CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117906

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/18-securing-the-asian-mega-deltas-from-sea-level-rise-flooding-salinization-and-water-insecurity/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 406

Disentangling community-based resource governance through knowledge systems mapping: insights from Community Fish Refuges in rural Cambodia
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Baldivieso Soruco, C. R.; Bonatti, M.; De Silva, Sanjiv; Ou, P.; Soeun, K. O.; Neth, S.; Sun, V.; Rodríguez, T.; Sean, V.; Sithirith, M.; Dubois, Mark; Sieber, S.
Inland fisheries in Cambodia are of great importance to the livelihoods of rural communities, as they provide sustenance and seasonal income for the local population. Community fish refuges (CFRs) are natural or human-made water bodies that hold water throughout the year, providing a dry-season sanctuary for aquatic life. Managed mainly by the local community, CFRs support diverse ecological and human functions, such as biodiversity repositories, including fish stocks, and provide water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic needs. These initiatives have been promoted by several organizations in Cambodia since the 1990s, showing positive ecological impacts and improving food security, especially for marginalized populations. However, the social dimensions of management, the role of local knowledge, and the underlying knowledge systems remain understudied. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the governance mechanisms of CFRs in relation to the local knowledge of management. Four CFR projects conducted by WorldFish and NGO partners between 2016 and 2021 in Central Cambodia were selected for the analysis. A participatory approach was employed using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) through focus group discussions (FGDs) with local stakeholders (n = 38). The methodological approach was based on three phases: exploratory interviews (n=23), causal-loop FGDs (n=4), and FGDs for data validation (n=4). Our study highlights the importance of context-specific and relational knowledge in CFR management, as well as the importance of institutional structures, power dynamics, and social differentiation in shaping knowledge access, distribution, and management. Social mobilization mainly involves village representatives mediating between villagers and external entities, with a certain degree of concentration of power within groups of stakeholders. Enhancing community governance through more inclusive, dialogue-based communication and potentially leveraging informal networks is recommended to channel social learning, considering the sociocultural context and challenges of decentralization in Cambodia.
Remotely sensed high-resolution soil moisture and evapotranspiration: bridging the gap between science and society
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Huang, J.; Sehgal, V.; Alvarez, L. V.; Brocca, L.; Cai, S.; Cheng, R.; Cheng, X.; Du, J.; El Masri, B.; Endsley, K. A.; Fang, Y.; Hu, J.; Jampani, Mahesh; Kibria, Md. G.; Koren, G.; Li, L.; Liu, L.; Mao, J.; Moreno, H. A.; Rigden, A.; Shi, M.; Shi, X.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, X.; Fisher, J. B.
This paper reviews the current state of high-resolution remotely sensed soil moisture (SM) and evapotranspiration (ET) products and modeling, and the coupling relationship between SM and ET. SM downscaling approaches for satellite passive microwave products leverage advances in artificial intelligence and high-resolution remote sensing using visible, near-infrared, thermal-infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensors. Remotely sensed ET continues to advance in spatiotemporal resolutions from MODIS to ECOSTRESS to Hydrosat and beyond. These advances enable a new understanding of bio-geo-physical controls and coupled feedback mechanisms between SM and ET reflecting the land cover and land use at field scale (3–30 m, daily). Still, the state-of-the-science products have their challenges and limitations, which we detail across data, retrieval algorithms, and applications. We describe the roles of these data in advancing 10 application areas: drought assessment, food security, precision agriculture, soil salinization, wildfire modeling, dust monitoring, flood forecasting, urban water, energy, and ecosystem management, ecohydrology, and biodiversity conservation. We discuss that future scientific advancement should focus on developing open-access, high- resolution (3–30 m), sub-daily SM and ET products, enabling the evaluation of hydrological processes at finer scales and revolutionizing the societal applications in data-limited regions of the world, especially the Global South for socio-economic development.
Vietnamese government scales agroclimatic bulletins across 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta, reaching more than 290,000 farmers
(Case Study, 2025-04-30) Le, Tam Thi; Swaans, Cornelis
An evaluation conducted in 2024 showed the Vietnamese government successfully scaled agroclimatic bulletins (ACBs) from 7 to 13 provinces in the Mekong River Delta (MRD), reaching 291,494 farmers, without additional funding from the Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) initiative. The increase in the number of farmers was marked by the expansion in districts and communes, as well as the inclusion of more crops.
