
Delta is aimed to improve for ensuring groundwater and sand extraction, 
sustainable development in the region. spatial integrated planning, coordinated 
• This can be achieved by: institutional implementation and sufficient budget, 
strengthening - establish an institutional green economic development pathway 
framework to facilitate regional coordination and (climate) finance, and deep societal 
of climate-resilient development in the transformation to ‘live with nature’ and care 
Mekong Delta; climate-resilient investment for it.
planning - improving investment planning • Key messages: the Mekong Delta should 
at regional level for climate-resilient and be seen, governed and treated as a whole; 
gender-sensitive management of water actively living with nature is guiding 
resources in urban and rural areas; innovative the implementation; shift from a linear 
technologies, coastal and river erosion exploitation practices to a circular sustainable 
interventions - implementing the application management practices; enable risk 
of innovative technologies and coastal and 
18
reduction; invest not only in infrastructure; community infrastructure; and direct 
and design inclusive processes. engagement in village- and commune-level 
planning.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quang
Senior Consultant Dr. Chau Minh Khoi 
International Fund for Agricultural Development Vice Dean, College of Agriculture, Can Tho 
University and Country Lead, FOCUS project
• The IFAD Country Strategies in Vietnam 
include: building pro-poor and stable value • Farmer Options for Crops Under Saline 
chains leveraging significant investments conditions (FOCUS) in the Mekong River 
from the private sector; enhancing and Delta, Vietnam is a project that aims to 
expanding financial inclusion for climate- increase production and profitability of 
resilient rural livelihoods; and fostering the saline affected crop production systems and 
environmental sustainability and climate to create a capacity legacy to enable these 
resilience of ethnic minorities’ smallholder systems to adapt to ongoing climate change 
economic activities. in the Mekong Delta.
• IFAD has long term commitment investing • FOCUS was implemented in Soc Trang, Hau 
in adaptation/resilience. These projects are: Giang, Can Tho, and An Giang.
Improving Market Participation of the Poor • FOCUS research activities include: 
in Tra Vinh (IMPP) from 2006 to 2012 worth characterization of the impact of saline 
USD 37.3M; Developing Business with the water intrusion on crop-based farming 
Rural Poor in Ben Tre (DBRP) from 2007 to systems (water, soil, crops, people, markets); 
2014 worth USD 50.5M; Adaption to Climate development and evaluation of crop 
Change in the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre and diversification and soil management options 
Tra Vinh (AMD) from 2013 to 2020 worth for saline affected-areas; analysis market 
USD 49.34M; and Climate Smart Agriculture opportunities and policies for adaptive 
Transformation Project (CSAT) from 2022  to transformation of cropping systems in the 
2027 worth USD 136.4M. MRD; and development and promotion of 
• These IFAD Investments in Mekong Delta spatially targeted management practices 
aim to achieve: diversified livelihood and which build adaptive capacity and optimize 
income streams; better access to knowledge farm livelihoods in a changing environment.
and adoption of CCA practices; membership • FOCUS project was structure with objectives 
of social networks such as CIGs and SCGs; and research components to deliver adaptive 
ability to access credit; protection from transformation of cropping systems in MRD.
climatic hazards as result of small-scale 
19
Dr. Dang Kieu Nhan and productivity, and also circularity level 
Director at the farm and farming community to 
Mekong Delta Development Research Institute consider water and landscapes. Also, on the 
Can Tho University community level, on adapting to stresses 
like salinity intrusion.
• Mekong Delta Development Research • Alliance with other research and 
Institute (MDI), an interdisciplinary institute development organization is done to 
under Can Tho University (CTU), is working improve the capacity of farmers on farming 
under four main themes, such as: natural and business, especially on cooperative and 
resources management, food systems, also to improve agriculture value chains by 
rural development, and public policy and linking private sector and farmers.
governance. • The five main concerns of MDI relevant to 
• Food security is one of the outcomes of the AMD: inter-zone coordination (i.e., conflict 
food systems in a broad perspective beyond in water use in the upper and lower zone 
the household level. of the delta), thus, information should be 
• Wageningen University and Research is a put in the communities at large scale (e.g., 
long partner of CTU in addressing challenges to address water use conflict); information 
in MRD, dealing with integrated farming should also be in landscape level in order 
systems in order to improve resource use to manage producing areas for value chain; 
of farming households, improve food value local government and farmers and private 
chains under areas-based management enterprises play around farming system 
based on food supermarkets, and to deal shift than agriculture system shifts (natural-
with delta food system transformation induced risk to human-induced risk); and 
under new normal pressure particularly improve farming products for smallholders, 
in the MRD. CTU and WUR also focused by finding their place in the value chain (not 
on stresses that produce pressure, salinity only on farming activities) to increase the 
intrusion, and ground water depletion. income of smallholders.
