Impacts of hydropower dams, dikes and rice intensification on the water and food nexus in the Mekong Region

ABSTRACT: The need to increase food and energy supplies globally are driving construction of hydropower dams, dikes and intensification of agricultural production, particularly on the fertile floodplains of major rivers. This policy study in the Mekong highlights the risk of negative impacts of poorly planned and implemented hydroelectric infrastructure on water availability and food security. Dr. Kien’s work draws on empirical research to examine the links between infrastructure development, agricultural and aquaculture development, and nutrition in farming communities in the Mekong Delta. The recent development of dams, high dikes and the focus on the intensification of rice production, upland crops and cattle rearing in the upper part of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has significantly diminished wild fish catch, an important food source for poor and middle-income rural residents. 

Dr. Kien is a Director of the Research Center for Rural Development of An Giang University, Vietnam and Research Fellow at Fenner School of Environment and Society, at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Kien holds a PhD in Sociology and a Master’s in Environmental Management and Development from ANU. His current work focuses on the Mekong nexus: food-water-energy. He is conducting research on the impacts of dams, dikes and rice intensification of rural livelihood and food security in the Mekong region. He has over 15 years of experience working with local communities in the Mekong Delta, using participatory and community based approaches.