NbS-44

Flood-based Agriculture

Flood-based agriculture is a nature-based solution (NbS) that leverages seasonal floods to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and build climate resilience in flood-prone areas of Southeast Asia, such as the Mekong River Delta and Tonle Sap Biosphere.

This approach utilizes the natural inundation cycles to deposit nutrient-rich sediments, replenish soil fertility, and provide water for crops, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and irrigation. Technically, it involves practices such as flood recession farming, floating crop cultivation, and integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems that maximize the benefits of water and sediment flows.

On a landscape level, it preserves floodplains, wetlands, and riparian ecosystems, which act as natural buffers against extreme weather events while enhancing biodiversity.

Socially, it supports rural livelihoods by offering sustainable income streams, promoting traditional knowledge, and strengthening community resilience to climate-induced disruptions such as droughts and floods.

LANDSCAPES SUPPORTED

Flood responsive Riverine and Deltaic Landscapes
Regenerative Agriculture

EbA (ECOSYSTEM-BASED APPROACHES)

  • Nutrient cycling
  • Habitat conservation
  • Integrated water ressource management
  • Disaster risk reduction
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Sustainable land management

MAIN PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

Soil Erosion Soil Erosion
Biodiversity Loss Biodiversity Loss
Flood Control Flood Control
Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Risk Reduction
Food Security Food Security

EbA (ECOSYSTEM-BASED APPROACHES)

SUPPORTING

  • Soil Fertility Restoration: Seasonal floods deposit nutrient-rich sediments, replenishing soil organic matter and fertility.

REGULATING

  • Flood Regulation: Preserves natural floodplains, reducing downstream flood risks and enhancing water retention in landscapes.

PROVISIONING

  • Enhanced Crop Production: Provides nutrient-enriched soils and natural irrigation, improving agricultural yields and food availability.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

  • Food Security and Livelihoods: Supports rural communities with sustainable farming practices and diversified income opportunities.
NbS44_Flood based Opportunity Area – with legends
NbS44_High Low Dikes and Culverts

PROJECT’S CHALLENGES & RISKS

Unpredictable Flood Patterns: Climate change-induced variability in flood timing and intensity can disrupt agricultural cycles and reduce yields.

Land Use Conflicts: Competing demands for floodplains, such as urban expansion or infrastructure development, can limit the availability of land for flood-based agriculture.

Community Adaptation: Traditional knowledge of flood-based farming may be lost or insufficient, requiring significant training and capacity-building efforts.

Water Quality Issues: Floodwaters may carry pollutants, such as agricultural runoff or industrial waste, posing risks to soil health and crop safety.

NbS co-BENEFITS AND THEIR INDICATORS

Increased Soil Fertility

Improvement in soil organic matter content and nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) after flood events.

Enhanced Water Retention

Higher groundwater recharge and sustained soil moisture during dry periods compared to non-flooded areas.

Improved Crop Resilience

Higher crop survival rates during droughts or extreme weather events due to better soil moisture and nutrient availability.

Biodiversity Conservation

Increased diversity of aquatic and terrestrial species in floodplain ecosystems, monitored through biodiversity indices.

Carbon Sequestration

Measurable increase in soil carbon stocks, tracked by soil carbon content assessments post-flooding.

Strengthened Local Livelihoods

Increased income from diversified agricultural activities and improved food security for local communities.

COST ANALYSIS

Direct Costs

The costs of land preparation, flood management, and crop inputs range from $300 to $500 per ha annually.

Indirect Costs

Between $50 to $150 per ha per year for training, extension services, and monitoring programs.

Time Horizon

10 to 20 years, with a discount rate of 5–7% to reflect long-term benefits like soil fertility and water management.

Direct Benefits

Increased crop yields provide direct economic benefits of $100 to $400 per ha annually.

Indirect Benefits

Flood regulation and improved biodiversity can save $50 to $150 per ha annually in disaster risk reduction and ecosystem health.

Risk Assessment

Unpredictable flood patterns may generate costs of $50 to $200 per ha annually for risk management or adaptive strategies.

REFERENCES

Vietnam and Cambodia, Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Systems in the Mekong River Delta.

Cambodia, Floating Agriculture in Tonle Sap.

IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES

Thailand, Chao Phraya Basin.

Myanmar, Irrawaddy Delta.

Indonesia, South Kalimantan.

Vietnam, Mekong River Delta.

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