Changing agricultural practices as a result of variable water resource availability in a hilly area of An Giang province, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract Located in the Southwest of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, An Giang province is an important center of agricultural production, especially rice cultivation. Climate change impacts are one of several man-made factors affecting water resource availability for agriculture in the province. It is recognized that new solutions are crucial to adapt to the present and future conditions of a scarcer water supply. This paper explores climate factors affecting water resource availability in agriculture and some recent adaptations being adopted by farmers in one district of An Giang province. Hydro-meteorological data was collected together with in-depth interviews as a tool to point to proximate changes in water status and availability and to evaluate local inhabitants’ awareness of climate risks and adaptive strategies. The results noted that climate factors (temperature, humidity, annual rainfall) have altered over time, causing decreased availability of water supplies for agriculture. Recognizing this situation, both structural adaptation and non-structural solutions may occur simultaneously to maintain agricultural production efficiency. The types of crops, tolerant varieties, and irrigation projects suitable for various geographical areas were considered for more adaptive agriculture production locally. To address some of the problems that farmers face, water-saving technologies are an essential part of a range of potential solutions to maintain agricultural production and protect the environment in the future.