Saline intrusion remains a pressing challenge for farmers in Tra Vinh, threatening agricultural productivity and food security. As climate change intensifies and freshwater availability declines, the need for sustainable adaptation strategies has never been more urgent. At Mekong Salt Lab, we recognize that true resilience begins within the community. By equipping farmers with practical knowledge, innovative tools, and peer-to-peer support networks, we are fostering long-term solutions that empower them to take control of their future.
In March 2025, we will launch the Farmers Training Program, specifically designed to help smallholder farmers adapt to increasing salinity levels. This initiative integrates traditional knowledge-sharing methods with easy-to-use mobile applications, ensuring that adaptation strategies are both culturally relevant and technologically advanced.
Introducing and Testing the Skilled Platform with Champion Farmers
The SkillEd platform, a digital learning tool designed for farmers, was first introduced to our champion farmers, Ms. Van and Mr. Vy, who played a key role in co-designing and implementing saline adaptive models of Salt Lab on their farms. Together, we tested the platform, gathered valuable feedback, and refined both the course content and user experience to ensure it is more accessible, practical, and user-friendly for other farmers in the community.
By working closely with these two farmers, we ensured that the platform addressed local needs and provided a solid foundation for adapting to saline farming practices. Their involvement in the development phase was crucial in ensuring that the digital solution not only addressed salinity issues but also offered innovative ways to combat them.
Introducing & Testing the Skilled platform with two champion farmers – Mr. Vy & Ms. Van
A Farmer-Led Approach to Knowledge Transfer
Ms. Van shared her experience, saying, “After this course, I feel much more confident, especially in understanding the Salt Lab models running on my farm. Now, when visitors come and ask questions, I can explain everything clearly and operate the systems myself. This experience has inspired me to share my knowledge with other farmers in my community.”
With the expertise and confidence gained from our program, Ms. Van and Mr. Vy now are stepping up as trainers, sharing their knowledge with 10 additional farmers in their community. This farmer-to-farmer mentorship model not only accelerates the adoption of the 6 pilot solutions of Salt Lab but also builds local leadership capacity, ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the program’s duration.
By early May, we aim to expand this network to 50 farmers, strengthening local resilience and ensuring that communities are not just adapting to change – they are leading it. Looking ahead, we envision a scalable, community-driven model where trained farmers continue to mentor others, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and innovation across the Mekong Delta
Champions farmers are spreading our training course to other farmers in their areas
Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, farmers in Tra Vinh are proving that adaptation is possible, and the future of sustainable development starts with them.
