The Mekong-Lancang Region is facing more frequent droughts and water scarcity due to the adverse impacts of climate change, and affecting farming areas, in particular rice production and local livelihoods. There is an urgent need to adopt climate-smart technologies and innovations to manage water resources more efficiently and sustain rice cultivation and farming livelihoods.
Photo: Boudewijn Huysmans / Unsplash.
The Mekong-Lancang Region is experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, leading to water scarcity and reduced crop production. The region also faces increasing risks from extreme weather events, including severe droughts and water scarcity.
The recent drought in 2019-2020 affected 1,330 km2 of farmlands in Thailand alone, causing damages worth approximately US $320 million. The trend indicates a high risk of droughts worsening in the region, affecting food security and livelihoods.
Rice, for example, is a primary food crop for subsistence and economies in the The Mekong-Lancang Region, with over 100,000 km2 of agricultural land dedicated to rice production. However, rice farmers face challenges related to climate change and water scarcity, potentially making them unable to sustain their socio-economic needs and meet the market demands.
There is a critical need to share knowledge toward adopting climate-smart technologies and innovations for sustainable water resources and rice production in the basin.
Feature / This regional meeting highlighted good practices and established techniques of climate-smart water technologies in rice farming systems.
The video showcases the urgency of adopting innovative, climate-smart water technologies to enhance water efficiency, support sustainable agriculture, and secure food supply in areas vulnerable to drought and climate change. It shows SEI Asia's commitment towards building climate-resilient water and rice farming systems within the Lancang-Mekong Region, under a project funded by Lancang-Mekong Special Fund. This initiative aims at strengthening technical exchange, cooperation, capacity building and the adoption of climate-smart water technologies across the region.
Past event / The introduction of the FAHFON SENSE weather station to local farmers in Nakhon Ratchasima contributed to improving climate-smart agricultural practices.
The project considers gender equality and social equity throughout its design and implementation. It aims to ensure equal opportunities and benefits for all stakeholders, contributing to achieving SDGs 2, 5, 6, 13, and 17.
Media coverage / SEI Asia's Thanapon Piman talks to Vientiane Times about data sharing for transboundary water management and sustainable development in the Mekong Region.
Other publication / How Brazil–China cooperation can reshape agricultural trade, reduce deforestation risks and drive more sustainable global supply chains.
SEI report / This report explores the barriers that hinder finance flows for climate adaptation in four Asian countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Thailand.