CGIAR Research Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas
Spatial analysis and cost-benefit assessment of climate change adaptation in rice-based agrifood systems of select Asian Mega Deltas
(Report, 2025) Nelson, Katherine; Vu, Trang; Raviz, Jeny; Villano, Lorena; Laborte, Alice; Bich, Ngoc Vu Thi; Giles, James; Balanza, Jane Girly; Youngberg, Brayden; Rosenstock, Todd S.; Bhandari, Humnath; Nguyen, Tran Bao
The Asian Mega Deltas (AMDs) are critical regions for global food security, nutrition, and poverty alleviation, yet they face significant climate change vulnerabilities. This report assesses the climate-related risks affecting rice-based agrifood systems in the Mekong and Ganges Brahmaputra deltas, including flooding, heat stress, saline intrusion, and changing precipitation patterns. To address these challenges, the report outlines a comprehensive analytical framework for adaptation planning that encompasses policy reviews, climate-risk mapping, crop suitability analysis, vulnerability assessment, cost-benefit evaluation, and market analysis. Findings reveal that integrating climate-resilient practices, such as rice-watermelon and rice-fish systems, can enhance income and sustainability. The results also emphasize the need for robust and targeted investment in infrastructure and capacity building, as well as coordinated efforts among stakeholders, to develop effective adaptation strategies. By prioritizing resilience in agricultural practices, the AMDs can improve livelihoods and ensure long-term food security for their populations amid escalating climate risks. (The report will be available soon)
Assessing climate loss and damage in the Sundarbans: an exploration of the relevant institutions and policies in India and Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-12-30) Bose, S.; Joshi, Deepa
The term ‘loss and damage’ (L&D) refers to the consequences of climate change that transcend people’s ability to adapt to its impacts, either because the impact surpasses their adaptive capabilities or because available adaptation options are inaccessible due to a lack of resources in the community (Bhandari et al. 2022). A Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) was operationalized at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) in 2023. Speed and agility in supporting the affected are key to the success of the Loss and Damage fund (Ahmed et al. 2023). While global organizers focus on streamlining its operational processes, it is not clear whether recipient countries and communities are also being enabled to access, receive, and distribute these funds. How prepared, agile, accountable, and transparent are relevant institutions at the national and sub-national levels? More importantly, how will we measure and compensate loss and damage in socially, economically, and ecologically diverse communities? To provide an initial understanding of these questions, this study seeks to assess institutional preparedness in Bangladesh and India in responding to the challenges of, and financing dealing with L&D. It assesses relevant policies and the institutional context in both these countries, including the capacities of relevant sectors—for example, finance, environment, agriculture, irrigation, fisheries, forest, education, and rural livelihoods. The geographical focus of the analysis is the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove delta, which straddles India and Bangladesh. It is an ecologically fragile area intersected by a vast network of rivers and channels. The region experiences both slow and rapid onset events (sea level rise, cyclones, floods, high tides, salinity ingress, erosion, land subsidence, and embankment breaches). The Sundarbans is a transboundary, global climate change hotspot, where an escalating climate crisis impacts not only lives and livelihoods, but also the world’s largest mangrove forests, which act as a natural barrier to increasing environmental/water hazards and sustain biodiverse habitation. This report assesses the policy and institutional bricolage of L&D to understand how governments are aware of, and prepared for L&D and whether there are any policies of compensation for people affected by climate change. Policy and institutional analyses were undertaken at three levels: one, focusing on the global discourse related to L&D; two, an analysis of country-level specific policies and institutions in India and Bangladesh; and three, at the grassroots level in the Sundarbans regions of both these countries.
Land use mapping of selected sites in the Cambodia, Mekong Mega-Delta using high resolution satellite imagery
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Garcia, Cornelia; Rala, Arnel; Raviz, Jeny; Laborte, Alice
"Accurate land use classification plays a critical role in agricultural monitoring, resource management, and policy planning. Remote sensing, particularly the use of high-resolution multispectral imagery, has emerged as a powerful tool for mapping and assessing agricultural production systems with enhanced precision. In Cambodia, where rice farming dominates the landscape, understanding spatial variations in land use and cropping patterns is essential for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. This study aims to classify land use and assess agricultural production systems in selected sites in Takeo and Prey Veng provinces, Cambodia, using high-resolution satellite imagery from Pleiades (0.5 m) and SPOT 7 (1.5 m). By integrating satellite-derived data with field-based validation techniques, this study seeks to improve classification accuracy and enhance our understanding of land use dynamics in these regions. The study employs Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier within the Orfeo Toolbox (OTB) in QGIS. This approach leverages spectral, textural, and spatial attributes to enhance classification accuracy while minimizing misclassification errors commonly associated with pixel-based methods. The classification results are further validated using ground truth data collected through field surveys and supplementary sources such as Google Earth and the RIICE project’s rice area maps. The findings provide insights into the spatial distribution of key land cover types, including rice fields, fallow croplands, built-up areas, and tree cover. Additionally, the study highlights challenges in differentiating specific land use classes due to spectral similarities and seasonal variations. The results contribute to improved land use planning and decision-making for agricultural development in Cambodia."
