She Feeds the World: Celebrating Sustainable Agriculture Achievements in the Central Highlands, Viet Nam

Dak Lak, Viet Nam – After more than two years of implementation, the “She Feeds the World” (SFtW) project has marked remarkable progress in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods in Viet Nam’s Central Highlands. Launched in 2022, this initiative has contributed to enhancing agricultural productivity and empowering local communities – especially women and ethnic minorities – through the adoption of sustainable farming practices and inclusive development models.

Since 2019, the SFtW program has been rolled out across eight countries – Viet Nam, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Peru, Colombia, Egypt, and Uganda – through a strategic partnership between the PepsiCo Foundation and CARE, a leading international organization committed to fighting global poverty and hunger. With a total budget of USD 18.2 million, the initiative aims to support 5 million women smallholder farmers globally, by strengthening food and nutrition security, enhancing agricultural capacity, and advancing gender equality.

In Viet Nam, the project has been effectively implemented with close collaboration from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment – through the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Viet Nam (PSAV), the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC), CARE International in Viet Nam, and the Dak Lak Community Development Center (CDC). Together, these partners have addressed the pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the region.

By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, the project has driven notable improvements in productivity, resource access, and market connectivity. Training and capacity-building activities have equipped farmers with essential skills and tools to increase yields while safeguarding the environment. The project also facilitated multi-stakeholder engagement to exchange knowledge, scale up successful models, and promote the application of technology in sustainable farming systems.

As of April 2025, SFtW in Viet Nam has supported over 8,000 farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural methods, improving resource management, and enhancing market access. Innovations introduced under the project include soil health monitoring technologies, water-saving drip irrigation systems, and organic fertilizer production. These efforts have led to impressive outcomes: a 20% increase in productivity, a 30% reduction in chemical fertilizer use, and a 20% decrease in water consumption. In addition, nearly 100 hectares of potato farming areas have been linked to PepsiCo Foods Viet Nam through production contracts, ensuring sustainable market access for local farmers.

A key achievement of the project lies in its commitment to gender equality. Women accounted for more than 60% of all participants, significantly advancing their roles and decision-making power in agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, noted: “The cooperation with PepsiCo Foundation and CARE has played a crucial role in realizing Viet Nam’s sustainable agriculture goals. The project not only increases yields but also enables farmers to better access markets, improve their incomes, and ensure food security. It contributes meaningfully to building strong PPP models for an advanced agricultural value chain.”

Mr. Bach Thanh Tuan, Director of the Dak Lak CDC, shared:“The SFtW project has brought real, positive change to farming communities in Dak Lak. It has improved agricultural output and strengthened the community’s capacity to adopt sustainable models, especially supporting women to secure better livelihoods.”

Ms. Le Kim Dung, Country Director of CARE in Viet Nam, emphasized: “This project demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration and sustainable practices. Through strong partnerships, we’re not only boosting productivity but also reshaping gender norms and empowering women farmers.”

Mr. Krisintu Phumjai representative from the PepsiCo Foundation added: “The SFtW project reflects PepsiCo’s global Pep+ commitment in action. It has enabled the adoption of regenerative agriculture, improved farmer livelihoods, and increased women’s access to production resources. We are proud to conclude Phase 1 with strong results and are excited to launch Phase 2 over the next three years. Together, we will continue driving sustainable economic, social, and environmental impact by building farmer capacity, enhancing productivity, and diversifying incomes.”

As Phase 1 of the SFtW project concludes, its legacy continues through empowered communities, stronger food systems, and expanded opportunities for women farmers. The project stands as a powerful model for sustainable agriculture, aligning with Viet Nam’s national development goals and inspiring similar initiatives around the world