• The activities are placed in the broader 
context that is agricultural transformation 
as promoted by the government, labor 
shift, urbanization, and industrialization in 
the delta, in order to improve livelihood 
20
Breakout Session 2 • Social learning (i.e., upgrading the farmers’ 
Scaling the AMD initiative organization skills on agribusiness, 
mechanization)
The second breakout session focused on the • Restructuring the cropping system/
identifying the projects, programs, and platforms improved agronomy systems (diversification 
on research and/or scaling of the possible options, understanding the adoption issues, 
institutional partners. Based on the relevant postharvest losses, mechanization)
efforts identified and also on the challenges, 
opportunities, and gaps (from the Breakout Focus Area 2
Session 1), the members of the breakout groups • Engage and support policy mechanism 
identified the priorities for the implementation related to nutrition sensitive agri-food 
of their respective focus areas. system
• Improve interlinkage/access and sharing 
Specific questions information/data from different sector (pros 
and cons)
1. What are the existing projects/programs/ • Quantify/evaluate on linkages/models/ 
platforms (for networking and knowledge influence, trade off
sharing) of the partners in the group that •  Promote farmers to participate in seminar 
are relevant to the Focus Area? for nutrition
2. Are the projects/programs/platforms • Provide/research concept system 
focusing on research or scaling or understanding of food security/ nutrition, 
both? nutrition-sensitive agriculture, driver 
3. What are the priorities of the Focus Areas (gender, youth), market, value chain and 
based on the challenges, opportunities pros and cons in production
and gaps, and also, on the partners’ • Evidence on nutrient values along production 
existing projects/programs/ platforms? and consumption
In the plenary presentations, the five breakout Focus Area 3
groups presented the list of priorities they • Overview of existing tools and platform 
identified in the discussions: and discuss/agree on areas for integration 
or improvement (key features and 
Focus Area 1 characteristics, business model, typology, 
• Characterization (i.e., cropping system diversified users)
mapping, carbon trading, market trends, soil • Coordinate link among climate producer, 
health) translator, disseminator, and users
21
• Understand capacity needs of actors (data Focus Area 5
producers, translator, and users) and • Landscape planning
capacity building to climate producer, user, • Cross-sector coordination
and translator • Private engagement (value chain financing)
• Explore potential collaboration/network • Climate financing
building/scoping of partners for further • Mechanism and policy for area integration
engagement and linking for scaling and • Data integration 
resource mobilization • Research: farmer response to risk, climate 
• change and adaptation
Focus Area 4 • Positive migration impacts
• Institutional and policy analysis towards • Digitalization for forecast, planning, and 
systems/mechanisms of governance for investment
food system/environment • Climate-smart mapping
• Identify ‘locations’ for governance-related • Data/knowledge sharing platform
research • Incentive policies (support/finance)
• Options for nature based solutions; • Nature-based solutions
facilitated migrations (rural-urban) • Data/method inventory, identifying gaps
• Case studies of public interest vis-a-vis. • Suitable map for mitigation options
private profit seeking • Short-long term trade off
• Alternatives to top-down governance: • Tools for decision-making
bottom up, communal management (not • Categorizing available data to identify gaps
separated between public vs. private) like • Water dialogue platform for AMD (data 
the successful model of Community Fish sharing between Cambodia and Vietnam)
Refuge (CFR) in Cambodia • Identify key stakeholder engagement plan
• Identification, assessment and suggestion to 
apply climate-smart technologies/practices 
based on local needs
22
Breakout Session 3 3.1. Assessment of commune-level production 
Work Planning systems and practices
3.2. Adaptive research on productivity gaps
Using the information gathered from Breakout 
Sessions 1 and 2, the participants prepared a work 
plan for the focus area. Identified per specific Vietnam
focus area objective, the actions were elaborated Objective 1: Land suitability assessments and 
in terms of deliverables, specific activities, sites, characterization for agri-production system 
