Transform Viet Nam towards a knowledge hub for agroecology

On November 11-12, the Agroecology Learning Alliance in South-East Asia (ALiSEA) organized the ALiSEA Viet Nam Annual Workshop and a dialogue session to share the ASEAN Guidelines on Agroecology (AE) Transitions for its members.

10 years of knowledge sharing

In the coming time, ALiSEA will continue to strengthen its organizational structure toward sustainability, leveraging its core strength of diversity in experience and expertise among network members.

Associate Professor Dr. Dao The Anh, Chairman of the Viet Nam Rural Development Science Association and Chairman of ALiSEA’s National Secretariat, stated that the ALiSEA network has been contributing to the promotion of agroecology in Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia for the past 10 years.

According to Dr. Dao The Anh, “expansion” does not involve scaling up in size or area but, more importantly, encourages farmers to practice agroecology, gradually forming communes, districts, or provinces that specialize in agroecological production.

ALiSEA Viet Nam has a diverse membership network comprising 69 research, non-governmental, and private organizations, most of which have more than 5 years of experience in agroecology.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Trang, ALiSEA’s National Secretariat, said that members’ strengths focus on organic farming, soil and biodiversity management, and sustainable value chain development. However, awareness of applying ecological principles and practices among producers remains limited, and consumers’ understanding of agroecology and agroecological products is still low.

Seven levers for agroecological transition

The ASEAN Guidelines on Agroecology Transitions were adopted at the Special Senior Officials Meeting of the 45th Meeting Of The ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SPECIAL SOM-45TH AMAF) in August 2024. During the thematic session, Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong, a researcher in rural development at the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), shared implementation orientations for Viet Nam.

The initiative highlights seven “levers” for agroecological transition: planning, working with farmers, value chain intervention, multi-stakeholder participation, knowledge exchange, scientific research, and investment and financing.

Each country in the Mekong subregion can adapt these levers to fit its socioeconomic context and national priorities.

The foundation for the agroecological transition in ASEAN has been clearly defined, with the “ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Sustainable Agriculture” highlighting the challenges in today’s socioeconomic context.

According to Dr. Huong, ASEAN aims to develop solutions to ensure the production of safe, healthy, and nutritious food while protecting the environment, promoting economic equity, and caring for the health and well-being of farming communities.

The transition to agroecology has the potential to accelerate and deepen the implementation of regional visions and strategic plans, including the ASEAN Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025; the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025; and the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development 2022–2026.

In this process, ALiSEA plays a key role as a regional knowledge and action network for agroecology.

Farmers at the center of the transition

During the consultation on the ASEAN Guidelines on Agroecology Transitions, representatives from the private sector, farmer organizations, agribusinesses, and government agencies shared initiatives, challenges, and policy recommendations aligned with the seven levers of the Guidelines.

Participants exchanged experiences, perspectives, and policy proposals for agroecological transition. Local and indigenous knowledge were recognized as valuable resources for agroecology, particularly through traditional farming practices in mountainous and remote areas.

Therefore, documenting and preserving indigenous knowledge was emphasized. At the same time, technical advances in crop and livestock research, pest management, e-commerce (such as IPHM), soil health, and agroforestry need to be made accessible in ethnic languages so communities can benefit.

Mrs. Do Thi Huong, representative of Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF), expressed a strong commitment to integrating agroecology into short-term training programs for lecturers and students. This is considered a vital step to make agroecology an integral part of education and practical training, thereby spreading awareness and action among younger generations.

Associate Professor Dr. Ho Ngoc Son, ALiSEA Knowledge Management Coordinator in Viet Nam, emphasized: “It is necessary to establish mechanisms and appropriate forms to ensure the continuous participation of farming households throughout the entire transition process, from planning to practice and monitoring.”

Experts also highlighted the importance of engaging youth, students, and children in agroecology education from an early age.

ALiSEA Regional Coordinator, Mrs. Lucie Reynaud, concluded that the two days of discussion provided many valuable and in-depth perspectives. The groups collectively underscored the importance of localizing agroecological practices, enhancing product visibility among consumers, and strengthening farmer engagement.

She noted that the ASEAN Guidelines on Agroecology Transitions represent an open consultation process marking the beginning of a long journey to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.

ALiSEA’s role is to disseminate and share information about these Guidelines, helping stakeholders access and apply them effectively.