New research targets climate‑resilient food systems in the Mekong

These pressures are hitting farmers, fishers and food producers hard, while also threatening ecosystems that millions of people depend on for their livelihoods.

A new research partnership led by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), in collaboration with World Vision Australia, is responding with the Building Climate‑Adaptive Solutions Through Inclusive Market Networks (BASIN) program, part of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded Mekong Australia Partnership (MAP).

“This research partnership will help provide evidence on how climate resilience and inclusion can be achieved in parallel through market development approaches,” said Dr Federico Davila, Research Director at ISF.

The research focuses on a pressing question for policymakers and practitioners alike: how can agri‑food system interventions reduce climate risks while still supporting inclusive livelihoods – particularly for women and marginalised communities. 

Early work under BASIN is mapping what policies, practices and market approaches have already shown promise in the region, with a focus on selected value chains such as shrimp, banana, and cashew nuts. It is also identifying where evidence gaps remain, and how research can better inform national and regional policy dialogue.

 “Climate and inequality are major pressures on agri‑food systems transformations,” Dr Davila said. “Our research will provide evidence and support dialogues to achieve inclusive climate solutions in the Mekong agri‑food system.” 

Beyond technical fixes, the research examines how inclusive market networks, knowledge sharing and regional collaboration can help climate‑resilient practices scale and endure over time. 

Findings from this first phase will be shared through a practitioner‑focused brief and academic publications, supporting learning and collaboration across governments, development partners and local actors. These findings will provide decision‑makers with clear insights into what is working – and what isn’t – in building climate‑resilient agri‑food systems in the Mekong. 

As climate change, food security and economic resilience become increasingly intertwined, lessons from the Mekong are likely to resonate well beyond the region.