milestones, lead CGIAR centers, and partners and diversification options
their specific roles. 1.1. Agro-ecological database
1.2. High resolution suitability mapping of 
In the plenary presentations, the five breakout cropping systems for specific agro-ecological 
groups presented the highlights of their regions
respective work plans: 1.3. Mapping experts, resources, and scaling 
partners
Focus Area 1
Objective 2: Strengthen social learning and 
Cambodia innovation through inclusive learning alliances 
Objective 1: Land suitability assessments and to identify opportunities to mitigate and adapt 
characterization for agri-production system to climate risks
diversification options Focus on learning alliance for sustainable rice 
1.1. Mapping straw management
2.1. Develop business model 
Objective 2: Strengthen social learning and 2.2. Capacity development and knowledge 
innovation through inclusive learning alliances exchange on mechanization services and 
(LA) to identify opportunities to mitigate and machinery operations
adapt to climate risks 2.3. Technology transfer and field demonstration 
2.1. SWOT analysis of agri-ccop on mechanized rice straw composting
2.2. LA Toolkit (in English) 2.4. Cross-country LAs
2.3. Cross-country learning
Objective 3: Develop improved agronomy 
Objective 3: Develop improved agronomy packages for diversified delta production 
packages for diversified delta production systems, tailored to local contexts for increased 
systems, tailored to local contexts for increased climate resilience
climate resilience
23
Focus on mechanization and precision farming 3.1. Literature review (policy, food law, etc.)
supporting 1M5R and Sustainable Rice Platform 3.2. Consultation workshop with relevant 
3.1. Verification/adaptive research/field trials stakeholders
in large scale
3.2. Capacity building: demonstrations and Focus Area 3
trainings Objective 1: Identify inclusive intervention 
3.3. Farmers’ school strategies and options for digital tools, platforms 
3.4. Business model and services with public and private sector
1.1. Scoping of prioritized production systems/
Focus Area 2 value chain (review value chains, value chain 
Objective 1: Assess changes in deltaic food risks and vulnerability assessment, and impacts 
consumption patterns in relation to demand side of risks)
drivers of change, to reveal socially differentiated 1.2. Overview of existing tools and platforms 
nutrition outcomes and discuss/agree on the potential areas for 
1.1. Literature review integration
1.2. List existing data description 1.3. Scoping of partners for further 
1.3. Data collection: nutrition KAP, diets (eat at engagement and linking and explore potential 
home or out-home) collaboration/network building
1.4. Explore on consumption need demand 1.4. Users’ need assessment
and agroecosystem 1.5. Identify early intervention options
1.5. Consultation workshop with relevant 
stakeholders Objective 2: Assessment and co-development of 
inclusive digital products and services
Objective 2: Evaluate how deltaic agroecosystem 2.1. Design human-centered products/services
and food production practices are transforming 2.2. Agree on partnership arrangement
in response to multiple drivers, to reveal socially- 2.3. Hackathons collective approach to identify 
differentiated nutrition outcomes solution
2.1. Farm survey: production, labor, technology, 2.4 Develop inclusive business model with 
change, land, climate gender and social inclusion
2.2. Analyse data collected and identify what 
has been changed Objective 3. Sustainable financing models and 
partnerships to support scaling of inclusive 
Objective 3: Identify and quantify the benefits of DCAS+
nutrition sensitive policies and interventions to 3.1. Assess existing models and finance 
support equitable and sustainable consumption institution
and production of nutritious foods in deltas in 3.2. Develop convincing financial model
the face of rapid change 3.4. Build partnership
24
Focus Area 4 Master plan
Objective 1: Facilitate policy makers to identify 1.5. Agri-land use mapping
integrated food systems strategies (provincial to 
national/cross-border) Objective 2: Climate action plans
1.1. Evidence of lack of science-based decision Vietnam
making; rhetoric of policies 2.1. Explore demand for low carbon products
1.2. In-depth analysis of key policies - one 2.2. Highlight SDG’s quality of rice carbon 
province for demonstration? credits that also have adaptation benefit
1.3. Examples of nature-based solutions that 2.3. Explore e-traceability
are working (in Cambodia: CFR, which is 2.4. Identify existing sources of financing and 
