Currently, land degradation and desertification are among the pressing issues facing humanity. One effective solution against desertification that Ninh Thuận Province is implementing is the creation of ecological ponds in arid regions combined with agroforestry models.
In Ninh Thuận Province, desert areas account for up to 34% of the total natural land area. Ninh Phước District is the locality with the largest desert area in the province and the Central region. In 2005, drought caused thousands of hectares of agricultural land in the district to be abandoned, hundreds of livestock to die of thirst, and thousands of people to suffer from a lack of potable water.
Currently, Ninh Thuận has deployed medium and small irrigation projects for efficient watering, along with the excavation of water storage ponds at the foot of hills that lack moisture retention to collect natural rainwater, which is then pumped back to the areas that have lost water. This approach has somewhat alleviated the water shortages for both production and daily living for the local population.
Due to the complex terrain, steep hills, and low annual rainfall of only about 500-600mm, the hot weather has gradually led to the die-off of vegetation in Ninh Thuận, creating semi-desert regions. In addition to the harsh natural conditions, deforestation and excessive free-range livestock grazing have exacerbated the desertification problem.
Mr. Phạm Châu Hoành, Head of the Technology Management Department of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, stated: “We have proposed solutions to adapt to arid conditions, including government support for creating ecological ponds in drought-prone areas, which can be irrigated during the dry season. Secondly, we advocate for the transition to drought-resistant crops and the establishment of integrated agroforestry models. A very important factor is to raise community awareness through training sessions to enhance public understanding.”
A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme indicated that approximately 50% of the total land area is no longer suitable for agricultural production, particularly in Southeast Asia and South Asia. This is a consequence of unsustainable farming practices and climate change. Therefore, to prevent widespread desertification in Ninh Thuận Province, it is essential to apply efficient irrigation methods and reorganize livestock farming areas.