Digital Archive for Nutrition-Sensitive Projects in Cambodia: A Twenty-Year Retrospective and Resource Compilation
(Tool) Ou, Phichong
This document compiles a collection of key materials, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, training manuals, guidelines, policies, strategies, and reports, developed and implemented by various Food Security and Nutrition-Sensitive Projects in Cambodia over the past 20 years. These existing resources outline practical approaches and methodologies for food security and nutrition-sensitive interventions, offering valuable insights and strategies that can be adapted for future relevant projects.
Suitability mapping for sweet potato in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "
Suitability mapping for mango in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "
Suitability mapping for sugarcane in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "
Suitability mapping for cassava in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "
Digital performance assessment for agroecological transitions in rice: Evidence from Vietnam
(Presentation, 2024) Nelson, Katherine
As Vietnam advances its Green Growth Strategy and the National Action Plan on Transparent, Accountable, and Sustainable Food Systems, digital innovations play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable, low-emission agricultural practices. Key tools discussed include RiceMoRe, a government-led statistical reporting system; WaterIntel, an SMS-based field water level monitoring tool; and FarMoRe, a performance assessment app designed to benchmark sustainability practices under the "1 Must Do, 5 Reductions" (1M5R) framework. Developed through an iterative co-design process with farmers and field agents, these tools enhance data-driven decision-making by providing real-time insights into resource management, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability performance. They improve efficiency, traceability, and inclusivity, particularly by supporting farmers with diverse levels of digital literacy. Furthermore, the integration of social benchmarking, tailored advisories, and potential linkages to high-value markets demonstrates the transformative potential of digital tools in driving agroecological transitions and fostering resilient, low-emission rice production systems in Vietnam.
Vertically-bundled MRV system for climate change mitigation actions in rice cultivation, towards realising national climate goals
(Presentation, 2024) Trang, Vu Hong; Nelson, Katherine; Yen, Bui Tan; Cuong, Ong Quoc; Tran, Nguyen Bao
Rice production plays a crucial role in global food security and national economies, but also contributes significantly to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). In Southeast Asian countries, rice production is responsible for a larger amount of GHG emissions than livestock or other crops, and the highest share of Methane, a gas 28 times more potent than Carbon dioxide in global warming potential (https://cfpub.epa.gov/ghgdata/nonco2/). Governments have announced strong commitments to reduce emissions across sectors, reflected in their NDCs, Net-Zero targets, and the Methane Pledge. However, the share of countries that have quantified mitigation actions in the rice sector is significantly low, at 17 among the 164 nations that have submitted new and updated NDCs by November 2022 (Vu et al., 2022). Having an MRV system to structurally and consistently track GHG emissions from rice cultivation activities is essential for nations to determine baseline emissions and set achievable mitigation targets, as well as to monitor progress. It will also provide reliable evidence for policymaking and the verification of reductions for climate finance purposes. The case study from Vietnam presents a cost-effective MRV system for data collection, monitoring, and validation of GHG mitigation practices across different scales: field, province, region, and nation. Data is consistently collected and processed within and across vertically-bundled tools, which enables cross data validation. This system allows for multi-stakeholder contribution, aggregation, and use of data, including farmers, field extensionists, agricultural management officers, private companies, and development partners. Rice activity data is geo-referenced and linked with field measurement tools and a Tier-2 GHG calculator for automatic GHG calculation. Therefore, it offers a transparent and useful database for farmers, rice producers, policymakers, verifiers, and other stakeholders for tracking progress and decision-making while enabling traceability and labelling of low-emission rice products. This MRV model is adaptable to other countries to improve the transparency of climate change mitigation action planning and implementation towards their climate goals
Suitability mapping for watermelon in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "
Digital Ecosystem for Rice Activity Monitoring and Reporting (RiceMoRe)
(Presentation, 2024) Yen, Bui Tan
Rice Activity Monitoring and Reporting System (RiceMoRe) is a comprehensive digital solution developed through the collaboration of the Department of Crop Production (DCP), the Center for Agriculture Digital Transformation and Statistics (DTS), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and TCSOFT. Designed to support the monitoring and reporting of rice production activities, RiceMoRe aims to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, transparency, traceability, and accessibility of agricultural data across Vietnam. Since its initiation in 2018, the system has undergone continuous development and is set to be evaluated, finalized, and officially transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) for national management in 2024. Key functions of RiceMoRe include standardizing rice activity data from the communal to the national level, supporting geo-referenced data collection, recording near-real-time production activities, enabling data querying, synchronization, and extraction, and managing hierarchical user accounts. Looking ahead, RiceMoRe holds significant potential for expanding Vietnam’s digital agricultural ecosystem. This includes integrating large-scale geo-referenced data with other data sources, extending its application to over 30 other crop products, and scaling out to diverse agro-ecological regions. The system represents a transformative step toward data-driven agricultural management and sustainable rice production in Vietnam.
