PlantwisePlus Blog

Plant health lies at the centre of food security and sustainable agriculture. In Vietnam, as in many countries, preparing the next generation of plant specialists with the latest knowledge and practical skills is essential to achieving this goal.

Under the PlantwisePlus programme, CABI is introducing innovative digital learning from the CABI Academy as a supplementary resource to Vietnamese universities. As such, CABI Academy is helping nurture the next generation of plant health professionals, readying them for real-world challenges.

Celebrating digital achievements

Between September 2024 and April 2025, more than 70 students from three of Vietnam’s leading agricultural universities successfully completed CABI Academy’s online courses to enhance their plant health knowledge and practical skills. The universities included the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), An Giang University (VNU-HCM), and Can Tho University (CTU). Many students received multiple certificates in areas such as pest and disease management, soil health, and plant nutrition. This reflected their strong commitment to advancing their agricultural expertise.

To celebrate the students’ achievements, CABI and university faculty representatives organized joint certificate presentation ceremonies. Students were awarded certificates and tokens of appreciation.

“The Crop Pest Diagnosis (CPD) and Crop Pest Management (CPM) courses provided me with a comprehensive and practical perspective on plant protection”, shared Dang Thi Phuong Hong, a student from VNUA. “I learned how to observe, analyse symptoms, and develop pest control solutions tailored to specific conditions. What I appreciated most was the combination of theory and practice—it made the content much easier to grasp.”

“It is inspiring to see students taking a strong interest across multiple disciplines”, said Muhammad Faheem, Integrated Crop Management Advisor for CABI and Country Coordinator for PlantwisePlus. “Their enthusiasm, combined with the dedication of faculty members, has been key to making this initiative a success. The CABI Academy equips students with additional skills that they will use when they step into the field to support farmers through sound, science-based advisory services.”

Strengthening capacity through training of trainers

In May 2025, CABI organized Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions with the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, VNU-HCM, and the College of Agriculture, Can Tho University. Each session had more than 20 participants. These included university lecturers, as well as representatives from the Sub-Department of Plant Production and Protection of Vietnam (PPPD) and private agricultural companies.

The workshops introduced participants to the structure, content, and assessment process of CABI Academy courses. Faculty members engaged in practical sessions, exploring interactive learning tools such as “knowledge checks” and assessment simulations. These activities helped build confidence in order to facilitate the integration of these resources into teaching.

PlantwisePlus digital tools

During the ToT, a dedicated session was conducted to introduce participants to other CABI digital tools and knowledge resources. These resources can support their academic, research, and teaching activities. These included platforms such as the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank and the CABI Bioprotection Portal, as well as practical tools like the Crop Sprayer App and PlantwisePlus Factsheets App.

“We highly appreciate the active and effective professional support from CABI, especially in providing high-quality learning resources and building highly practical online training programmes,” said Dr. Pham Huynh Thanh Van, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources at An Giang University. “Through this collaboration, our teaching staff have more effective tools and methods that contribute to improved training quality and meet the growing demands of modern agriculture.”

“This training is crucial for building the capacity of university faculty to champion these practical, digitally driven plant health, agricultural advisory services and digital development courses,” said Muhammad Faheem. “Integrating CABI Academy’s resources ensures that students receive relevant, up-to-date knowledge that directly translates to real-world impact in agriculture.”

Weaving digital learning into academic training

A key outcome of the ToT sessions was the formulation of strategic plans to align CABI Academy courses with students’ academic levels and departments. The faculty proposed offering the most relevant modules to Year 3 and 4 students of bachelor’s degree programmes, as well as to Year 1 students of master’s programmes. They also discussed strategies to motivate students, allowing them to earn additional certificates without adding to their academic burden.

By combining theory with hands-on digital learning, this approach equips students with the tools to support farmers and strengthen agricultural systems in the face of today’s challenges.

Blueprint for agricultural education

Vietnam’s collaboration with CABI through the CABI Academy is scalable. What is more, it is a model for other countries aiming to modernize agricultural education. This initiative showcases how digital innovation, when paired with strategic partnerships, can transform agricultural education and advisory services.

By supporting both students and educators, CABI is helping build a skilled, knowledgeable workforce essential to securing the future of plant health and sustainable food systems.

Further reading

Training on “Integrating CABI Online Courses into University Curriculum

Shaping sustainable management of the South American tomato leafminer in Vietnam

PlantwisePlus gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Directorate-General for International Cooperation, Netherlands (DGIS); European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA); UK International Development from the UK government; and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).