Climate change severely impacts rural communities across Southeast Asia, particularly in regions where agriculture remains the backbone of local economies. Smallholder farmers are facing growing uncertainty in Vietnam, a country vulnerable to rising sea levels, typhoons, and salinity intrusion. The story of Bờ Đập Hamlet, located in Viên An Commune, Sóc Trăng Province, offers a compelling example of the challenges faced by farming communities.

Home to a predominantly Khmer population, Bờ Đập Hamlet has long relied on rice farming and vegetable cultivation. Yet life, once tied predictably to the seasons, has become increasingly unstable. Rising temperatures scorch crops before they can mature, saltwater intrusion steadily poisons once-fertile fields, and storms, now more frequent and severe, threaten homes, fields, and livelihoods in a relentless cycle of destruction.

Among the 35 households surveyed by students from the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University and Sóc Trăng Community College, over two-thirds of families fall into the poor or near-poor categories. Climate change and the instability of agricultural production were cited as some of the main reasons for economic decline, a concern echoed by most respondents. Their primary sources of income, rice and vegetables, are increasingly at risk due to the escalating cost of fertilizers and the declining reliability of harvests. Limited educational opportunities and lack of access to resources further compound the vulnerability of these households. Each season now brings uncertainty and anxiety, testing their resilience in ways unimaginable just a generation ago.

The Opportunity

While the challenges in Bờ Đập Hamlet are formidable, they are not impossible to address. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a partnership emerged to bridge the gap between vulnerability and empowerment. Local institutions, as members of �鶹��Ƶ Asia, identified the critical need to equip these communities with the knowledge and tools to confront their climate realities by applying the �鶹��Ƶ Model.

The idea was simple but transformative: what if farmers could diversify their crops, improve their soil health, and adopt climate-adaptive farming practices? These measures could not only stabilize yields but also secure livelihoods for future generations.

This initiative sought to deliver practical, sustainable solutions rooted in the community’s resilience. It was more than just an agricultural project; it was an effort to strengthen the community’s capacity to respond to forces beyond their control. The partnership is a meaningful example under the growing �鶹��Ƶ Asia network, demonstrating how universities and communities can collaboratively drive adaptation.

The Partnership

At the heart of this initiative was a collaboration that combined local wisdom with students willing to lend a helping hand. Students from An Giang University and Sóc Trăng Community College joined the effort, bringing fresh perspectives and a hands-on approach. They immersed themselves in the community, conducting extensive surveys to gather insights into the socio-economic landscape and the residents’ perceptions of climate change. These surveys revealed valuable data about farmers’ challenges and the coping strategies they have developed over time.

As the partnership evolved, it became clear that the community’s knowledge was as vital as the academic contributions. Farmers shared invaluable insights into traditional methods they had used to adapt to difficult conditions. These exchanges created a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration, ensuring that the proposed solutions were practical, culturally sensitive, and responsive to real needs.

The training sessions designed by the team focused on practical and actionable strategies. These included compost production, techniques for improving soil health, and approaches to diversifying crops to withstand unpredictable weather patterns. It was not just about teaching new skills, it was about instilling confidence in the community that they could take charge of their futures.

The involvement of students through the �鶹��Ƶ Model highlighted how academic engagement can directly support real-world community adaptation, offering a model for other local partnerships under the expanding �鶹��Ƶ Asia network.

The Result

The initial outcomes of the partnership have been promising. Training sessions helped equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to implement climate-resilient farming practices. Many households have begun experimenting with crop diversification, a strategy that improves soil sustainability and provides a safety net against the unpredictability of single-crop dependence. Compost production techniques introduced during training have already shown early success, improving soil fertility while reducing reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers.

A farmer participating in the project remarked that the project is very effective in helping them get closer and willing to share and exchange knowledge in cultivation to apply and improve people’s livelihoods. In general, it is very easy and applicable for them, and they expect that it can be expanded to many other ethnic communities like theirs. They also noted that other ethnic communities are keen on participating in such a project’s model.

This sentiment captures how the project fostered technical knowledge, strengthened collaboration, and inspired enthusiasm for future expansion across similar communities.

Looking Ahead

The work in Bờ Đập Hamlet is far from over. While the initial training sessions laid a strong foundation, the road to resilience is a long one. Plans are underway to expand these efforts by introducing weather-resilient irrigation systems and exploring new water conservation methods. The partnership also works to strengthen the local social network, creating systems of support that can help families better withstand future crises.

