Salinity threatens agricultural productivity and water security worldwide. In response, the Dutch organisation The Salt Doctors, together with consortium partners Delphy and Plug ‘n’ Grow, is piloting a practical and scalable solution in Egypt’s Nile Delta. Supported by Partners for Water, the team has been testing low-cost hydroponic systems that allow farmers to grow crops even when soil and groundwater are too saline for traditional cultivation. Bas Bruning from The Salt Doctors shares the ins and outs of the ProSal-Hydro project.
A simple idea for a complex challenge
In Egypt’s Nile Delta, around 40% of farmland is severely affected by salinity. Rising sea levels, inefficient irrigation, and poor drainage is gradually turning soils more saline. “People directly affected by salinity are often small-scale farmers,” explains Bas Bruning, Saline Agriculture Specialist at The Salt Doctors. “They work on marginal land, often with poor soil quality and saline water. On top of that, they often have few resources to adapt. To accommodate them, we wanted to design something that is simple, robust and affordable.”
The project’s approach bypasses saline soils entirely: crops grow in nutrient-rich water rather than in the ground. “We developed an open hydroponic system that grows vegetables in floating trays. It can be used in the harsh conditions of the warm and saline Nile Delta,” says Bruning. “By keeping the design minimal we can ensure it works even in remote areas. And to make it affordable, we use locally available materials wherever possible.”
On top of that, the system uses around 80% less water compared to conventional irrigation. Bruning explains: “Water loss through evaporation is almost eliminated because the surface is fully covered by floating trays. Plants still transpire, but the absence of open water drastically reduces overall water use.”
At five pilot sites across the delta region, the team has now succeeded in cultivating vegetables year-round. “Initially, trials faced predictable challenges,” shares Bruning. “The first crops included pak choi. However, this variety was unfamiliar to local consumers. We soon realised that even the most salt-tolerant crop is useless if no one wants to buy it. So we switched to local lettuce and cabbage varieties that locals already know and that the farmers could sell at the market.”
From scepticism to success
Convincing farmers to experiment with a new growing method took time. For many, the idea of producing vegetables in floating trays rather than soil seemed counterintuitive. “At first, the local farmers didn’t trust our solution. But as results improved, perceptions shifted,” says Bruning.
“Through a combination of technical training, field visits, and peer-to-peer learning, farmers began to see consistent quality and reliable yields.” A real turning point came when they received positive feedback from the market about their hydroponically grown cabbages. “Though smaller in size, they were denser, tastier, and fetched better prices,” says Bruning. “This convinced the farmers that the new cultivation system could be profitable and give their incomes a real boost.”
The project also benefited from collaboration with two Master’s students from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. These students conducted social and technical research on farmer engagement. Their findings confirmed what the field experience showed: alignment between local practices, perceptions and new technology is key to adoption. “It’s not just about the technology,” Bruning emphasises, “it’s also about building trust”.
Technology shaped by experience
“Earlier systems in the Netherlands, Tunisia and Vietnam performed well with brackish water and salt tolerant crops. They demonstrated that this approach can support food production in saline environments. In Egypt, depending on the location, we use brackish or fresh water.”
The system in Egypt has evolved through hands-on experimentation. Early prototypes used different types of pumps, pots and rafts until the team found the right combination. The focus remained on ensuring durability and reducing costs without compromising quality. “Some components – like one key pump – are still imported from the Netherlands to guarantee quality,” says Bruning. “But most parts are now sourced locally.”
“Affordability is our biggest design constraint,” Bruning notes. “We’re still looking for ways to lower the return-on-investment time for smallholders. That means further simplifying the system while maintaining stable performance.”
Scaling salinity solutions
As the project approaches its final stages, the focus turns to consolidating lessons learned and preparing for broader application. The next phase focuses on scaling up – both technically and socially. Two new farmers have already joined the project, and they requested pilot hydroponic systems that were recently added. “In the long run, we hope to see a network of small hydroponic farms across the delta,” Bruning explains. “If we can support a hundred farmers in one area, providing weekly monitoring and training, this will make a promising impact on food security at the local level.
The project has developed a new instructional video for the hydroponics system, featuring footage from our demonstration sites.
Watch the projectvideoDredged silt from the Suriname River: waste or beneficial material? The Weg naar Zee project, funded by Partners for Water, investigated whether silt dredged from the Suriname River could be used to address coastal erosion and mangrove losses along the Suriname coast. Last month, the feasibility study concluded with promising results. Below, Bob Smits from consortium partner Deltares explains the potential of dredged silt.
