VAC Farming system of the lowland areas of North Vietnam

 The VAC system—an intensive, small-scale farming method—has long been a cornerstone of Vietnamese agriculture. It optimizes the use of land, water, and solar energy to produce food, fiber, and fuel with minimal capital investment. This integrated approach ensures that every product is recycled into the production cycle, resulting in high economic efficiency. Rooted in traditional agricultural practices, VAC farming has evolved to suit the diverse terrains and climates of Vietnam, now practiced in many regions.

In recent decades, Vietnam has shifted toward monoculture, driven by agricultural intensification. This approach has increased both food and non-food crop production, spurring rural economic growth through agro-processing industries and non-farm income sources. However, the downsides are becoming clear. Monoculture's dependence on global capital and chemical inputs is depleting biodiversity, degrading soil health, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. It is also putting pressure on farm productivity and raising operational costs, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Recognizing the growing challenges posed by monoculture, WITS Asia is stepping in to support the revival of the VAC farming system in Vietnam, starting with a pilot project in Hai Duong province. By elaborating and backing this project, WITS aims to restore the balance between sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth, helping farmers adopt a more resilient, eco-friendly approach to farming.

As monoculture’s environmental and economic toll mounts, VAC farming presents a viable path forward—one that harmonizes traditional wisdom with modern sustainability goals, while securing livelihoods for future generations.