A comprehensive study documenting the extensive adoption of CGIAR-supported agricultural innovations across Vietnam was presented at a high-level workshop in Hanoi. The study has identified notable breakthroughs achieved under the initiative, including improved rice and cassava varieties and the successful integration of new tilapia strains.
The event, hosted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA), in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), brought together key experts and policymakers to discuss these important findings.
Dr. Frederic Kosmowski, Senior Scientist at CGIAR SPIA, presented the SPIA Vietnam Report 2024: Global Ambitions, Sustainable Pathways, highlighting 78 agricultural innovations and 30 policy contributions in Vietnam from 2003 to 2023. Dr. Kosmowski shared that 19 CGIAR-related agricultural innovations have a widespread adoption rate, with 3.7 and 4.9 million Vietnamese households benefiting from research-driven advancements. The breakthroughs include:
- Improved Rice Varieties: In 2022, nearly 2 million Vietnamese households adopted new varieties developed using CGIAR germplasms. The spread of these high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties has likely contributed to Vietnam’s integration into global rice markets.
- Aquaculture: The successful integration of GIFT-derived tilapia strains has benefited Vietnam’s commercial aquaculture sector.
- Improved Cassava Varieties: The wide adoption of high-starch cassava varieties (54% of cassava-growing households) has likely supported Vietnam’s cassava starch industry.
Dr. Kosmowski emphasized that adoption is crucial but not the sole determinant of impact, highlighting the collaborative nature of CGIAR's work through partnerships.
In his opening message, Professor Travis Lybbert, Chair of the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA), emphasized the event's significance. "This work represents the culmination of four years of effort while also marking a transition and continuation," he stated. He highlighted SPIA's mandate to deepen the evidence of impact from CGIAR research investments, stressing, "Reliable measurements, replicable methodologies, and institutional commitment to learning from both successes and failures are significant."
Dr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department/MARD, echoed the importance of the research. "Households applying CGIAR innovations, such as those related to tilapia and rice, experienced increased income, reduced fertilizer application, and contributed to emission reductions," he noted. "This is a meaningful opportunity to review the work conducted with CGIAR.”
The workshop featured an expert discussion moderated by Dr. Tuan, where panelists shared their perspectives on utilizing the report's results for decision-making. The panelists emphasized the practical value of CGIAR innovations for Vietnamese policymakers and farmers, citing their use in strategy development, farmer guidance, and income improvement. They highlighted the importance of partnerships and evidence-based research in achieving tangible impacts and institutionalizing successful practices.
Professor Matin Qaim, Director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF) of the University of Bonn, outlined the project's next phase, Dynamics of Agricultural Innovation in Vietnam. "Building upon the foundational work initiated by SPIA, we will expand and deepen these efforts," he explained, detailing plans for updating innovation overviews, extending adoption research, analyzing impacts, and further developing research approaches.
Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Chairman of the IRRI Board of Trustees, provided closing remarks, commending the report's methodology and reliability. "The report provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of CGIAR innovations, including their influence on policy," he said. Farmers have become more proactive in seeking new technologies."
Professor Lybbert reiterated the importance of learning from successes and failures and recognizing the broader network of partnerships. "The discussions revealed a broader picture, where CGIAR innovations represent only a part of a larger network of partnerships and institutional experiences," he stated.
The workshop underscored the importance of evidence-based research in shaping agricultural policy and fostering sustainable development in Vietnam, setting the stage for continued collaboration and innovation.
Read the full report here: https://iaes.cgiar.org/spia/publications/spia-viet-nam-report-2024-global-ambitions-sustainable-pathways
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