The CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) has embarked on a significant project to develop an all-encompassing Food Systems Profile for the Mekong River Delta (MRD) region. This endeavor, led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in partnership with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), seeks to address critical issues such as malnutrition, climate change, and socioeconomic inequalities. The initiative aims to provide a robust framework that can facilitate a deeper understanding of these challenges and offer actionable solutions.

Since 2023, substantial groundwork has been laid through various activities, including an extensive review of literature on nutrition-sensitive agricultural systems and an analysis of data from the General Nutrition Survey. Additionally, an exploratory study was conducted to establish a food systems balance sheet for Vietnam. In 2024, NIN and the Alliance have continued their collaborative efforts to finalize the MRD Food Systems Profile. This profile will serve as a pivotal resource to guide policy and programmatic decisions, aligning with Vietnam’s National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation towards Transparency, Responsibility, and Sustainability by 2030.

To ensure stakeholder engagement, two key technical consultation meetings were organized. The first meeting, held at the General Statistics Office in Hanoi, focused on refining the list of food system indicators. Experts provided crucial insights on data availability, representativeness, and accuracy. The second meeting, hosted at the Alliance office in Hanoi, brought together professionals from diverse sectors, fostering valuable dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation. Feedback from these consultations will be instrumental in completing the MRD Food Systems Profile, ensuring it aligns with both AMD initiative priorities and Vietnam’s national goals.

The development of the MRD Food Systems Profile exemplifies a commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive food systems. By leveraging participatory and transdisciplinary approaches, this project not only addresses immediate challenges but also paves the way for a resilient and equitable future for the Mekong River Delta. As the profile continues to evolve, it promises to support transformative policies and practices that enhance food security and sustainability in the region.