About 8 years ago, Nature-based Solutions Advisor Bob Smits completed his master’s thesis on mangrove restoration at the independent knowledge institute Deltares. Since then, he has developed his expertise in coastal protection and management, particularly in sediment transport. In the Weg naar Zee project, Bob serves as the technical lead and project coordinator.
The Weg naar Zee feasibility study was conducted in collaboration with Boskalis, Conservation International Suriname, InterConnect and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
Natural buffer
The coastal area of Weg naar Zee is an intertidal zone nearly two kilometres wide, located directly west of the Suriname River mouth. “The coastal area used to be covered with mangroves,” Bob explains, “but over the past decades, it has eroded significantly due to changing land use, leading to the disappearance of almost all mangroves.” These mangroves served as a natural buffer against erosion and flooding. “With the loss of this buffer, flooding now occurs regularly.”
However, the Suriname River is being deepened to improve navigation, releasing large amounts of silt. “Currently, this material is being released into the ocean, but it is actually a valuable resource that can be utilised,” says Bob. “With this project, we aim to investigate whether we can use this dredged material to combat further erosion.”
Silt, sand, and mangroves
“We have some interesting findings from the analysis of the historical coastal development,” Bob says. “Sand appears to play a significant role in the natural restoration of mangrove trees. This can be observed in an area west of Weg naar Zee, where mangroves have returned without active human intervention. We suspect this is due to the natural formation of sandbanks in the intertidal zone, which cause the area behind them to fill with silt, creating an ideal habitat for mangroves.” However, no sandbanks are being formed on the foreshore of Weg naar Zee. “This is most likely caused by previous sand extraction east of the Suriname River and damming upstream of the river.”
Stimulating mangrove habitat
“The potential role of sand is a significant insight that we incorporate into our recommendations,” says Bob. “We see the possibility of placing artificial sandbanks, which would allow us to fill the area behind them with the dredged silt.” This solution would improve the natural conditions for a mangrove habitat, enabling the trees to grow again and form a natural buffer. He continues, “Reusing silt from dredged material is already being done in several places, and is widely acknowledged as a promising concept. However, this combination of using dredged silt and sand for the benefit of mangrove restoration and erosion control is still new.”
Valuable collaborations
“During the research, we involved local stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Public Works and local residents,” notes Bob. “Not only are they the problem owners, but they also possess a lot of local knowledge that we can combine with our international experience. We also owe a great deal to the Dutch Embassy in Suriname, which helped us significantly in arranging meetings with the Ministry of Public Works.”
“I believe the most important aspect of collaboration is to have mutual respect and to be open to each other’s experiences and knowledge,” says Bob. “As a Dutch entity, I view challenges and solutions with my Dutch framework. To develop a solution that is adapted to the local context, it is essential to ask for input and knowledge from local parties and stakeholders and to truly work together towards a collaborative resolution.”
What’s next
“The results have been well received by the Ministry of Public Works and the local residents,” says Bob. As a follow-up to this feasibility study, the consortium would like to initiate a pilot project and is currently exploring available financing opportunities. As Bob explains, “The situation of coastal erosion and mangrove loss we have investigated is similar to the rest of the Surinamese coast and also to that of neighbouring countries Guyana and French Guiana. So if our planned pilot-project is successful, there are plenty of opportunities to scale it up.”
In Egypt, the Nile Delta and its 3 million small holder farmers struggle due to severe levels of salinity. The ProSal-Hydro project, funded by Partners for Water, addresses these challenges by providing an innovative, low-tech and low-cost solution using hydroponic systems in agricultural fields. Anas Azzam, project manager at consortium partner Delphy, and coordinator of the ProSal-Hydro project, shares about this innovative and accessible solution.
“After completing my master’s in water engineering and sustainable development, I have been working on multiple EU-funded projects in Egypt, focusing on sustainability, agriculture and water management,” says Anas. “What motivates me to work in this sector is the impact we can have. Seeing that results continue to have an impact after a project is finished inspires me to write new proposals and create more positive change for Egyptians who are faced with the challenges of drought, salinity and water scarcity on a daily basis.”
The ProSal-Hydro project aims to introduce innovative agricultural practices to combat salinity and water scarcity for smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta. During the pilot phase, the hydroponics systems will be implemented on five farms, along with training for farmers. The project will be coordinated and executed by Delphy International, a global expert in food and flower knowledge development and implementation. It is in collaboration with The Salt Doctors, a Dutch social enterprise company specialising in resilient farming systems for saline-affected areas, and Plug’n’Grow, an Egyptian company focused on economically viable hydroponic and aquaculture solutions.