As the team looks ahead, the vision remains one of empowerment and sustainability. With continued collaboration and the consistent application of the �鶹��Ƶ Model, the residents of Bờ Đập Hamlet are not just surviving; they are building a future rooted in resilience and hope.

This partnership contributes meaningfully to �鶹��Ƶ Asia’s broader mission, demonstrating how universities, local governments, and communities can work together to address climate challenges and inspire change across the region.

Partnership Contact Information

Soc Trang Community College

Dr. Xa Le

lethixa1982@gmail.com

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Climate change disproportionately affects smallholder farmers across Southeast Asia, particularly in regions where agriculture remains a key driver of local economies and food systems. In the Philippines, a country highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, rural communities are on the frontlines of this crisis. The municipality of Calamba in Laguna Province, located south of Metro Manila, provides a compelling case of both challenge and opportunity for community-based adaptation.

Farmers in Calamba are increasingly affected by climate change’s negative impacts. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and typhoons disrupt agricultural production and food security in the city. Such disasters have resulted in huge losses to staple crops like rice, corn, and vegetables, thus affecting the livelihood of farming communities.

In addition, farmers face insufficient access to climate-resilient technologies and a lack of awareness about how to deal with climate change’s impacts. Sixteen percent of the Philippine population, or roughly 16 million people, are undernourished. This highlights the critical importance of addressing food security challenges by fostering awareness and preparedness regarding climate change.

The Opportunity

The collaboration between the City Agricultural Services Department (CASD) and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) presented an opportunity to bridge gaps in knowledge and resources. By educating farmers about climate change and equipping them with tools like crop insurance and disaster preparedness strategies, the partnership aimed to strengthen food security and build resilience against climate-related risks. With aligned objectives under SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG 13: Climate Action, this initiative set the stage for meaningful change.

The use of the �鶹��Ƶ Model enabled this collaboration by linking academic expertise with local government priorities through structured engagement. It allowed students and faculty to work directly on real-world problems, producing locally relevant, practical solutions for climate resilience and food security.

This endeavor also created space for improving the city’s food security plan through community participation. Social media and interactive tools were important in expanding the conversation to include younger populations and farming communities, which are often disadvantaged.

The Partnership

The partnership between the City Agricultural Services Department (CASD), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) graduate classes in Development Communication and Development Management played a critical role in linking academic learning with community needs. CASD provided essential insights into the challenges faced by local farmers, while the academic team developed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and analysed the city’s food security plan.

Graduate students, as part of their coursework in and , conducted focus group discussions and interviews with farmer leaders and local officials to gather data on the impacts of climate change on agriculture and to identify preferred communication channels. The partnership enabled students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, while providing the city with practical, community-driven insights.

Outputs from the partnership included tarpaulins, radio scripts, handouts, and video reels designed to educate farmers and promote practical solutions, such as enrollment in the . In addition, the partnership produced actionable recommendations to strengthen the city’s food security plan, including developing planting calendars aligned with climate patterns and promoting urban farming practices.

Graduate students conducted focus group discussions and interviews with farmer leaders and local officials to gather data on the impact of climate change on agriculture and the preferred channels for communication. Outputs included tarpaulins, radio scripts, handouts, and videos to inform farmers and promote practical solutions, such as enrollment in the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

Recommendations were also made to enhance the city’s food security plan by integrating climate change considerations. These included reviewing existing policies and suggesting strategies like developing climate-aligned planting calendars and encouraging urban farming practices.

The Result

The partnership delivered effective results. More than 150 hand fans with climate change information and two tarpaulins promoting crop insurance were distributed to farmers. Video reels were shared via social media to reach a broader audience, including the younger generation. According to CASD personnel, there is growing interest among farmers in disaster preparedness and crop insurance programs.

The food security plan also benefitted from actionable recommendations, which CASD will integrate into its 2025 revision. These include promoting urban agriculture, strengthening disaster risk reduction strategies, and involving youth in sustainable farming practices. Both the IEC materials and academic recommendations were presented at the National Conference of the Philippine Agriculturists Association, helping amplify their impact and broaden their reach.

Together, these efforts have enhanced Calamba’s ability to adapt to climate change while working toward a more stable and secure local food system.

Looking Ahead

Future plans for the partnership include sustaining the use of IEC materials by scaling up their implementation through local government units and expanding their reach across farming communities. CASD will continue to adopt UPLB’s recommendations while fostering ongoing engagement with youth and farmers.

