SRD recently shared its expertise and experience in adapting rice farming to climate change, hosting sixteen international delegates on a visit to see its project "Strengthen and develop farmers' rice seed system" in Bac Kan. The field trip was part of the sixth Community-Based Adaptation Conference (CBA6) held in Hanoi from 16th to 22nd April. The experience of SRD in working with farmers piloting SRI was also shared in a parallel session on food and nutrition security at the conference.
The delegates included experts from governments, donor agencies and NGOs from across the world with a diverse range of experience implementing adaptation projects at the national and local level in countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Iran, Mozambique and Malawi.
Participants visit SRI models and discuss with farmers
Besides visiting System of Rice Intensification (SRI) sites and farmers' seed production groups, participants also visited tree nurseries, made home visits, observed a farmer field school and visited a VAC farming model (a traditional rice, fish and pigsty model). Delegates were impressed by the comprehensive consultation undertaken when setting up the projects resulting in strong linkages between various programs in the province, along with the genuine support of local authorities.
It was noted that the project demonstrated new ideas and innovative farming practices which are supporting the long-term resilience to change within the community. Delegates were also impressed by the degree of empowerment that the project had imparted on local people, particularly women, and requested additional information about how this was achieved so they could apply these techniques in their home countries.
The project also benefited from feedback and input from the group of international experts, who provided additional ideas and suggestions for next steps in the project.
A highlight of the trip was the final night in Ba Be National Park, where delegates enjoyed dancing and singing by local Thai and Hmong farmers in traditional costume. The performances were held by a large bonfire, symbolizing the importance of fire in local customs. Delegates reciprocated by singing traditional songs from their home countries.
More details on the Conference can be seen in the abstract
-SRD-
Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD)
Room 301, 3rd Floor, Building No. 25 Truong Han Sieu, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District Hanoi.
Phone: +84 24 3943 6676/78 | Fax: +84 24 3943 6449