FarMoRe – A tool for monitoring and reporting GHG mitigation results in rice production
(Presentation, 2024) Trang, Vu Hong; Nelson, Katherine; Yen, Bui Tan; Cuong, Ong Quoc; Tran, Nguyen Bao; Quyet, Vu Manh
Vietnam has made strong commitments to reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In its Nationally Determined Contributions, Vietnam has set ambitious targets of reducing 12.4 MtCO2e from agriculture with domestic resources and additional 50.9 MtCO2e with international support. Additionally, Vietnam has joined the Global Methane Pledge and committed to take actions to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to the 2020 levels. According to Vietnam’s Third Biennial Updated Report, the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector contributed to 62% of the country’s methane emissions in 2016. Rice cultivation was the largest methane source, responsible for 75% of CH4 emissions from the AFOLU sector. Therefore, the rice sector is a priority to achieve the nation’s mitigation targets. To achieve verifiable mitigation results in the rice sector, effective tools to track and validate GHG mitigation progress and outcomes are crucial. This requires monitoring rice farming activities at field levels to (1) estimate GHG emissions season to season, and (2) introduce interventions or improved low-emission practices properly. Farm household surveys are generally cost and labour intensive and thus not sustainable in the long run. The Farm Activity Morning and Reporting (FarMoRe) tool, developed by the International Rice Research Institute with support of IFAD-EU, offers a cost-effective solution. FarMoRe provides a standardized set of questions aligned with IPCC protocols for collecting data required for GHG calculations. The tool automates these calculations, presenting GHG emissions (kg CO2e/ha/season) immediately after data submission. Beyond emissions data, FarMoRe offers valuable insights into field management practices like seed rate, fertilizer use, and aeration periods – all factors influencing GHG emissions. The tool visualizes this data alongside scientific thresholds that could suggest potential for improvement. FarMoRe also stores farmers' seasonal GHG emissions data, enabling them to track progress and compare their performance with area averages. Recognizing the context-specific nature of farming, the tool allows users to set their own benchmarks for a more tailored approach. FarMoRe offers several benefits. It reduces the workload for data collection, calculation, and storage, saving time and resources for both farmers and researchers. The tool ensures reliable data for monitoring mitigation progress and outcomes. Additionally, FarMoRe data can be used to validate aggregated data collected from other sources and remote sensing technologies. The tool's scalability allows application across various farm sizes, from individual households to cooperatives and production units. FarMoRe has been tested in Can Tho city of Vietnam and received positive feedback on its usability. By streamlining data collection, analysis, and visualization, FarMoRe presents a valuable tool for large-scale rice GHG mitigation programs, such as the recently approved project of Developing 1 million hectares of high quality and low-emission rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. This technology supports sustainable rice production practices and has the potential to contribute significantly to achieving Vietnam's environmental goals.
Overview of MRV for the rice sector
(Presentation, 2024-11-26) Nelson, Katherine
Rice production is crucial for global food security but also a significant source of methane emissions, contributing to climate change. Many countries have incorporated GHG emissions reduction from rice production into their long-term national mitigation and green growth strategies, including their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Transparent Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) is essential for tracking progress toward emission reduction targets, supporting the implementation of national mitigation plans, unlocking climate finance, and producing verified, responsible carbon credits. This presentation explores various MRV methodologies, including empirical estimations, biogeochemical models, and remote sensing technologies. It highlights the strengths and limitations of both national-level and project-level MRV approaches, underscoring their roles in national GHG inventories and project-based verified emission reductions. The discussion will emphasize the need for continuous improvement in MRV systems to enhance accuracy, transparency, and effectiveness in driving low-emission rice production.
Suitability mapping for maize in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Sorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta.
Suitability mapping for rice in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia
(Report, 2024-12-20) Villano, Lorena; Raviz, Jeny; Aunario, Jorrel Khalil; Balanza, Jane Girly; Laborte, Alice
"Each crop has specific requirements to grow optimally in a given environment. Biophysical parameters such as climate, land and terrain, as well as, management practices, infrastructure and technological interventions (e.g., irrigation) could affect the suitability and productivity of a crop. Biophysical suitability maps are useful in identifying locations and growing seasons (i.e. planting months) where and when crops can be grown. In addition, recommendations on cropping systems diversification can also be identified from the suitability maps of the priority crops in the Delta. "

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