GS4Infra - Building Resilient
Water-Energy-Climate Infrastructures For All

Cu Lao Dung has many advantages and many difficulties, there are many programs and projects of the government and international support. There are three types of projects – One is the project to help take advantage of the advantages of rural development, tourism; Two is the project to help overcome difficulties such as developing irrigation works, preventing dykes, developing traffic, roads, overcoming climate change; Three is the project including livelihood development to help overcome difficulties and create favorable conditions.

I think that the coordination between projects is still complicated, maintaining traffic, roads, irrigation is difficult for vulnerable groups (women, the elderly, children, people with disabilities …) on the issue of choosing a livelihood for the present and the future. I suggest that when doing the survey, you should put yourself in a situation where you are a person in a vulnerable group, then you will understand better and raise your concerns and decide how to deal with the activities proposed by the project team.

In the current context, vulnerable groups (women, children, people with disabilities, etc.) in the area need to take proactive measures to contribute to responding to climate change and the constant threat of natural disasters in the coming time.

The People’s Committee of the Province and the Department of Agriculture have directed subordinate units such as Agricultural Extension, Plant Protection, and officials working in irrigation and disaster prevention to pay special attention to the Cu Lao Dung district. Currently, the district’s 160km river embankment (80km completed, nearly 40km under construction, and the remaining 20km scheduled to begin in 2026) serves as both a transportation route and a barrier against saltwater intrusion and tidal waves, aiming to be a multi-purpose infrastructure to support the people of Cu Lao Dung in building a relatively secure and prosperous life in the near future. In the near future, the construction of Dai Ngai 1 and 2 bridges is underway, which will help the district break free from its isolation caused by surrounding rivers.

The program has high expectations for the GS4Infra project, particularly due to its gender lens and focus on hydropower policy in Cu Lao Dung. We hope that the local government will provide all possible support to the GS4Infra project.

The MTT program looks forward to visiting Cu Lao Dung to gain a deeper understanding of the real-world issues and to continue supporting project activities. We also aim to collaborate with local government and communities on projects related to hydropower, climate change, livelihoods, agriculture, and other relevant issues.

Low-income households and ethnic minorities have participated in a 36-month sustainable poverty reduction program. The program involved a production model of raising eels, chickens, cows, and goats to assist them in escaping poverty. However, many households struggled due to limited land resources. At the final stage of the program, some households maintained their newfound livelihoods, while others chose not to reinvest. The primary reasons for this decision included migration to urban areas, insufficient land, a lack of grazing land for livestock, and inadequate resources for raising cows or purchasing feed. Additionally, a separate program has been implemented to provide water purifiers to impoverished and near-poor ethnic groups.

Regarding the management capabilities of government officials, the government has been investing in capacity-building initiatives for the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. This includes facilitating knowledge exchange and learning experiences from successful mango cooperatives and longan gardens, with the aim of replicating their management models.

In Cu Lao Dung, households are currently working independently, lacking the support of cooperative groups to facilitate the entire agricultural value chain, from input to output.While Cu Lao Dung maintains a tradition of producing broom bundles made from coconut stalks, the current output is insufficient to meet market demand. The region boasts abundant natural resources, including periwinkle trees, nipa palm trees, and cork forests, which offer high yields. However, there is a lack of well-defined plans for sustainable exploitation and investment in these resources.

Ho Chi Minh University of Economics (UEH) is committed to providing the best possible support for the project team and is confident that with the support and assistance of the local community, the project will contribute to improving livelihoods, reducing disaster risks, and building sustainable water infrastructure for Cu Lao Dung District.

Through the research process, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn from each other and raise awareness of gender equality and the needs of vulnerable groups in society. Ultimately, the project aims to promote sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and encourage multidisciplinary research activities at UEH.

As both a member of the Youth Union and a young entrepreneur in An Thạnh Nam, I have undertaken the production of tamarind concentrate as a potential means to alleviate poverty and enhance community resilience in the face of climate change. This venture offers a sustainable livelihood for many vulnerable households.

While the traditional, handcrafted, and manually packaged tamarind concentrate has the potential to become a local specialty for tourists, there is a need for support in establishing a stable market. Women’s Union and Youth Union organizations are well-positioned to assist in implementing these livelihood initiatives that can generate income throughout the year.

The gender equality situation in An Thạnh Nam is as follows: Traditionally, men have been engaged in heavy labor such as farming, while women have typically undertaken lighter tasks or household chores, including childcare, cooking, and school drop-offs. However, women predominantly manage the family finances. Gender discrimination is virtually nonexistent in the community; both boys and girls have equal access to education, with the more academically inclined progressing to higher levels of study.

(Approximately 20 years ago, higher education was primarily pursued by males due to geographical challenges and limited educational opportunities.) Women actively participate in community events, social gatherings, and hospitality. There is no discrimination against women in meetings, conferences, or weddings; in fact, their participation is encouraged