University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) consistently affirms its role as an active academic hub contributing knowledge for the sustainable development of the community, especially in the field of food security and climate‑change‑adapted agriculture. With a focus on integrating research, training, and practice, UEH not only conveys academic knowledge within the educational environment but also brings that knowledge to farmers, agribusinesses, and localities, thereby enhancing production capacity, promoting sustainable agricultural models, and improving people’s livelihoods.
In 2024, UEH intensified a series of activities that disseminate knowledge to farmers and food producers, supporting farming communities, cooperatives, and small enterprises in the agribusiness and aquaculture sectors. The 2024 programs are being expanded in scale, strengthening technology‑transfer components and fostering two‑way dialogue with citizens and businesses, turning scientific knowledge into a practical tool for improving productivity and protecting the environment.
UEH asserts that all research, training sessions, workshops, and technology‑transfer activities in the areas of food security, agriculture, and aquaculture are carried out under the principle of “free public access” – free and open to the community. Research results are publicly posted on academic journals, the UEH website, and scholarly portals so that farmers, agribusiness and aquaculture enterprises, policy‑making agencies, and local communities can access them. Training courses, workshops, and volunteer programs are expanded to farmers and residents without any fees, ensuring equitable access to knowledge and maximizing social impact. Through technology‑transfer projects, UEH, together with local authorities, supports all testing costs, provides services, and supplies instructional materials to farmers, enabling them to adopt advanced technologies without financial barriers.
| Policy/Activity | Form | Scale | Target group | Implementation | Results/Impact |
| Scientific research and policy proposals provide knowledge on sustainable agriculture. | Free, indirect | Local, National, International | Farmers, agricultural and fishery enterprises, researchers, local authorities, policy-making agencies, and investment enterprises. | – Research “Development pathways to ensure water‑security in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: Perspectives on adaptive water management” (Dr. Tran Anh Thong, Dr. Tran Duc Dung, and MSc. Vo Van Oc). The study proposes the adoption of adaptive water‑management strategies that integrate the use of fresh water and brackish water.
– Research “When water policies derail livelihood expectations: Farmers’ agency in everyday politics in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam” (Dr. Tran Anh Thong) illuminates the conflict between the objectives of irrigation‑infrastructure development and farmers’ livelihood needs. – Studies on the impact of climate change on agriculture: “Salinity in the Mekong Delta: What is the fundamental solution?”; “How does agricultural extension respond to major changes in agriculture in mainland Southeast Asia: Perspectives from experts”; “Historical agricultural change and its relationship with modern agricultural extension in Northwestern Cambodia”; “Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Farmers: Ensuring Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development” – Market and social sustainability of aquaculture: Communities’ and consumers’ perceptions of the farmed seafood industry. – Climate-related Risks and Sustainable Cage Fish Farming in Vietnam and Uganda. – Coping with Natural Hazards: Coastal Ecosystems’ Protective Services and Role in Shaping Informal Risk-Sharing and Shock Coping. – Climate security and adaptation: government investment and farmers’ adaptation to climate change in coastal communities. – Regulatory Compliance in Small-Scale Fisheries in Vietnam and Ghana. |
– 12 scientific studies (both domestic and international) based on academic and practical foundations help farmers maintain stable production and meet Sustainable Development Goals such as food security, clean water, and ecosystem conservation.
– Ensure sustainable livelihoods, protect natural resources, and achieve food security. – 246 households of cocoa‑growing farmers in the Southeast region. |
| Technological innovations boost local agriculture | Free, direct | Local | Farmers, agricultural and fishery enterprises, researchers, local authorities, policy-making agencies, and investment enterprises. | – Application of laser‑controlled field‑leveling technology in rice production: a precision‑agriculture solution adapted to climate change.
Project on applying laser-controlled field leveling technology in rice production by the Environment for Development (EfD) Center in Vietnam |
– Provide information and knowledge about new technology for leveling fields for about 500 local farmers.
– Conduct surveys and interviews with 303 farming households interested in applying new technology. – Local authorities support 2 million VND/ha, up to 5 ha/household, to help farmers access laser leveling services. – After 3 years (2021-2024), the area of laser leveling reached more than 1,000 hectares in Giang Thanh district. – The area of technology application has expanded to more than 2,000 hectares – Reduce water pumping costs by 15-17%. – Reduce fertilizer costs by 15-20%, reduce lodging by 20%. – Reduce the amount of seeds sown by 15-30%, reduce replanting labour and pesticide use. – Rice yield increased by about 20% compared to before. – Reduce production costs by 2-3 million VND/hectares/crop. – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and significantly save irrigation water. |
| Training on Disseminating “Innovation” knowledge to localities | Free, direct | Local | Farmers, agricultural and fishery enterprises, researchers, local authorities, policy-making agencies, and investment enterprises. | – Research project: “Gender-sensitizing for Design and Operation of Water-Energy-Climate Change Infrastructures in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam – GS4Infra”
UEH cooperated with local authorities and social organizations to organize training for people in Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province. A data‑collection delegation conducted field work at the local level. |
– Nearly 100% of surveyed officials said they were interested in gender equality and supporting vulnerable groups in the process of constructing and operating irrigation works.
– Conducted fieldwork and collected data in two research communes. – Provided policy recommendations to ensure equitable benefits for vulnerable groups in irrigation works and disaster prevention. |
| Scientific conference to spread practical knowledge | Free, direct | International | Pangasius industry, farmers, associations, and government agencies in Vietnam; Women; young researchers | – RTD 2024 International Scientific Conference (Resilience by Technology and Design) with the theme “For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta” held at Vinh Long Branch
Workshop “For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta” held at UEH Vinh Long on July 17, 2024 – Project “Food loss in the Pangasius Catfish Value Chain of the Mekong River Basin”. International workshop on the project “Food loss in the catfish (pangasius) value chain in the Mekong River basin |
– More than 200 world-leading scientists and experts from 18 countries attended and shared, such as: UK, New Zealand, Italy, the Czech Republic, Australia, the USA, Korea, India, Singapore, China, Macau (China), Taiwan (China), the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. .
