SNV project helps coastal communities adapt to climate change

In Duyen Hai Ward, the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), in collaboration with its partners, held the closing ceremony of the Tra Vinh Community Development Project (CDP Tra Vinh). The project was implemented by SNV with funding from Tra Vinh Wind Power Joint Stock Company No. 1 (TWPC), alongside investments from ST International and the Climate Investor One fund.

The project focused on three key pillars: climate-resilient sustainable production; inclusive agricultural and aquaculture value chain development; and the promotion of gender equality. With nearly 1,200 participants, the project delivered remarkable results: 555 farming households received technical training, while seven cooperative groups were established with more than 200 members, laying the foundation for sustainable linkages among producers.

The economic outcomes were highly encouraging. Shrimp farming households recorded an average profit increase of VND 8.3-20.7 million per hectare per year, while peanut-growing households saw an average increase of VND 10.3 million per hectare per year. Notably, the integrated model of giant freshwater prawn farming combined with multi-species aquaculture generated an average profit of VND 112 million per hectare per year.

Thach Thi Rech, a member of the Doan Ket Peanut Production Cooperative Group in Ngu Lac Commune, shared how the project had changed her farming mindset: “Thanks to the training and technical guidance, I have learned how to apply fertilizers, use cow manure, and take better care of peanut plants. This year, I harvested nearly 2 tonnes, higher than previous years, and my family’s living conditions have also improved. I am very grateful to the cooperative group and the project for providing us with more knowledge and experience."

In the aquaculture sector, Huynh Van Be, Head of the Me Lang Giant Freshwater Prawn Farming Cooperative Group, highlighted the effectiveness of the model amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions: "Over the past three years, the project has delivered practical benefits for the giant freshwater prawn farming cooperative group in Me Lang Hamlet. In the context of climate change, the giant freshwater prawn farming model during the freshwater season has achieved good productivity, enabling each member to earn profits ranging from tens of millions to more than VND 100 million per year. After the project ends, we will continue maintaining and developing the cooperative group, with the goal of establishing a cooperative."

The project consistently integrated gender equality objectives, notably by supporting 70 women through the Women’s Economic Development Fund. Over the three-year implementation period, the project worked closely with the Women’s Union of Truong Long Hoa Ward to operate a revolving fund mechanism. As a result, two cooperative groups in Con Tau and Con Trung were established, generating tangible economic benefits and receiving positive feedback from members.

Representing the donor, Pham Xuan Tuan, Safety, Environment and Social (ESG) Manager at TWPC, emphasized: “TWPC’s core mission is not only to provide clean wind energy, but also to create sustainable value for local communities. The Tra Vinh CDP Project is a clear demonstration of our vision in developing climate-resilient livelihood models and promoting gender equality.”

According to Roxanne Abdulali, Agriculture and Food Programme Manager at SNV Vietnam, the project has demonstrated the important role of the private sector in community development when investment resources are combined with technical expertise. SNV Vietnam hopes that more businesses will recognize the value of investing in sustainable livelihoods, not only as a contribution to local development but also as an opportunity to strengthen long-term resilience.

Although the project has come to an end, the organizational and technical foundations established through the initiative will continue to serve as “seeds” for sustainable development in coastal communities.

The project was implemented in 36 months, from August 2023 to July 2026. The project aims to improve local livelihoods through the development of inclusive horticulture and aquaculture value chains that promote climate-smart and sustainable production, support women's economic empowerment, and enhance access to finance of local stakeholders.

*Currency exchange: 1$ = 26,490 VND (source: Vietcombank).