Organic Rice Transition in a Changing Environment: Linking Farmers’ Benefits to Adaptation and Mitigation

Jack O’Connor, Joachim H. Spangenberg (), Ngan Ha Nguyen, Gioia Emidi, Arne Kappenberg, Linda Klamann, Nick Kupfer, Huynh Ky, Nguyen Thi Thu Nga, Chau Minh Khoi, Cao Dinh An Giang, Jürgen Ott, Björn Thiele, Bei Wu and Lutz Weihermüller
Additional contact information
Jack O’Connor: Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Joachim H. Spangenberg: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany
Ngan Ha Nguyen: Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Gioia Emidi: Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Arne Kappenberg: Institute for Soil Sciences, University Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Linda Klamann: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany
Nick Kupfer: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany
Huynh Ky: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Thu Nga: Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Chau Minh Khoi: Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Cao Dinh An Giang: Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Jürgen Ott: L.U.P.O GmbH, 67705 Trippstadt, Germany
Björn Thiele: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany
Bei Wu: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany
Lutz Weihermüller: Agrosphere Institute IBG-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426 Jülich, Germany

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-32

Abstract: Organic rice farming (ORF) can support both climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, a deeper understanding of its specific benefits and challenges is needed. This paper synthesises current knowledge on the potential of ORF to enhance resilience in regions exposed to natural hazards, with particular attention to the climate-vulnerable region of the Mekong Delta (MKD), Vietnam. ORF can deliver multiple benefits: reducing production costs, revitalising degraded and pesticide-contaminated soils, improving water and soil quality, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to human health and sustainable livelihoods. In the context of MKD, where rice production intersects with acute vulnerability to salinity intrusion, storms, and drought, ORF also presents opportunities for long-term adaptation by improving ecosystem health and reducing socio-ecological vulnerability. Despite these benefits, ORF remains limited in scale and impact due to the lack of integrated, landscape-level implementation strategies. Challenges like chemical contamination, limited access to certified organic inputs, and insufficient institutional and technical support leave many existing ORF initiatives vulnerable and constrain further expansion. To fully realise ORF’s resilience and sustainability potential, more targeted research and policy attention are needed. An integrated governance approach that considers both biophysical and socio-economic dimensions is essential to support a meaningful and scalable transition to organic rice farming in climate-sensitive regions like the MKD.

Keywords: rice organic agriculture; transition; soil quality; water; biodiversity; health; income; institutions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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