Water scarcity and salinity
“The Nile Delta is home to over 3 million small holder farmers and serves as the primary food production area for Egypt”, says Anas. “However, sea water intrusion has led to raising salinity, affecting 40% of the farmland, particularly in the coastal area of the Nile Delta.” This critical issue requires urgent adoption of reliable, innovative agricultural practices and sustainable, smart technologies to ease the strain on freshwater consumption and soil fertility. Anas explains: “By implementing our soilless system, farmers can attain higher yields while reducing water consumption by around 80%. It offers to be a promising solution to the challenges in this vital agricultural area.”
Low-tech solution
“Most small holder farmers in Egypt don’t like high-tech solutions,” Anas points out, “they seek solutions that they can control and maintain themselves, so that they can stay independent and are less exposed to market fluctuations of spare parts.” The project offers an aquaponic system that caters to these needs and preferences. Anas explains: “The system consists of a pond that can be set up in an open field. The water is enriched with nutrients to ensure an optimal mineral balance and a pumping system is installed to provide circulation and aeration. A raft placed on top of the water, ensures evaporation is minimised.” Anas states that the water needs to be renewed only at the end of each yield cycle and that the remaining nutrient-rich water can be used to irrigate crops in the field. “This way no water is wasted.”
Stakeholder involvement
“Throughout the entire project, we maintain close collaboration with the participating farmers and actively seek their input,” says Anas. “By consistently gathering and incorporating their feedback, we aim to refine and optimize the system to local conditions, ensuring that it remains tailored to their specific needs and requirements.” To further strengthen stakeholder engagement, the project has scheduled various workshops, the first one being held in the upcoming month. “This workshop will bring together local government officials, representatives from NGOs and key stakeholders within the agriculture and water sectors,” says Anas. “Our primary objective will be to collect valuable insights and recommendations that can be incorporated in order to bolster the project’s implementation and scalability.”
What’s next?
“We have selected sites in the delta with varying water quality, salinity, and weather conditions. Currently, we are working on implementing the system,” says Anas. He explains that this has taken longer than expected: “We aim to use as many local materials as possible and achieve a low price with high efficiency. Sourcing these products requires time and constant consultation with our technical experts from Delphy and the Salt Doctors.” Fortunately, the finish line is in sight: “Next month, we will be ready to operate the system in 5 locations.”
How can degraded farmland in the Surinamese jungle be regenerated? Johan Tijms from agricultural mechanisation company Tijms Mechanisatie VOF can explain. Together with consortium partner Attro Trading Africa, he is addressing Suriname’s drought and salinisation challenges through an innovative pilot project funded by Partners for Water. Discover how they are bringing soil back to life through an affordable and effective approach.
Johan Tijms, director of Tijms Mechanisatie VOF, has been working in the international field of soil regeneration and sustainable irrigation systems for over 25 years. From his office in Geesbrug, he elaborates on the innovative ‘Precise Irrigation Systems’ project. Together with the business consulting and project development organisation Attro Trading Africa, he aims to provide sustainable solutions for problems in agriculture arising from poor soil conditions. In Suriname, the consortium is tackling these challenges through a pilot project funded by Partners for Water. This pilot is testing a solar-powered, sensor-controlled drip irrigation and desalination system designed to address local drought, salinisation and flooding issues, ultimately rehabilitating degraded agricultural land owned by an indigenous Surinamese community.
Our solution creates usable irrigation water and turns soil into a water-absorbing sponge
Drought and salinisation
“Due to drought and unsustainable farming practices, Surinamese agricultural land is rapidly becoming comparable to concrete,” says Johan. “In some areas, the soil is so degraded that it doesn’t absorb water anymore. This causes water to accumulate, leading to both flooding and unusable farmland.” Suriname suffers not only from drought but also from salinisation. “The salt content of groundwater in Suriname is often too high for irrigation practices, leading to crop failures and threatening livelihoods. For instance, the members of the indigenous community where we are conducting the pilot project cannot sustain themselves with their conventional farming practices and must buy additional food from the market.”
From concrete to sponge
“Our solution creates usable irrigation water and turns soil into a water-absorbing sponge,” says Johan. “We achieve this through a drip irrigation system which applies water slowly and efficiently at the root zone of the plants. By doing so, it reduces the amount of runoff and therefore soil erosion.” In addition, the consortium desalinates ground water by using a desalination machine that utilises calcium carbonate. Johan explains: “This method is more cost-effective than others, such as reverse osmosis, due to its lower energy consumption and cheaper materials.” Both the drip and desalination machines are powered by solar panels. “All together, this makes the solution affordable for the relatively poor local community.”
