During the visit, the delegation explored models of sustainable forest management, agroforestry and organic production.

The delegation comprised 22 participants who were leaders of the VNFU Central Committee; representatives of the Farmers’ Affairs Department; officials of the Central Management Board of the FFF II Programme; representatives from relevant ministries and sectors; and leaders and facilitators of provincial Farmers’ Unions, along with representatives of cooperatives from the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, and Son La.

The delegation of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union participated in a tree-planting event at the Global Environment Centre (GEC)

The study visit aimed to gain insights into Malaysia’s policies and implementation mechanisms related to sustainable forest and farm management, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, as well as support policies for forest-and farm-based producer organizations such as cooperative groups, cooperatives, and forest-dependent communities and their members. The objective was to enhance access to natural resources, promote sustainable production and business practices and strengthen climate change adaptation.

The FFF II Programme is currently being implemented in 11 countries, including Bolivia, Ecuador, Nepal, Viet Nam, Zambia, The Gambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Togo and Madagascar.

In Viet Nam, VNFU serves as the principal implementing partner of the Programme. The FFF II Programme (2019 - 2022), funded by FAO, has been effectively implemented nationwide through close coordination between the VNFU Central Committee and relevant ministries, sectors, and organizations. The Programme has been extended for continued implementation in Viet Nam for the period 2023 - 2025.

The delegation of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union took a commemorative photo at the working session with the Malaysian Forestry Department

Currently, the FFF II Viet Nam Programme supports more than 50 cooperative groups and cooperatives engaged in forest and farm production across four northern mountainous provinces including Thai Nguyen, Lao Cai, Phu Tho and Son La. These include over 900 official member households (41.5% women, 61.5% ethnic minorities, and 11.7% youth), along with 1,719 affiliated households, benefiting a total of more than 18,000 people.

Through participation in the FFF II Programme, cooperative groups, cooperatives, women, youth and ethnic minority members have increasingly recognized the benefits of collective action, cooperation and joint investment in production and business activities. Members have enhanced their understanding of cultivation, harvesting, processing techniques, product diversification, value addition, and income generation. Local communities have gradually gained a stronger voice in engagement with local authorities. Meanwhile, the capacity of Farmers’ Union staff at all levels has been progressively strengthened, enabling them to provide improved services to cooperative groups, cooperatives and farmer members.

However, most cooperative groups and cooperatives remain in the early stages of development and continue to face challenges, including limited strategies and skills in service provision, marketing, sales, communication and effective use of forest and farm land. They also face constraints in managing climate change and market risks, as well as in accessing new technologies. Therefore, learning from the experiences of organizations and institutions in other countries, particularly those with similar geographical conditions to Viet Nam, such as Malaysia, is of critical importance.

Over the five - day programme, the delegation conducted visits, working sessions, and exchanges with central and local agencies and organizations on sustainable agriculture and forestry development, biodiversity conservation, development of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and value enhancement for cooperative groups, cooperatives, and agroforestry enterprises.

Specifically, the delegation visited A Little Wild, a project focusing on syntropic agriculture, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture, highlighting how these approaches support biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable forest and farm management.

During the visit, discussions centered on the theme “Planted Forest Management, Forest Products, and Best Practices of Aramijaya,” emphasizing sustainable forest management techniques, reforestation activities, and responsible use of forest resources.

In addition, representatives were briefed by the Temuan community group and the Global Environment Centre (GEC) on sustainable livelihoods of indigenous peoples and forest-dependent communities. The briefing focused on community-based agro- and cultural tourism, handicrafts, organic farming, community nurseries, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Field visits to the Hulu Sedili Forest Complex (including the Aramijaya Forest), the Global Environment Centre, and the Temuan Cultural Information Centre (TCIC) provided practical insights into community empowerment, sustainable resource management, and conservation-linked livelihoods.

Within the framework of the study visit, the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) delivered a presentation on “Policies and Implementation of Sustainable Forest Management, Agroforestry, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and Value-Added Forestry Initiatives in Peninsular Malaysia.” The session offered in-depth insights into Malaysia’s approaches to sustainable forest governance, including strategies to balance economic productivity with ecological conservation. It also highlighted best practices in agroforestry, NTFP development and commercialization, and value-added forestry initiatives that support local communities and enhance forest-based livelihoods.

This knowledge-sharing session aimed to equip participants with practical understanding of policy frameworks, management practices, and innovative approaches that integrate conservation objectives with socio-economic benefits in the forestry sector.

Throughout the study programme, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) played a coordinating role, liaising with all relevant stakeholders, facilitating visits to A Little Wild, the Hulu Sedili Forest Complex, the Global Environment Centre, and the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, while ensuring smooth logistical and operational arrangements.

The delegation also held a working session with CABI to receive briefings on digital tools for agricultural extension officers and farmers in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), along with case studies on Climate-Smart Agriculture. The session introduced practical approaches and technologies to enhance productivity, reduce pest-related losses, and support sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

Following the study visit, provincial FFF Programme Management Boards and cooperatives are expected to apply the lessons learned to strengthen sustainable forest and farm management, biodiversity conservation, and greenhouse gas emission reduction; enhance production and business capacity; improve service provision for members; develop value chains, marketing, branding, certification, packaging, and agroforestry-based tourism; promote community-based indigenous cultural values; expand social welfare services; and strengthen resilience to climate change.