This collaboration is a strong example of how the �鶹��Ƶ Model can be effectively applied in the Asian context. It demonstrates that universities and local governments can co-create low-cost, high-impact solutions to real-world challenges. As part of the broader �鶹��Ƶ Asia, this initiative contributes to a growing body of practice that highlights how applied student learning can support local adaptation efforts, especially in vulnerable agricultural regions.

Through these sustained partnerships, supported by the �鶹��Ƶ model and the continued promotion of innovative and practical farming techniques, Calamba can build a more resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change.

Partnership Contact Information

City Government of Calamba, the Philippines
Dr. Tessa Mar Llamas-Espino
Agriculture Specialist

tessamarespino@gmail.com

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Despite Bandung City’s rich soil and the fact that 97% of its food supply has traditionally come from surrounding peri-urban areas, this balance is shifting. Land conversion for urban expansion and commercial agriculture, particularly palm oil, has begun to reduce the land available for diverse local food production. Climate variability, including shifting rainfall patterns and seasonal flooding, is disrupting agricultural cycles, making food availability and access more precarious. At the same time, consumer preferences are increasingly turning toward non-local and processed foods, driven by globalization, changing diets, and the convenience of imported staples. This trend, coupled with market pressures, has led to a rising dependence on food imports, weakening Bandung’s long-term food sovereignty. While the localized food system has persisted, signs of strain are evident as unsustainable farming practices, economic incentives favoring cash crops, and limited policy interventions weaken its resilience. These challenges place the region’s agricultural heritage at risk and raise concerns about food security in the face of external economic and environmental pressures.

n response, a youth-led initiative is working to strengthen local food production through community-supported agriculture (CSA). Preliminary findings from this initiative highlight a unique opportunity to empower youth and promote sustainable agricultural practices. While local food production remains significant, land conversion, economic shifts, and changing consumer habits are increasing the likelihood of food shortages in the future. By engaging young people in farming, the project maintains the availability of fresh local produce and mitigates environmental degradation caused by unsustainable farming. The initiative promotes agroecological methods that enhance soil fertility, reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, and encourage responsible land management, helping to counteract soil depletion and pollution from chemical fertilizers. Through this approach, young farmers gain leadership skills and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system for Bandung.

This initiative is a collaborative effort that brings together �鶹��Ƶ members, including Universitas Indonesia through its collaboration with KAIL (Perkumpulan Kuncup Padang Ilalang), a non-profit organization based in Bandung dedicated to enhancing the capacities of individuals and organizations to drive social transformation, along with Seni Tani, a youth-led Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and other community organizations and government entities. The project was initially led by a Universitas Indonesia PhD student, who played a key role in integrating it into the �鶹��Ƶ network and embedding it within university coursework. After graduating, she transitioned to KAIL but remains actively involved, ensuring continued academic engagement. Universitas Indonesia continues to provide research capacity and integrate the project into relevant classes, allowing students to apply what they have learned in sustainable agriculture. Community organizations facilitate outreach and training, while local leaders organize workshops on organic farming, permaculture, and sustainable business practices. These efforts ensure that Bandung’s youth take an active role in preserving agricultural traditions while addressing modern food security and environmental challenges.

Further strengthening the university’s involvement, Mia Siscawati from the Research Cluster on Women, Youth, Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion at the School of Strategic and Global Studies at Universitas Indonesia is mandated to build capacity for Seni Tani, particularly in gender and inclusiveness. Meanwhile, Suraya Afiff from the Research Cluster on Environment and Social Transformation at the Anthropology Department of Universitas Indonesia is tasked with furnishing Seni Tani with capacity building in organizational development and formulating social movements.

Achievements and Capacity Building

The collaboration yielded several tangible results. One key output was the development of an information kit for CSA Tani Sauyunan members at Seni Tani, a youth-led community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative in Bandung. The kit included details on membership, available packages, and harvest date schedules. WhatsApp proved instrumental as a channel for maintaining engagement with members, providing updates, and encouraging new sign-ups via positive word-of-mouth. To strengthen community involvement, Seni Tani amplified its social media presence by introducing Stories from the Field, a monthly series of updates that garnered increased attention and participation.

Workshops on capacity building were another cornerstone of the initiative. Facilitated by Universitas Indonesia through KAIL, these workshops focused on gender equality, social inclusion, and organizational development. Seni Tani benefited from these interventions by refining its strategies for inclusiveness, enabling the design of programs tailored to vulnerable groups in Bandung. The capacity-building sessions were enhanced by integrating feedback loops to adapt content dynamically, ensuring relevance to the community’s evolving needs.

