Doctoral Candidate Nguyễn Hoàng Tuấn successfully defended his thesis on the impact of drought on agricultural production in Ninh Thuan Province, focusing on developing adaptation solutions in the context of climate change. His research proposed strategies such as crop transformation, agricultural insurance, and improved irrigation to mitigate the effects of drought and enhance agricultural sustainability.

On the morning of 6th November, Doctoral Candidate Nguyễn Hoàng Tuấn successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the university level in the field of Resource and Environmental Management in Room F102, Nguyễn Văn Cừ campus, VNUHCM-University of Science. The thesis, titled “Research on the Impact of Drought on Agricultural Production in Ninh Thuan Province and the Development of Adaptation Solutions in the Context of Climate Change”, was carried out under the supervision of Associate Professor Trương Thanh Cảnh, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Environment, VNUHCM-University of Science.

Research Objectives and Importance of the Topic

The thesis by Doctoral Candidate Nguyễn Hoàng Tuấn focused on examining the impact of drought on agricultural production in Ninh Thuan Province. Located in the driest region of Viet Nam, the province was particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with drought being a major factor influencing agricultural production. The aim of the thesis was to develop adaptation strategies for the agricultural sector in the context of climate change, an urgent issue for Ninh Thuan.

Research Methodology

The research employed a combination of sociological surveys and the analysis of climate and agricultural production data to identify trends in climate change and assess the impact of drought on crop cultivation. The results indicated that between 2006 and 2016, prolonged droughts led to a significant decrease in agricultural productivity in Ninh Thuan, especially for key crops such as rice, fruit trees, and vegetables. This severely affected local farmers’ incomes and the stability of agricultural production in the region.

Impact of Drought on Agricultural Production

The study pointed out that drought not only had direct effects, such as reduced crop yields, but also indirect consequences. These included a shortage of water for irrigation, long periods of drought leading to crop failure, which resulted in a shortage of agricultural produce and rising prices. In response to this situation, the thesis proposed several practical adaptation solutions.

Proposed Adaptation Solutions

The main solutions proposed in the thesis included:

• Crop structure transformation: This would help optimise yields and minimise the risks associated with drought. Transforming crop patterns would not only reduce damage but also open up opportunities for developing higher-value agricultural products.
• Implementation of agricultural insurance: This would help farmers reduce financial losses caused by extreme weather events.
• Improvement of irrigation systems: Ensuring a stable water supply for agricultural production in dry conditions.

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model

Particularly, the thesis researched and proposed a multi-criteria decision-making model for selecting adaptation solutions. This model would help farmers and relevant authorities proactively choose and implement appropriate solutions based on the type of crop, climate conditions, and infrastructure in the region. The model not only aimed to enhance production efficiency but also to reduce risks from adverse factors such as drought, floods, and climate change.

Expanding Market Access and Applying Science and Technology

The research also emphasised the importance of expanding the market for agricultural products and investing in science and technology. This played a crucial role in increasing the value of agricultural products, offering farmers opportunities to boost their income and stabilise their livelihoods amid climate change. The application of new technologies not only helped increase productivity but also mitigated the effects of drought, while producing high-quality agricultural products to meet market demand.

Proposed Sustainable Agricultural Development Policies

The research also proposed recommendations for sustainable agricultural development policies in Ninh Thuan. These policies should focus on:

• Creating support mechanisms for farmers: Including disaster relief funds and policies to raise awareness about climate change.
• Encouraging investment in high-tech agriculture: To enhance the ability to adapt to climate change and ensure the sustainable development of agricultural production.

Conclusions and Future Research Directions

The research findings provided a comprehensive assessment of the factors influencing agricultural production due to drought and proposed solutions for effectively managing water resources and enhancing the capacity to respond to climate change in the future. These solutions were not only applicable to Ninh Thuan Province but could also be extended to other areas facing similar drought and climate change challenges.

In the future, evaluating the effectiveness of these solutions in practice would be essential to adjust and improve the drought adaptation model. Additionally, the research could be expanded to regions with similar climate conditions, aiming to develop sustainable water resource and agricultural management models nationwide.

Phương Nhi _ Translated by ℙ𝕄ℕ