In practice
“The piece of agricultural land we are regenerating covers an area of about five hectares and is located in the middle of the Surinamese jungle. It belongs to an indigenous community of about 300 people.” Johan explains that the land had been declared unusable. “In practice, an unusable piece of farmland means new land will be cleared by cutting down trees. When that land also becomes unusable, the same cycle is repeated. Now that the local community is receiving tools and training to keep the land farmable, not only are their livelihoods improving, but consistent deforestation is also prevented.”
A self-sustaining project
Tijms installed the machines together with Attro. “We train the users to maintain the machines themselves and we’re ready to assist whenever necessary. For instance, a water pump broke down initially because it had pumped up too much sand. We decided to get on a plane with new parts to repair the pump ourselves,” says Johan. He continues: “The success of such a project depends on the commitment and effort from both you and the users. If both parties are dedicated to its success, then you ensure it happens.”
“We also provided financial and business training to prepare the community for maintenance costs,” notes Johan. “Essentially, the installation should facilitate enough harvest to not only sustain livelihoods but also sell crops at the market. This enables the community to save money to replace certain installation components when they near the end of their life cycle. This way, the project becomes self-sustaining.”
Successful collaborations
“So far, the project has been a great success, and we owe much of that to some fantastic collaborations,” notes Johan. “For instance, the Dutch Embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Suriname have actively helped us with their network and by connecting us with the participating community. Additionally, the community leader was incredibly motivated. Thanks to her dedication and involvement, the project has been embraced by the whole community.” Johan continues, “our collaboration with Partners for Water has also been incredibly valuable. The Partners for Water team has provided significant support, always responded quickly, and demonstrated their commitment to the successful completion of this project in every way.”
What’s next?
“In November, we will complete the project. So far, it seems to be very successful! Based on soil samples, we see that desalination is working and the soil is becoming nutrient-rich and porous again. Additionally, the local community is already selling products at the market.” The solution has significant potential for scaling up both within Suriname and internationally. Johan notes that they already plan to implement parts of this concept in another region of Suriname. “Through the drip irrigation system in combination with a bio enzyme, we plan to clean the soil of Fusarium, a common fungus in banana plants, in certain banana plantations in Suriname.”
Amidst the global challenge of climate change, agricultural regions like Vietnam’s Mekong Delta stand at the intersection of high productivity and significant vulnerability. The delta, home to over 18 million people and contributing more than 50% of Vietnam’s rice production, plays a vital role in ensuring food security across Asia and beyond. However, rising sea levels, excessive groundwater extraction, and saltwater intrusion threaten its survival. In response, a coalition of Vietnamese and Dutch experts have established the Mekong Salt Lab, dedicated to helping farmers in the Tra Vinh Province adapt to increasing droughts and salinization. Funded by Partners of Waters, we shed light on this ongoing innovation through a series of interviews. In our first episode, Gregor Van Essen and Bich Tran (Bica) update us on the current challenges and forthcoming steps.
Image: Mekong Salt Lab – Location of Tra Vinh Province in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
About Salt Lab
Salt Lab addresses the impact of saline intrusion on farmers’ livelihoods in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam. The project tackles issues such as reduced crop and fish yields, scarcity of fresh water for irrigation and household use, and the socio-economic consequences of salinity. It provides practical solutions and training through a Centre of Expertise, such as blended learning platforms, hydroponics, water treatment, and constructed wetlands. Adopting Farmer-to-Farmer and Public-Private Partnership models, Salt Lab will initially implement and integrate seven promising adaptive and scalable interventions, enhancing resilience and sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta. These are the 7 solutions part of the pilot project:
- Hydroponics: an open-field, low cost, and low-tech hydroponics system designed to grow crops in saline-affected areas.
- Freshwater Collection and Retention: techniques such as water bags, retention ponds, and lining irrigation canals to maximise availability of freshwater
- Water and Wastewater Treatment: innovative nanofiltration methods using hollow fibre (HF) membrane modules for treating polluted water sources efficiently and sustainably.
- Constructed Wetlands: artificial wetlands at the farm level to retain fresh water, treat polluted water, and promote groundwater infiltration.
- Salinity Data Farming Platform & App: a unique platform and mobile app that provides real-time salinity data, helping farmers make informed decisions.
- Asia Raincraft: a serious gaming-based approach for community and stakeholder participation, fostering collaboration in addressing water and climate adaptation.
- Salinity Blended Learning Programme: equips farmers with practical knowledge about salinity and how they can respond or adapt to it.
