ADB provides US$42.76 million to modernize irrigation systems in three Vietnamese provinces

The Climate Adaptation Through Irrigation Modernization Project is expected to directly benefit around 295,500 local residents. By upgrading seven irrigation systems and improving water resource management, the project will help farmers cope with drought, changing rainfall patterns, and growing competition for water.

"Modern and reliable irrigation systems are essential to safeguard rural livelihoods and strengthen food security, as severe weather events put increasing pressure on water resources," said ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty.

The project will provide farmers with more reliable irrigation services, enabling them to diversify into higher-value crops while building more resilient and sustainable livelihoods, he added.

The project will also strengthen irrigation management through the development of national guidelines for modern, climate-responsive irrigation services that meet the needs of women and girls.

The guidelines will cover irrigation planning and management, climate-adaptive irrigation system design, operation and maintenance, as well as the integration of digital technologies.

At the farm level, the project will support the adoption of climate-adaptive agricultural practices and the establishment or strengthening of water user groups.

The US$42.76 million financing package comprises US$40.66 million from ADB's ordinary capital resources and two ADB-administered grants financed by the Government of Japan.

The project aims to increase the area of irrigated farmland with reliable water supplies to 21,941 hectares and expand areas devoted to high-value crops and crop diversification to 11,399 hectares.

Women are expected to account for at least 40 percent of participants in training programs on high-efficiency irrigation and climate-adaptive agriculture.

The ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific./.