working very well) gaps
1.4. Top-down policy interventions 2.5 Framework for diverse investment (Green 
1.5. Cambodia: Decentralization. Strengthen bonds, NH carbon trade, PPP)
legislation, because policies are there but poor 2.6. Review NAPs to identify specific activities 
implementation is the problem. then add value to existing initiatives
1.6. Regulation of deforestation, forest floods Cambodia
2.7. Identify climate information and risk 
Objective 2: Build capacity of sub-national and assessment for adaptive planning and 
local institutions to implement strategies investment 
2.1. Capacity building of local authorities, 2.8. Review policy and partnership initiative to 
communities attract donors government investment
2.2. Cambodia: Technical capacity of fishers 
- small/medium enterprises, women, food Objective 3: Inclusive climate-responsive delta 
processing, and value chains development pathways
2.3. Series of workshops (policy makers and 
other stakeholders) Objective 4: Knowledge Integration Network
Vietnam
Objective 3: Build capacity of grassroots actors/ 4.1. Engage in multiple stakeholder dialogue
networks. 4.2. Linking with PSAV
3.1. Citizen science programs (evidence, info 4.3. Pre-COP 26: Technical advisory group for 
sharing, and networking) MARD 
4.4. VN-SIPA: Support for implementation of 
Focus Area 5 Paris Agreement
Objective 1: Projected climate risks and 4.5. Sustainable Transformation Mekong Delta 
vulnerability risks to inform planning Network (PMU)
1.1. Detail planning for the Mekong Regional 4.6. Management office of agriculture activities 
Master plan in MRD
1.2. Update CS-MAP for short-term forecasting Cambodia
changing cropping calendar 4.7. Regular Food Security and Nutrition Forum 
1.3. Ex-ante assessment of the Mekong organized by CARDI
Regional Masterplan 4.8. National innovative platform for agriculture 
1.4. Detailed planning for the Mekong Regional food systems
25
Conclusions and Next Steps Strong partnership building with other 
organizations and projects/programs. 
More than 80 participants attended the event The diversity of participants from Cambodia 
representing the government agencies of and Vietnam, representing the different 
Vietnam and Cambodia, CGIAR and its centers delta stakeholders, gave AMD and its FAs an 
working for AMD, international organizations, opportunity to explore possible partnerships in 
academic institutions, private sector, and other the implementation of AMD, including discussions 
relevant stakeholders groups. The inception on contract arrangements. Integration with other 
workshop provided a venue for: open discussion One CGIAR Initiatives and other national and 
between the research team and stakeholders international programs, both at the country and 
on the initiative’s plans and programs; co- regional levels, was also tackled and a collective 
designing specific work plans for Cambodia and interest among all the participants.
Vietnam for each of the FAs; and building crucial 
partnerships for research activities and scaling, Inclusive co-development of work plans for 
both with national agencies and international Cambodia and Vietnam. The work planning 
organizations. session provided the participants, particularly 
the national and local partners, the venue to 
Through the event, the AMD Initiative was able articulate their voices in the identification of 
to achieve several workshop outcomes: specific activities to be implemented under each 
FA. The priority-identification session guided 
Building connection among FAs and mutual the work planning in designing activities that 
understanding of AMD’s scope and focus. respond more to partners’ priorities.
The inception workshop became the platform 
for AMD to give a more detailed introduction Identification of scaling opportunities. 
of the initiative to the key stakeholders. In the Through the breakout sessions, each of the FA 
plenary and breakout sessions, the teams were team was able to identify the existing projects, 
able to explain more on the scope of their FA and programs, and platforms on research and/or 
also to discuss some questions and clarifications scaling of the possible institutional partners. 
related to AMD. The interactive approaches used Several scaling platforms were identified at 
shed more light on what is AMD and its intended the local, national, and regional levels, which 
interventions. will also facilitate cross-FA and cross-Initiative 
integrations. 
26
The event also served as the official launch of the AMD initiative, which was reported by several 
local and national media.