Project team
The Mekong Salt Lab project is managed by a team of four members, including Gregor van Essen from The Water Agency and Bich Tran from Tra Vinh University, Vietnam. Gregor, as project director, oversees strategic operations and engages with key stakeholders like Partners for Water and the Dutch embassy. With over two decades of experience in the Mekong Delta, Bica, responsible for operational models, is deeply committed to enhancing farmers’ livelihoods in the region.
Empowering farmers: the crucial role of Mekong Salt Lab
Vietnam faces severe water deficits, worsened by intense droughts. During extreme dry seasons, the lack of freshwater forces many farmers to abandon their crops, a situation worsened by rising salinity levels. Farmers often lack the practical support needed to combat salinization. While they witness the negative impacts, such as failed crops, they lack the data, tools, and knowledge to respond effectively:
- Practical salinity data: Farmers need timely and useful data to assess the quality of various water sources and monitor changes in salinity levels over time.
- Practical knowledge and tools: Farmers require practical knowledge and tools to adapt to salinity, including methods for freshwater retention, water treatment, and the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops.
- Actionable and affordable support: Farmers need support and solutions that are both practical and affordable.
The services of Mekong Salt Lab are specifically targeting these gaps and the urgency of doing this for farmers cannot be overstated. Gregor emphasises its significance, stating, “For Mekong farmers, this project is not a nice-to-have; it is a matter of survival.” Despite the challenges, engaging local farmers in education and changing their practices is a formidable task. Bica underscores the importance of patience and cultural understanding, noting, “We must listen to local farmers and adjust our model to meet their needs.” Experimenting and upscaling present significant challenges during the initial phase, making the role of the Salt Lab crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring the sustainability of local agriculture.
Consortium Partners
The Mekong Salt Lab project thrives through the collaboration of a diverse consortium of Dutch and Vietnamese partners, including The Water Agency, Tra Vinh University, Kim Delta, The Salt Doctors, Saxion University, HZ University, SkillEd, and Acacia Water. Each partner brings specialised expertise in areas such as hydroponics, freshwater retention, saline agriculture, soil management, blended learning, stakeholder engagement, aquaculture, and wastewater treatment. Co-funded by the Partners for Water programme, this consortium benefits from regular guidance and oversight. As Gregor stated, “The collaboration with Partners for Water goes beyond funding. They connect us with other initiatives and partners in the Mekong Delta that can strengthen our project” This partnership aims to create sustainable water solutions tailored to the Mekong Delta’s needs.
Collaborating with local partners
Working closely with local partners is indispensable for the success of the Mekong Salt Lab project. Through comprehensive needs and gap analyses, the team ensures that their solutions align with local realities. “We’ve consulted local authorities and farmers extensively during the proposal phase to understand their needs and explore potential solutions,” explains Bica. Engaging influential “champion farmers” has proven pivotal. “We’ve carefully selected farmers who can effectively represent the issues we’re addressing and actively contribute to the project,” notes Bica.
Currently, two champion farmers are piloting integrated systems that include water collection and retention for agricultural activities, water treatment for household use, vertical hydroponics, and deep-water hydroponics to address salinity and water scarcity. The challenge lies in adapting these Dutch systems to the local context and ensuring the farmers learn how to operate them effectively. “We need to educate these farmers thoroughly while determining the best practices for them. This will help us develop a general approach for broader implementation of these systems”.
The interest among local farmers and government officials is evident. The local government, having already visited three times to assess the project’s progress, underscores their commitment and enthusiasm. The governments of the neighbouring provinces of Soc Trang and Ben Tre have also shown interest. By leveraging local expertise and fostering continuous dialogue, the project is well-positioned to achieve long-term success and make a significant impact on the community.
In the field and next steps
Currently the project is in its first phase, in which innovative solutions are being implemented at two champion farms and soon to be expanded. “With these farmers, we set up a model with hydroponics for vegetable planting. The deep water culture helps save water for farmers. The next step is integrating solutions effectively,” Bica says. Looking ahead, Gregor envisions broader success, stating, “We want the Mekong Salt Lab to become a one-stop support centre for farmers. Farmers can come to us for practical advice, solutions, and training.” The ultimate measure of success lies in the project’s ability to sustainably improve farming yields and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
Innovation in progress series
During the Partners for Water programme 2022 – 2027, several projects that received the Partners for Water subsidy will be followed from start to finish. Over the next few years, they will take you with them on their transformative journey. You’ll be able to gain insights into their promising solutions, innovative processes, and collaborations with local partners, as well as their struggles, challenges, and valuable lessons learned. Stay tuned and follow their journey through the Partners for Water website and our LinkedIn page!
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
