A classroom without walls: what Singaporean students learned about sustainable agriculture in Vietnam

Twenty-seven students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) left their lecture halls to explore sustainable agriculture in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. They learnt from farmers in the field and discovered the people and collaboration behind more sustainable farming methods.

On 7 June 2026, students from the NUS College of the National University of Singapore (NUS) from diverse academic backgrounds, including anthropology, computer science, and environmental studies, joined a field visit organised by Rikolto in Vietnam and the Dong Thap Provincial Sub-department of Rural Development.

Through conversations with farmers, cooperative leaders from Tan Tien and Tan Binh, local authorities from Tam Nong and Tan Long communes, and representatives from the Mekong Conservancy Foundation, the students saw how sustainable agriculture can create benefits that extend far beyond decreased production costs or reduced environmental impacts.

The most important lesson they learned was that sustainable agriculture is not only about protecting natural resources; it is also about creating opportunities, strengthening livelihoods, and building resilient communities.

Sustainable agriculture starts with partnerships

The visit began at Tan Tien Cooperative, where students learned about the adoption of sustainable rice farming practices, including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Standard. These approaches help farmers reduce water use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resource efficiency.

Yet what stood out most was not the technical practices themselves, but the process behind their adoption. Students learned that transitioning to new farming methods requires more than training sessions or technical recommendations. It depends on trust, continuous support, and strong partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, local authorities, and organisations such as Rikolto.