Viet Nam: Drought and Saltwater Intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Since 2019, severe drought and saltwater intrusion conditions have been detected and have begun to significantly affect the livelihoods, food security and water supply of people across 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta region. This report provides recommendations based on a summary of existing reports and available data, field interviews, and observations recorded on the ground at an early stage of the drought and saltwater intrusion. The joint assessment team (JAT) was established with participation from experts in health, WASH, education, nutrition, gender, protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR), food security, agricultural and livelihoods. The JAT conducted a three-day rapid impact and needs assessment in four selected provinces (Bến Tre, Kiên Giang, Cà Mau and Trà Vinh) from 15 to 17 January 2016. Team members came from VDMA, UN agencies, the VNRC, INGOs, and the National Institute for Nutrition.