Regional research “Agricultural innovations review in Sub-Mekong region countries” in the framework of the project “Network for Agriculture and Rural Development Think-tanks for Countries in Mekong sub-region” – November 2022 - April 2023.

The current agricultural extension system in Vietnam is inadequate, with farmers often facing risks due to pests and diseases. To address this, Kien Giang province established a commune-level economic and technical team to connect farmers with the market and facilitate production. Since 2006, the Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Development has successfully implemented this model, sending agricultural extension workers joining activities at grassroot level. The Agricultural Extension Center currently had 116 teams in 116 communes in Kien Giang province.

The team works alongside farmers, transferring science and technology, and improving their lives. They also advise commune leaders on agricultural production in the locality. The team coordinates with authorities and mass organizations at the grassroots level, opening nearly 5,000 technical dissemination classes for 139,000 farmers. They also collaborate with institutes, schools, program managers, and centers to open 1,947 thematic classes for each type of crop and livestock

Staffs of Economic and Technical Team and farmers

Source: Research team survey, 2022.

The economic and technical teams have helped farmers implement effective models in livestock, poultry, aquatic products, and mechanization. They actively participate in demonstrations of mechanical machines and equipment, as well as assist farmers in legal procedures for preferential loans. They also coordinate with veterinary specialties for vaccination and plant protection.

Applying this model in Kien Giang province has provided lessons learned for building management and operation for community extension groups, helping to renew the current agricultural extension network in the new situation.

Click this link for detail information: Model on communal economic and technical team