BASIN
Building Climate-Adaptive Solutions through Inclusive Market Networks
Climate Change is Reshaping the Mekong
and the Most Vulnerable Are Paying the Highest Price
The Lower Mekong Basin is facing an accelerating climate and economic crisis. Across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, salinity intrusion, and ecosystem degradation are disrupting food systems and threatening livelihoods that millions depend upon.
Agriculture and fisheries remain the backbone of rural economies in the Mekong region, yet these sectors are increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks. Women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected due to unequal access to land, finance, markets, leadership opportunities, and climate-smart technologies.
At the same time, current market systems often fail to incentivise inclusive and climate-resilient practices. Farmers remain disconnected from sustainable markets, private sector investment is limited, and regional coordination around climate adaptation remains fragmented.
Without urgent action, climate impacts will deepen poverty, increase inequality, weaken food security, and undermine long-term regional stability. BASIN responds to this challenge through an integrated regional approach that strengthens climate resilience, transforms market systems, and amplifies the leadership and economic participation of women and marginalised groups.
BASIN is a regional initiative implemented in three countries by World Vision: Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. BASIN is funded by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and implemented in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures. The program will run from May 2025 to April 2029, and aims to support a more inclusive, integrated, economically vibrant and climate-resilient Mekong subregion.
"“Australia is proud to support initiatives like BASIN through the Mekong-Australia Partnership, to enhance climate resilience, promote inclusive economic development, and advance gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion. This activity reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that growth in the Mekong subregion is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by the voices and priorities of local communities.”"
The Change We’re Driving
Growing Incomes Through Sustainable Farming
Families in targeted communities are improving their incomes through climate-smart farming practices and better market opportunities.
Empowering Women to Shape the Future
Women and vulnerable groups are gaining a stronger voice in household decisions, reducing unequal workloads, and taking on greater leadership roles in farmer groups and cooperatives.
Local Leadership for Sustainable Food Systems
Communities and local partners are sharing knowledge and working together to promote greener, more inclusive, and sustainable food systems across the region.
BASIN Target Areas
CAMBODIA
Prek Prasab, Sambour, and Snuol districts of Kratie province
9,033 beneficiares
Main value chains: vegetable and cashew
LAOS
Soukhouma district of
Champasak province
9,081 beneficiaries
Main value chains: Rice, vegetable, and livestock
VIETNAM
Vinh Thuan and U Minh Thuong communes, An Giang Province
5,900 beneficiaries
Main Value Chains: Rice, Shrimp, Banana
Project Models & Approaches
Inclusive Markets for Communities (M4C)
M4C helps identify and strengthen agriculture opportunities that can sustainably improve family incomes. Through climate-smart and inclusive farming approaches, farmers are supported with practical skills, resources, and market-oriented knowledge to build resilient agricultural livelihoods and grow their businesses over time.
MenCare
MenCare engages men and boys as active partners in caregiving, household responsibilities, and family decision-making. By promoting more equitable gender roles and non-violent family relationships, the approach helps reduce the burden on women, creates a more supportive home environment, and enables women to participate more fully in economic opportunities.
Gender-Inclusive Financial Literacy Training (GIFT)
GIFT equips couples with practical financial literacy skills to better manage household finances, savings, and future planning. Using a household approach, the program encourages women and men to make financial decisions together, strengthening partnership, resilience, and more equitable economic participation within the family.
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