Agriculture remains an economic pillar in the Mekong region. However, the sector faces persistent challenges such as low productivity, fragmented supply chains, limited access to modern technologies, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. Outdated farming practices, post-harvest losses, and inefficient market linkages further constrain economic growth and food security. Smart agriculture offers high potential, but adoption remains limited, highlighting the need for structured capacity-building, improved public-private collaboration, and sustainable policy integration. Implemented by the Mekong Institute, Mekong CONNECT will build on the success of the previous initiative, Sustainable and Smart Agricultural Supply Chain Development in Mekong Countries, and will focus on smart technology adoption and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Read more...
Priority Sector
Agriculture & Rural Development
Project Site
No. of Direct Beneficiaries
Duration
Mar-2025 to Mar-2028
PPP Development (e.g. Regional & National Workshops, Stocktaking)
Capacity Building (e.g. Regional Training Programs)
Technology Pilot (e.g. National Workshops, Technology Installation, Coaching, Mekong CONNECT Digest)
Joint initiatives established: Collaborative initiatives involving stakeholders from each participating country are launched to promote the adoption of smart technologies and strengthen partnerships between the private sector, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Enhanced institutional capacity: Local institutions demonstrate improved capacity to deliver technical assistance and support for smart technology integration, with at least 50% of the proposed action plans successfully implemented by the third year.
Successful pilot projects: Pilot initiatives in Cambodia and Lao PDR showcase the effectiveness of smart agricultural technologies in improving productivity and sustainability, with 70% of participating farmers and local stakeholders reporting positive outcomes and expressing their intention to continue using the technologies.
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