Integration into Academia through the �鶹��Ƶ Model

A defining feature of this initiative was its integration into teaching through the �鶹��Ƶ Model. The collaboration emerged as a response to the needs and aspirations of the local community in Bandung, particularly the youth involved in Seni Tani, a community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative. Recognizing the challenges of food security, land access, and shifting consumer preferences, Seni Tani engaged with Universitas Indonesia and NGOs to develop sustainable agriculture and social inclusion solutions.

The initiative was incorporated into Universitas Indonesia’s curriculum, serving as a case study in undergraduate courses such as Economic Anthropology and Activism and Social Movement. These courses, led by Suraya Afiff, provided students with valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies, offering a platform to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges. Rather than being a one-way transfer of knowledge from the university to the community, the collaboration was dynamic—the experiences and challenges of the youth-led urban farming initiative informed university students and faculty, while academic research and coursework contributed to strengthening its strategies and organizational development.

By engaging directly with the initiative, students were able to observe and participate in addressing food security and sustainability issues within local communities. �鶹��Ƶ facilitated an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to apply skills from diverse fields such as economics, sociology, and environmental science. While Universitas Indonesia does not have an agricultural department directly involved in the project, expertise in sustainable agriculture was incorporated through workshops and collaborations with local organizations. Workshops focused on organic farming techniques, permaculture, and agroecology, helping to improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and enhance crop diversity.

These improved agricultural practices, alongside the strengthening of local food networks, contributed to greater community resilience. Through capacity-building efforts, Seni Tani members gained skills in cooperative management, financial sustainability, and social movement strategies, enabling them to scale their impact. The initiative also helped expand urban gardening efforts, integrate zero-waste principles, and build stronger connections between farmers and consumers. As a result, Bandung’s youth became more actively engaged in shaping a sustainable local food system, reinforcing both environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Notably, PhD student Catherine Any Sulistyowati was pivotal in bridging academic research with community impact, demonstrating how theory and practice can intersect to drive sustainable development. Faculty members such as Mia Siscawati, from the Research Cluster on Women, Youth, Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion, and Suraya Afiff, from the Research Cluster on Environment and Social Transformation, provided essential academic support to ensure that the initiative addressed both social and environmental dimensions. This collaborative approach strengthened the relationship between academia and the community, creating long-term pathways for knowledge exchange and sustainable impact.

Future Directions

The collaboration between Universitas Indonesia, KAIL, and local stakeholders aims to expand the community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative while strengthening its long-term impacts in Bandung. Plans include fostering deeper connections with local networks to secure access to land and resources essential for sustaining the program. Capacity-building efforts will continue to support local youth-led initiatives, equipping them with the skills and strategies necessary for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the partnership seeks to enhance community involvement through education and outreach, addressing critical areas such as food security, environmental stewardship, and regional resilience.

Seni Tani continues its work on community-supported agriculture in Bandung. Starting in October 2024, they secured a $100,000 grant to further strengthen the role of youth in Bandung’s local food system. This initiative is in collaboration with AKATIGA, an established NGO in Bandung City, with financial support from Yayasan Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial (), an intermediary organization that supports local initiatives in Indonesia. AKATIGA provides free space for meetings in the Bandung city center, creating a youth engagement and collaborative learning hub. Recognizing that many young people engaged in this initiative are also university students eager to make an impact, the project actively integrates academic participation. By expanding collaborations with various organizations, the initiative seeks to deepen student involvement in shaping Bandung’s sustainable food system, providing them with hands-on opportunities to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges while fostering leadership, innovation, and long-term community resilience.

By empowering youth and fostering collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders, this initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also exemplifies how the �鶹��Ƶ Model can transform education into a tool for social impact, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive food system in Bandung, Indonesia.

Partnership Contact Information

KAIL (Perkumpulan Kuncup Padang Ilalang)
Dr Catherine Any Sulistyowati

Coordinator for Youth Program and Sustainable Community Initiative
anyapd@gmail.com

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Soc Trang Community College, a public institution under the People’s Committee of Soc Trang province, Vietnam, has grown significantly since its founding in 2002 as Soc Trang Vocational School, attaining college status in 2007. With a primary mission of training a skilled technical workforce for Soc Trang and neighboring provinces, the college has become a critical educational resource in the region.

