Received: May 19, 2025 / Accepted: Mar 24, 2026 / Published: Jun 30, 2026
The Mekong Delta—Vietnam’s agricultural heartland—is increasingly threatened by climate change, saline intrusion, and upstream dam construction, posing serious risks to its role as a major global rice supplier. This study examined how public investment in irrigation infrastructure affects agricultural output in the region, addressing a critical gap in understanding the role of water management in enhancing agricultural resilience. Using panel data from 13 provinces between 2009 and 2023, we applied a feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model based on a Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate the determinants of the agricultural gross regional domestic product (GRDP). The results showed that irrigation investment significantly boosts agricultural productivity. While labor, capital, and land remain essential inputs, rainfall appeared to have little effect—highlighting the importance of regulated water infrastructure in mitigating climate variability. These findings align with previous regional studies and reflect the Delta’s reliance on labor-intensive rice farming supported by engineered water systems. By incorporating environmental factors and current climatic trends, the study provides new empirical evidence on the region’s agricultural dynamics. It underscores the vital role of irrigation in ensuring food security and economic sustainability, offering insights for climate adaptation and infrastructure policy in environmentally vulnerable regions.