Next steps identified by the AMD team together with the participating stakeholders are: 
• Working on formal partners engagement (i.e., contract arrangements)
• Formation of a steering committee 
• Revising the results framework
• Development of an impact assessment plan
• Planning the AMD Initiative launch in Ganges Delta
27
List of Participants
Name of participant Designation Organization
Focus Area 1 (Agronomy)  
FA1 Lead/Research Leader - Soil, Water 
and Environment Unit, Sustainable Impact 
Sudhir Yadav through Rice-based Systems AMD/International Rice Research Institute
Nguyen Van Hung Scientist, Mechanization and Postharvest International Rice Research Institute
Rica Flor (also FA5) Scientist, Innovation System International Rice Research Institute
Akhara Ouk Assistant Scientist- Agri Production System International Rice Research Institute
Nguyen Van Hieu IRRI’s consultant - rice straw management Tien Giang University
IRRI’s consultant - mechanization and 
Nguyen Thanh Nghi postharvest Nong Lam University
Tran Thi Cam Nhung Assistant Scientist- Agri Production System International Rice Research Institute
Sao Sok Senior Technical Specialist WorldFish
Tran Ngoc Thach Director CLRRI
Nguyen Hong Son President Vietnam Academy for Agricultural Sciences
Le Thanh Tung Deputy Director for South Department of Crop Production
Ho Thanh Binh Vice Rector An Giang University
Chu Viet Ha Director Bayer Vietnam
Borarin Buntong Director, Division of Research and Extension Royal University of Agriculture
Nguyen Khiem Project Officer GIZ/MCRP
Nguyen Ngoc Son Project Officer GIZ
Pham Thi Minh Hieu Head Sub-Division of Crop Production, DARD-Can Tho
Focus Area 2 (Nutrition)  
Ben Belton AMD FA2 leader WorldFish
Huynh Thi Thanh Tuyen AMD FA2 member, SHiFT coordinator Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Deborah Nabuuma (online) Nutrition Scientist Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Hoang The Ky Reasearch Consultant Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Cao Le Quyen Vice Director Vietnam Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning 
Truong Tuyet Mai Deputy Director National Institute of Nutrition
Sim Sokcheng Trainer, Independent Researcher Cambodia Development Resource Institute
Chou Phanith Lecturer and researcher Royal University Phnom Penh
Kim Savoeun General Deputy Director Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
Hsu Mon Aung Researcher WorldFish - Myanmar
Ho Thanh Binh Vice Dean of An Giang University An Giang University
Nguyen Thi Hien Lecturer and researcher, Department of Nu-trition and Food Safety Can Tho University of Medicine and Phamarcy
Nguyen Le Ngoc Giau Lecturer, Department Environmental Health Can Tho University of Medicine and Phamarcy
Focus Area 3 (Climate services)  
Cornelis Swaans AMD FA3 Lead Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Angelica Barlis Senior Coordinator/Project Manager, AMD and DeRISK Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Le Thi Tam Vietnam Country Coordinator, AMD and DeRISK Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Nguyen Mai Huong Research Associate, AMD and DeRISK Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Yim Soksophors Cambodia coordinator, AMD and DeRISK International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Wilson John Barbon Country Director - Myanmar International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Jorgen Jensen Interim Lead for Cambodia WorldFish
Tran Thị My Hạnh Technical staff Department of Crop Production (in the South)
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Nguyen Viet Khoa Head of Training Department National Agriculture Extension Center 
Le Dinh Quyet Deputy Head Forecasting Department of Southern Region Hydro-Meteorological Center 
Am Phirum Deputy Director Agricultural Land Resources Management
James Gilles (online)  Specialist (Climate Strategy) Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Chou Panith Researcher Phnom Penh/Royal University 
Focus Area 4 (Institutions and gender)