The recent deployment of the �鶹��Ƶ model in Viên An village represents an exciting chapter for the college. This consultancy initiative, supported by the college, An Giang University’s Climate Change Institute, and local government bodies, seeks to bolster agricultural resilience against climate challenges such as droughts and saltwater intrusion. Through this collaboration, students from both institutions actively engage in sustainable farming practices, bridging academic learning with real-world impact and supporting Vietnam’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by prioritizing quality education, partnerships, and climate action.

The proximity of the college to Viên An, located within Tran De District, coupled with An Giang University’s expertise, fosters a powerful synergy. Students and lecturers from both institutions bring innovative solutions to address the specific agricultural needs of Viên An’s residents. This hands-on experience enhances students’ practical skills and builds a foundation of knowledge and adaptability essential for tackling climate resilience in small-scale farming.

A standout feature of this consultancy is its planned integration into the academic programs at the college. Students benefit from a reciprocal learning environment by embedding project elements directly into the curriculum, where theoretical concepts are tested in real-world agricultural settings. This approach aligns perfectly with the �鶹��Ƶ model, enabling lecturers to leverage students’ collective knowledge and fresh ideas to efficiently support the community’s needs. The collaboration ensures that innovative and sustainable farming practices are continuously developed, benefiting the local community and students, who gain a meaningful and applied education in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Through the �鶹��Ƶ model’s framework, this initiative strengthens the community and aligns the college and An Giang University with Vietnam’s national goals. It exemplifies the power of partnerships to create sustainable futures, embodying the spirit of SDG-aligned education and action at the local level.

Fun Facts about the Soc Trang Community College

Year �鶹��Ƶ Program Established | 2023
Country | Vietnam
Public or Private Institution | Public

City Partners

2023 | Viên An

Contact Info

Le Thi Xa
Lecturer
School of Education, Soc Trang Vocational College
ltxa@stcc.edu.vn

The Problem

Permatang Pauh’s paddy farmers were facing two critical challenges: inefficient agricultural waste management and shrinking incomes. The burning of paddy husk post-harvest contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deteriorating air quality, and increasing health risks. Many farmers relied on outdated practices, with over 80% resorting to open burning. With most farmers nearing retirement age and limited exposure to modern farming methods, their ability to generate sustainable income was severely impacted. The community needed a solution to both reduce environmental harm and increase the farmers’ profitability.

The Opportunity

Recognizing that better waste management could lead to environmental and economic benefits, the �鶹��Ƶ Model was adopted to empower farmers and youth. If local farmers could learn sustainable practices like composting and aquaponics, they could turn agricultural waste into valuable organic compost, boost crop yield, and diversify their income. The project envisioned a greener future through smart farming, where knowledge-sharing between academia, local government, and industry could spark lasting change.

The Partnership

The project was led by Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in partnership with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Urbanest Sdn Bhd. Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli from UPSI spearheaded the initiative, bringing expertise from university professors and students. “This collaboration bridges the gap between academia and the real-world challenges farmers face,” said Prof. Che Zalina. The Green Edu Centre, the first of its kind in Malaysia, provided the training ground for the 42 farmers and youth. “We aim to localize the technology, making it accessible and affordable for the community,” said a representative from Urbanest. MBSP’s involvement ensured the program aligned with local government initiatives to promote sustainability. Together, the partnership trained participants in composting, aquaponics, and fertigation techniques, all designed to reduce environmental damage while increasing income potential.

The Result

The results were immediate and promising. “97.5% of participants rated the program 4 or 5 stars,” said Karthigayan Gunasegaran, a project lead from UPSI. Farmers who had never received formal training before learned how to turn agricultural waste into organic compost, drastically reducing their reliance on harmful practices like open burning. “The training gave us the tools we needed to not only protect our land but also make more money,” shared one local farmer. The Green Edu Centre is now a hub for ongoing research and community education, ensuring the knowledge continues to grow beyond the initial project.

Looking Ahead

The partnership is committed to continuing its support for farmers in Permatang Pauh. Plans are already in place for follow-up training sessions that will focus on expanding smart farming techniques to more farmers. With the right funding, the program will also incorporate an agro-business component, helping farmers access new markets and reduce their reliance on traditional wholesale channels. The journey toward sustainable, smart farming is just beginning, and the partnership aims to keep the momentum going for years to come.

Partnership Contact Information

Seberang Perai City Council Contact
Mr. Chew Eng Seng
Local Agenda 21 Officer
Seberang Perai City Council
eschew@mbsp.gov.my

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee