CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND ITS USE IN MANAGING WATER RESOURCES DURING PERIODS OF DROUGHT AND SEAWATER INTRUSION IN THE VIETNAMESE MEKONG DELTA

Abstract

Despite significant investment in the construction of an irrigation system (IS) in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), a lack of operational integration across the delta limits its effectiveness in terms of managing water supply and water quality for agriculture, aquaculture and domestic needs, especially in relation to changes in water flow in the Mekong River due to upstream dams and other development, and in relation to salt intrusion from the sea. This study evaluates the operational effectiveness of irrigation infrastructure, with a focus on the types of sluice gate structures currently used in the VMD. Opinions from 77 experts were collected and analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different operational modes and types of sluice gate structures currently used in the VMD. The research findings can be used as a basis for proposing solutions to enhance the operational effectiveness of the IS in the VMD in the context of climate change and sea-level rise.