Deepa Joshi Senior Scientist/FA4 Lead AMD/International Water Management Institute
Bui Trang Assistant CIP
Nozomi Kawarazuka Social Scientist CIP
Michael Akester Regional Director SEA WorldFish
Sao Sok Research Fellow WorldFish
Lan Nguyen Senior Trade & Policy Advisor Dutch Embassy
Chan Phalouen Undersecretary of State Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
Deputy Director, Department of Climate 
Khlok Vichetratha Change Ministry of Environment
Chau Minh Khoi Researcher / Lecturer Can Tho University
First Secretary, Water Management and 
Laurent Umans Climate Change Dutch Embassy
Nguyen Minh Quang Lecturer / Forum Managing Director Can Tho University/Mekong Environmental Forum
Focus Area 5 (Planning)
Katherine Nelson FA5 Lead/Scientist AMD/International Rice Research Institute
Leo Palao (online) Climate risk and adaptive capacity specialist Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Alice Laborte (also FA1) GIS/remote sensing scientist International Rice Research Institute
Le Phuong Dung Researcher Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Ong Quoc Cuong Economist International Rice Research Institute
Keo Sokheng Specialist-Water Management IRRI-Cambodia
Bui Tan Yen Senior Scientist International Rice Research Institute
Mai Van Trinh Director Institute of Agricultural Environment 
Dang Kieu Nhan Director, Mekong Delta Development Research Institute (MDI) Can Tho University
Mak Soeun Director General Directorate of Agriculture- Extension Department
Vu Thanh Ha Officer-in-Charge to CGIAR International Cooperation Department
Nguyen Ngoc Quang Senior Consultant IFAD
Jennifer Barnard  Scientist International Rice Research Institute
Tran Dai Nghia Institute for Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Director Development
Le Nhut Tao  Sub-DCP Can Tho
First Secretary, Water Management and 
Laurent Umans Climate Change Dutch Embassy
Duong Hong Diep Project staff IFAD
Inception Workshop Organizing Team
AMD Lead/Country Representative to 
Bjoern Ole Sander Vietnam International Rice Research Institute
Pham Tho Workshop facilitator
Dinh Kim Dung Office Manager International Rice Research Institute
Associate Scientist, Data Management and 
Vu Hong Trang MEL International Rice Research Institute
Eisen Bernardo Communication Consultant International Rice Research Institute
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Workshop Agenda
Day 1: 28 June 2022 (Tuesday)
Time Activity In-Charge
08:00–08:30 Registration Secretariat
Opening program
Mr. Le Thanh Tung
•	 Opening remarks Deputy Director for South
DCP-MARD, Vietnam
Dr. Stephan Weise 
08:30–09:00 Managing Director, CIAT Asia
Dr. Martin Kropff
•	 Welcome messages Global DirectorResilient Agrifood Systems, CGIAR
Mr. Tran Thai Nghiem
Deputy Director General, 
DARD Can Tho 
09:00–09:15 Introduction of Participants
09:15–09:25 Group photo All participants
Plenary Session 1: Introduction of the AMD Initiative
Country priorities Dr. Nguyen Hong Son
09:25–09:45 and statement of support and expectations President, VAAS, Vietnam
from the partner countries Dr. Chan Phaloeun Undersecretary of State, MAFF, Cambodia
Overview of CGIAR Initiative Dr. Björn Ole Sander
09:45–10:00 on Securing the Food Systems 
Senior Climate Change Expert
of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate Country Representative to Vietnam, 
and Livelihood Resilience IRRIInitiative Leader, AMD
FOCUS AREA LEADERS
Dr. Sudhir Yadav, IRRI
10:00–10:15 Brief Introduction of the Dr. Benjamin Belton, WorldFishfive AMD Focus Areas Dr. Cornelis Swaans, ABC
Dr. Deepa Joshi, IWMI
Dr. Katherine Nelson, IRRI
Coffee/tea break
10:15–10:30
Viewing of AMD posters
10:30–11:30 Workshop activity- Expectations on the Initiative All participants
11:30–11:50 Open forum Facilitator
11:50–12:00 Synthesis Facilitator
12:00-13:30 Lunch Break
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Breakout Sessions: AMD Focus Areas
(Opportunities, Challenges and Gaps)
13:30-13:45 Icebreaker Facilitator
Session with national agencies on the implementation of the AMD Initiative
13:45-14:25 Introduction to the national agencies’ works/ Dr. Mai Van Trinh, IAE
