Developing Climate Smart Agriculture (CSAs) program in Lang Sen Wetland Preserve

Background

Lang Sen is located in Vinh Loi commune, Tan Hung district, Long An province, in a low floodplain called the Plain of Reeds. A great diversity of geomorphological conditions in the area result in a high diversity of wetland ecosystems: marsh, seasonally inundated grassland, melaleuca forest, flooded forest, riverine etc. These ecosystems harbour a rich diversity of plants and animals. Preliminary survey results show 156 species of plants belonging to 60 families; 149 species of vertebrates in 46 families, including 13 species in Vietnam's Red Book (Le Phat Quoi et al, 2006).

The effects of climate change manifest themselves in the Mekong Delta including the project area, especially seen through the decrease in the monthly rainfall from December to May. Water shortage and impacts of climate change result in declining productivity of agricultural production. There is potentially less surface water for irrigation and the entry of organic substances as a natural fertilizer is reduced. At the same time, the risk of acidification of dried-out soils increases. Due to the high acid concentration, phytotoxic substances can be mobilized in the soil, directly damaging the rice plants. The farmers in the vicinity of the Lang Sen Wetlands have responded to lower crop yield with maladaptation such as cost intensive irrigation and increased use of fertilizers. Farmers who are not able to mobilize sufficient financial resources for the cost-intensive use of agrochemicals, often transfer to cheaper rice varieties of low quality, that in turn provide lower income.

Adapted less cost-intensive cultivation models are little known in the project region and models from other regions are not directly transferable to the extremely sulphate soils of the "Plain of Reeds". Climate smart agricultural (CSA) production methods, that not only promise a higher profit from agricultural production and enhance the adaptability of local farmers to climate change, but also anticipate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, will be introduced in the project.

WWF and BMZ are conducting a project at Lang Sen Wetland Reserve in Long An Province. A part of the project “Avoidance of maladaptation through climate smart agriculture and restoration of Lang Sen wetlands in Vietnam” CSA models will be introduced to reduce the use of agrochemicals and grow high-priced farm products in order to achieve positive income effects while reducing impacts to the surrounding environment. The models will promote biologically and environmentally sustainable farming that help to diversify incomes.

A consultant (or consultants) is required to identify appropriate CSA models to pilot in the Lang Sen wetlands to meet the project goals and expectations of the local target group.

This terms of reference addresses the roles and responsibilities of the consultant(s) who are required to carry out the above mentioned task.

Specific tasks of the consultant

• Review current agricultural practices in three communes (where Lang Sen Wetland Reserve is located) to identify short term and long term options for Climate Smart Agriculture practices in the area;
• Identify risks from current farming and management practices including risks from climate change and suggest suitable improvement plan or recommendations;
• Develop CSA implementation programme in Lang Sen wetland and steps for pilot phase;
• Implement training courses such as, on-site training during pilot timeframe for Lang Sen technical staffs, key farmers and key extension officials; farmer field school for group of farmers during implementation phase.
• Follow up all pilots implementation in Lang Sen and farmer field
• Brief market analysis for agriculture products produced within the project according to sustainability criteria
• Guidelines of CSA model for local usage are formulated (based on pilots)

Location & Time

• Three communes (Vinh Loi, Vinh Dai, Vinh Chau A), Tan Hung district, Long An province.
• Pilot phase is in line with the crop season, expected to start in April 2015, which is followed by the implementation phase (after completion of the first crop cycle) with other livelihood models (aquaculture)
• The first draft report is submitted to WWF by the September 2015; the due date for final draft is no later than 30th December 2015.

Deliverable outputs of the activities

• Overview report of agriculture production in Lang Sen wetland area (three communes)
• CSA program for wetland
• Field model pilots and results
• Trainings for key farmers and local extension on CSA models
• Brief market analysis report
• Guidelines and manual

Requirement of the consultants

• Have at least master degree in agriculture, agro-economic or related fields;
• Over 10 years of working on agronomic, agriculture planning and production, especially in Mekong Delta with experience on CSA;
• Experienced in field experiment and training;
• Have a strong knowledge of environment friendly production, agriculture extension;
• Have a strong experience on climate change adaptation.