From Vietnam to Wageningen: Young Innovators Reimagine Food Systems through Nature-Based Solutions
What started in April 2025 with an online Nature-Based Solutions in Food Systems Hackathon for Vietnamese students, co-organized by Empower Youth4Food and We Are Changemakers has grown into a global platform for youth-led transformation through the Food Systems Innovation Challenge – Nature-based Solutions Edition, organized by Netherlands Food Partnership and Wageningen University & Research.
From local ideas to global impact
Back in April, a jury panel consisting of Bram de Groote (Sustainable Food Systems Advisor, WUR), Nguyen Huong Lan (Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor at the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam) and Marjan de Jong (Fellow at We Are Changemakers) selected team EcoShrimp from Can Tho University and team EarthFeast from Tra Vinh University as the winners of the hackathon with their innovative Nature-Based Solution for a more environmental, and socio-economic friendly food system in Vietnam.
A vital feature of the hackathon was it case-study based approach, with real-world challenges provided by private sector partners including Rijk Zwaan, Good Tôm and Agriterra. This approach ensured that the students worked on locally relevant problems, connecting academic knowledge with on-the-ground realities faced by farmers and rural entrepreneurs, while building a network with industry professionals.
“We submitted a case study to highlight the challenges associated with the traditional rice-shrimp farming practices. We believe that young people, with their creative minds, risk-taker mindset, and up-to-date knowledge, can offer fresh solutions for the farmers (whom can be their parents/ families).
In return, on the field, farmers can share with the students their practical experience on climate adaptability.”
— Le Thi Thu Hien, Senior Cooperative Advisor at Agriterra
"One Day to be a Farmer". By stepping into the rice fields and working like real farmers, the students gained practical knowledge about rice cultivation, and at the same time appreciated the effort put into each grain of rice.
EarthFeast
Empowering farmers through digital and community innovation
Committed to promoting nature-friendly agriculture, EarthFeast partnered with Chau Hung Cooperative and Agriterra to strengthen the organic rice–shrimp model on Long Hoa Island, Vinh Long province. Their project integrates digital tools, community training, and ecotourism to empower farmers, improve market access, and raise awareness of sustainable food production.
Their approach is centered around two main pillars:
1 - Digital innovation through the development and piloting of the “Tôm - Lúa Nhà Mình” (“Our Rice-Shrimp”) application.
2 - Community engagement and ecotourism through the launch of the “One Day to be a Farmer” experience program, allowing visitors to learn about organic rice–shrimp farming and local traditions.