The project aims to empower vulnerable smallholders in central highlands and south-central coast to manage increasing climate risks to agricultural production by securing water provision, supporting farmers to adopt climate-resilient agriculture, and strengthening access to agro-climate information, credit and markets.

Viet Nam’s central highlands and south-central coast are the two most climate vulnerable regions of the country in terms of hydro-meteorological hazards. The regions have been experiencing an increase in annual temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Climate change-induced water insecurity is affecting rainfed smallholder agriculture and reducing crop productivity. In these regions, a significant number of the population rely on agriculture and water resources for their livelihoods. They also constitute Viet Nam’s largest perennial crop zone (coffee, pepper, cashew, rubber, tea and a variety of fruits) primarily grown for market, and rice, maize and cassava for local consumption, especially by the poorest. Both are important for food security and nutrition.