priorities Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa, NAEC
Representative, DCRD
Ms. Khlok Vichetratha, DCC-MoE
Dr. Mak Soeun, GDA-MAFF
Dr. Borarin Buntong, RUA
14:25-14:40 Open forum
14:40-14:50 Guidelines for the breakout groups
Introduction of the group facilitators and 
rapporteurs 
14:50-15:05 Coffee/tea break
Viewing of AMD posters
15:05-15:10 Video clip of a successful initiative in the Delta
15:10-16:10 1st Breakout sessions Research teams and participants
on the AMD Focus Areas Focus Area leaders as facilitators
	Focus Area 1: Adapting Deltaic Production 
Systems
	Focus Area 2: Nutrition-Sensitive Deltaic Agrifood 
Systems
	Focus Area 3: De-risking Delta-oriented Value 
Chains
	Focus Area 4: Joined-up, Gender-equitable, 
Socially-inclusive Deltaic Natural Resource-Food 
Systems Governance
	Focus Area 5:  Evidence-based Delta 
Development Planning
16:10-16:25 Wrap up of the breakout sessions
Preparation of the plenary presentation
16:25-16:50 Plenary presentations per Focus Area 
Feedback Session
16:50-17:00 Synthesis Facilitator
18:00- Cocktails 
19:00– Dinner/Socials
Day 2: 29 June 2022 (Wednesday)
Plenary Session 2: Scaling the AMD initiative
08:00–08:15 Registration Secretariat
08:15–08:20 Recap of Day 1
08:20–08:30 Icebreaker
08:30–08:45 Challenges and opportunities of scaling natural Mr. Abul Basher 
resources and agriculture initiatives Senior Natural Resource and 
in Asia Agriculture Specialist,
Asian Development Bank
08:45–09:00 Q and A with the plenary speaker
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Session with international organizations
on the implementation and scaling of the AMD Initiative
09:00–09:20 Introduction to the international organizations’ Mr. Nguyen Khiem, GIZ Vietnam
works/priorities Mr. Laurent Umans, Dutch Embassy
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quang, IFAD
Dr. Chau Minh Khoi, FOCUS
Dr.  Dang Kieu Nhan, MDI-CTU/WUR
09:20–09:35 Open forum
09:35–09:40 Guidelines for the 2nd breakout session
09:40–09:55 Coffee/tea break
Viewing of AMD posters
09:55–11:05 2nd breakout sessions 
on the AMD Focus Areas   Research teams and participantsFocus Area leaders as facilitators
11:05–11:20 Wrap up of the breakout sessions
Preparation of the plenary presentation
11:20–11:45 Plenary presentations per Focus Area Appointed presenters 
Feedback Session Participants 
11:45–12:00 Synthesis Facilitator
Guidelines for the 3rd breakout session
12:00–13:30 Lunch
Breakout Sessions: AMD Focus Areas Work Plan Development
13:30-13:45 Icebreaker
13:45-15:00 3rd Breakout sessions on the AMD Focus Areas Research teams and 
participants
15:00-15:15 Working coffee/tea break
15:15-15:45 Continuation of the 3rd Breakout sessions Group facilitators
Wrap up of the breakout sessions
Preparation of the plenary presentation
15:45-16:10 Plenary presentations per Focus Area Appointed presenters 
Feedback Session Participants 
16:10-16:50 Open discussion on the proposed work plans
16:50-17:00 Synthesis Facilitator
17:00-17:25 Formation of the steering committee 
17:25-17:30 Closing remarks Dr. Björn Ole Sander
Initiative Leader, AMD
19:00- Dinner
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Media Releases
1. Vietnamplus: Initiative to protect food systems in Asian mega delta launched in Can Tho 
2. Nong Nghiep: Khởi động Sáng kiến AMD về bảo vệ hệ thống lương thực Châu Á; CGIAR’s Initiative 
for securing Asia mega-deltas’s food system launched
3. Can Tho TV: Khởi động sáng kiến CGIAR về bảo vệ hệ thống lương thực; YouTube
4. Bao Quoc Te: Initiative to protect food systems in Asian Mega Deltas (AMD) launched in Can Tho
5. SGGP Online: Mega-deltas creating food baskets severely impacted by climate change; Các đồng 
bằng tạo ra “giỏ thực phẩm” đang chịu tác động nghiêm trọng do biến đổi khí hậu
6. Nông thôn Việt: Các đồng bằng tạo ra “giỏ thực phẩm” đang chịu tác động nghiêm trọng do biến 
đổi khí hậu
7. NhanDan: Initiative to protect food systems in Asian mega delta launched in Can Tho 
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