– Nearly 400 delegates, including Provincial Leaders, Leaders of Departments, Boards, Branches, Schools, Associations, and Unions from Vinh Long Province and other provinces in the Mekong Delta region, attended. – More than 1,000 guests, delegates, and interested students attended in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. – 129 research papers and presentations (with a rate of 30% international papers) on technology and sustainability topics were conducted. – Nearly 60 discussion sessions |
| Conduct research, training, and local and regional cooperation on agriculture and sustainable development. | Free, direct | Local, National, International | Farmers, local authorities, officials, managers, businesses, and students | – The Institute of Environmental Economics for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) under the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organizes training courses, seminars, and academic exchange programs on clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture.
International Summer School “Valuing the Environment Using Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE): Sustainable Development Strategies in Southeast Asia” – The BlueRforD project is an international research initiative focused on the sustainable development of marine resources. This project brings together scientists from many countries to work together on fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and marine spatial planning. EPSEA participated in a forum to discuss research and policies related to water resources in the Mekong sub-region countries. |
– More than 50 billion VND in funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for the cooperation project with EEPSEA – UEH.
– Training and policy consulting for hundreds of officials, experts, and businesses in the field of green development. – Support farmers in the Mekong Delta to improve productivity, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change. |
| UEH students support the dissemination of knowledge about sustainable farming and environmental protection to farmers. | Free, direct | Local | Farmers, women, and children, local authorities | Within the framework of the 2024 Student Volunteer Campaign, UEH volunteers actively disseminated knowledge on topics such as “environment,” “digital transformation,” and “social welfare.” They also engaged in cultural‑artistic exchanges, sports activities, awarded scholarships to disadvantaged children, organized summer review classes, and held summer gatherings aimed at serving the community and enriching the spiritual life of residents and youth.  |
– 06 awareness-raising sessions on environmental protection and climate change with 2,350 people participating.
– 203 review sessions, summer activities, and soft skills instruction for children. – 07 plastic waste house models cost 11,000,000 VND. – 42 youth projects “Flower route”, planting 10,500 trees and installing 104 trash cans. – 01 youth project “Dike protection”, cost 15,000,000 VND. – 01 youth project “Paving stone on residential roads”, cost 5,000,000 VND. |
The year 2024 highlights UEH’s markedly increased effort in disseminating knowledge on food security and sustainable agriculture. While 2023 focused on building a research foundation, launching international projects, and conducting surveys and training to upgrade agricultural skills within the context of digital transformation, 2024 saw UEH expand its scale, diversify communication methods, and intensify technology transfer to localities.
The 2024 initiatives clearly reflect a “community‑action” orientation through the application of laser‑based field‑leveling technology, the organization of the international RTD 2024 conference on sustainable development of the Mekong Delta, and the implementation of training‑cooperation programs of the Institute of EEPSEA. In addition, student volunteer activities have shifted from awareness‑raising campaigns to the practical implementation of green models, emission reduction, and environmental protection at the local level.
From the research foundation laid in 2023 to the practical technology‑transfer programs of 2024, UEH has affirmed its pioneering role in linking knowledge, technology, and community, directly contributing to the goal of sustainable agricultural development, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta region.
Open related links:
1. January 14, 2025 – Food security and sustainable agriculture: From policy to practice in the context of climate change –
2. July 21, 2024 – RTD 2024 International Scientific Conference (Resilience by Technology and Design) with the theme “For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta” held at Vinh Long Branch –
3. July 28, 2024 – RTD 2024: Outstanding Contributions in Technology and Design for Global Sustainability –
4. January 18, 2025 – Academic efforts, research, policy proposals to support local communities –
5. February 04, 2025 – Research Contribution for All –
https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/year-en/2025-en/research-contribution-for-all/
6. July 21, 2024 – [Podcast] Application of Laser-controlled Field Leveling Technology in Rice Production: Precision Agriculture Solution Adapting to Climate Change –
7. January 11, 2025 – The Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia accompanies Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics on the journey of sowing green seeds –
8. Jul 25, 2024 – Evolving pathways towards water security in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: An adaptive management perspective –
9. 9 December 31, 2023 – Market and social sustainability of aquaculture: Communities’ and consumers’ perceptions of the farmed seafood industry –
10. December 31, 2025 – Climate-related Risks and Sustainable Cage Fish Farming in Vietnam and Uganda –
11. December 31, 2025 – Coping with Natural Hazards: Coastal Ecosystems’ Protective Services and Role in Shaping Informal Risk-Sharing and Shock Coping –
12. December 31, 2024 – Climate security and adaptation: government investment and farmers’ adaptation to climate change in coastal communities –
13. May 02, 2025 – Understanding non-compliance with rights-based fisheries management in Vietnam –
14. 14 November 14, 2024 – [Podcast] Application of Laser-controlled Field Leveling Technology in Rice Production: Precision Agriculture Solution Adapting to Climate Change –
15. October 03, 2024 – UEH introduces the research project “Gender-sensitizing for Design and Operation of Water-Energy-Climate Change Infrastructures in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam – GS4Infra” –
16. Apr 1, 2024 – International Conference on “Food Loss In The Pangasius Catfish Value Chain” Project –
17. Blue Resources for Development (BlueRforD) –
https://www.efdinitiative.org/blue-resources-development-bluerford
18. December 17, 2024 – 2024 Economics Student Volunteer Campaign: UEH Youth Joining the “Year of Youth Volunteers” –
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