Southeast Asia

Countries in Southeast Asia have abundant water resources. However, due to the uneven distribution of these resources, much of the region is water insecure. Geographic location and seasonal variations, as well as varying degrees of economic development and different political systems, greatly affect people’s access to water and land resources. The Greater Mekong subregion comprises Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China (specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region).

Countries in the Greater Mekong are changing as a result of increasing economic growth, population and urbanization as well as rapid rural transformations. The Greater Mekong has a combined population of around 345,185. By 2050, it is expected that the subregion will be at least 50% urbanized. Governments in the region recognize the critical role that water and land resources management can play in future development.

IWMI in Southeast Asia

IWMI plays a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges in Southeast Asia. With a focus on water, food, ecosystems, climate change, growth, and inclusion, IWMI recognizes the complex dynamics of water resources in the region. Despite abundant water resources, uneven distribution and diverse socioeconomic factors impact access to water and land.

IWMI’s expertise lies in promoting effective irrigation management, facilitating community-based schemes, and enhancing agricultural resilience. Additionally, IWMI is actively involved in groundwater development, sustainable fisheries integration into irrigation systems, climate change adaptation, and optimizing hydropower benefits for water users. IWMI’s research efforts contribute significantly to improving water and land resource management in Southeast Asia, fostering resilience, and supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Regional representative

Mark Dubois

Country Representative – Lao

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For work related to Southeast Asia, please contact our regional office in Lao PDR.

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Latest Southeast Asia publications

Displaying 4 publications

Analyzing farm household strategies for food security and climate resilience: the case of climate-smart villages of Southeast Asia
2018
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This paper develops a conceptual framework with an indicator-based approach to assess Climate-Smart Villages (CSVs) and applies it to case study sites in Lao PDR (Ekxang CSV), Cambodia (Rohal Suong CSV), and Vietnam (Tra Hat CSV) in Southeast Asia. The intensification, extensification, diversification, commercialization, alteration of practices, use of common lands, migration strategies that can augment climate resilience, farm income, assets, and food security are assessed based on a composite index of the strategies and key outcome variables. The study demonstrates a method that can be applied widely for assessing climate-smart agriculture strategies and finding possible entry points for climate-smart interventions. The influence of gender in resource control and livelihood strategies is also discussed. It is also evident that the climate-smart interventions can augment different livelihood strategies of farmers and enhance the developmental and climate resilience outcomes. There is a need to prioritize the possible interventions in each case and implement them with the help of donor agencies, local institutions, and government offices.

Case studies / Assets / Migration / Gender / Irrigation canals / Land use / Commercialization / Diversification / Extensification / Intensification / Agricultural production / Villages / Climate-smart agriculture / Indicators / Living standards / Strategies / Household income / Farmers / Resilience / Climate change / Food security
Record No:H049238

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Integrated systems research for sustainable smallholder agriculture in the uplands of mainland Southeast Asia: Achievements and lessons learned
2016
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After introducing the objectives and outcomes of Humidtropics, and some institutional constraints the research program faced, this chapter offers a synthesis of achievements, gaps and challenges of agricultural research for development activities implemented in the Humidtropics Central Mekong Action Area, as well as a discussion of the challenges faced. This chapter provides lessons learned from implementing agricultural research for development in this region, and offers insights and recommendations that could support integrated agricultural systems research in the Mekong region and elsewhere.

Empowerment / Youth / Women / Gender / Intensification / Living standards / Agricultural research / Research programmes / Highlands / Smallholders / Sustainable agriculture / Integrated management
Record No:H047860

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Integrated tree, crop and livestock technologies to conserve soil and water, and sustain smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Southeast Asian uplands
2016
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After reviewing the main causes and effects of land degradation and erosion in the uplands of mainland Southeast Asia, this chapter presents several case studies of recent land-use changes governed by economic, political and institutional transitions, the expansion of teak and rubber tree plantations in northern Laos and southwest China, respectively, and of monocropping coffee in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam. We explain how these environmental disturbances are altering water and soil resources across different geographic scales, from the agricultural plot to the headwater catchment. Examples of coping strategies combining field trials and participatory approaches are illustrated with several case studies taken from research for development activities conducted in Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and the Yunnan Province of China. These activities were part of the CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics (Humidtropics) in the Central Mekong Action Area. We propose solutions for sustainable agricultural intensification to diversify income, improve dietary diversity and improve natural resource management. The accomplishment of these objectives requires longterm involvement with ethnic minority communities that have been the particular focus in the target areas. The three-anda-half-year lifespan of Humidtropics in the Mekong region was a short period. It would require extension to maintain the carefully built and nurtured relationships with local implementation partners and local farming communities, and reach its full promise.

Case studies / Catchment areas / Local communities / Natural resources management / Environmental impact / Coffee / Rubber / Tectona grandis / Plantations / Erosion / Land management / Land use / Land degradation / Highlands / Living standards / Farmland / Farmers / Smallholders / Monoculture / Sustainable agriculture / Water harvesting / Rainwater / Water availability / Water conservation / Soil conservation
Record No:H047859

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Environmental livelihood security in Southeast Asia and Oceania
2015
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GIS / Land cover / Policy making / Water resources / Energy / Food security / Climate change / Sustainable development / Living standards / Environmental protection
Record No:H046987

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