Saltwater intrusion and groundwater depletion are growing challenges in the Mekong Delta, threatening both agricultural productivity and daily life. As freshwater sources become increasingly scarce, farmers must adapt to sustain their crops and secure household water. On 14th and 15th March 2025, our field trip to Kinh Cu Hamlet, Phong Nam Commune (Ben Tre), and Ward 2, Vinh Chau Town (Soc Trang) revealed firsthand the struggles these communities face. These insights are key inputs for Phase 2 of the Groundwater Serious Game Project, which engages local stakeholders in the Mekong Delta to promote sustainable groundwater use through interactive learning.
Ben Tre: Battling Saltwater to Survive
In Kinh Cu Hamlet, most farmers we interviewed rely on Ben Tre’s signature crop – coconuts, while some have recently received support to cultivate pomelo. During the rainy months, water is abundant – collected in tanks, filtered, and sometimes even boiled for drinking. But when the dry season arrives, everything changes. Saltwater intrusion lasts for 3 to 6 months, forcing many to stop irrigating altogether. Some mist their trees with stored rainwater, while others invest in pump-based systems or micro-sprinklers. Even with these efforts, productivity drops by nearly 50% each year. Pomelo trees, particularly sensitive to salinity, are often abandoned as farmers count their losses.
At home, the struggle continues. Some children bathe using bottled water, adding to household expenses, while low water pressure forces elderly residents to bathe late at night. The community expresses a strong desire for better saltwater barriers, improved filtration systems, and enhanced infrastructure to secure their water future.
Soc Trang: The Hidden Cost of Relying on Groundwater
In Ward 2, Vinh Chau Town, red onion farmers face a different reality. Their reliance on groundwater means the dry season brings a different set of challenges. While piped water is available, many still prefer bottled water for drinking. As groundwater levels drop, pumps become ineffective, forcing farmers to irrigate at night or invest in costly two-stage pumping systems. Some wealthier farmers build ponds to store water before irrigation, but for others, skipping a second onion crop becomes the only option – leading to a significant loss of income.
The financial burden is heavy. Many farmers complain that pumping water up from deeper levels consumes an overwhelming amount of electricity, making irrigation increasingly unaffordable. “This year, I had to leave my land empty because I couldn’t afford the electricity bill – 2 million VND just for pumping water” shared Ms. Du, a local farmer.
While some farmers ask for support in improving irrigation and storage, others have come to accept these challenges as part of their reality. However, many remain unaware that their groundwater is being overexploited and faces the risk of depletion, threatening their long-term water security.
Towards a Resilient Water Future
These stories highlight the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta. The Groundwater Serious Game will bring these real-life struggles into focus, helping farmers, policymakers, and experts simulate challenges, explore solutions, and work together to secure a more resilient future for water and agriculture in the region.
Project staffs interviewing with local farmers in Ward 2, Vinh Chau, Soc Trang
