However, farmers in Ben Tre Province have overcome excessive salinity and stabilised their output, thanks to the National Climate Change Response Programme.
Situated on the lower reaches of the Co Chien River, the giant freshwater prawn co-operative in Thoi Thanh Commune, Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre Province experienced the 15 per mille salinity level at the beginning of the drought. However, members of the co-operative, including Nguyen Van Doan, still had an abundant harvest. Doan earned nearly 5,400 US dollars from 400 kilos of prawns. 52 other families in the co-operative also achieved similar success.
"We blocked the irrigation with concrete so salt water couldn’t enter the ponds. In cases where some salt water leaked through we tried to keep the level under 2 per mille. We also have to store lime, which was not often done before", Nguyen Van Doan said.
Apart from campaigns to help respond to salinity, for the past 5 years, residents of Ben Tre Province have benefited from a new irrigation system due to the programme.
A series of construction such as shelters to hide from storms or water systems for local use have proved effective during the time of salinity. Ponds prepared to farm shrimp, irrigation and dams and pumping water to the pond
"Recent programmes and constructions have raised the awareness about the benefits of biological diversity and have helped guarantee the livelihoods of locals. They helped farmers make adjustments to their production to respond to salinity", Cao Van Trong, Chairman of Ben Tre Province People’s Committee, said.
The authorities of Ben Tre Province currently continue to invest in major irrigation systems based on the regional long term development plans especially ones relating to irrigation. Training programmes to enhance the capabilities of the local farmers and officials to respond to climate change are also being organised.
