Sub-national food systems transformation decision supporting process to accelerate local food systems transformation implementation in Son La Province

Son La province in Vietnam's Northern Mountainous Region is a pilot site for implementing the National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation (NAP-FST). Through an innovative, participatory approach involving stakeholders across 14 local government departments and civil society organizations (CSOs), the province has developed a comprehensive plan to address triple burden of malnutrition, strengthen both sustainable production and healthy diets, and enhance climate resilience, all while preserving the socio-cultural values of its diverse ethnic communities. Key Achievements: Completed sub-national food systems transformation process in Son La province through capacity sharing and policy engagement activities: (i) food systems training for 90+ provincial stakeholders, (ii) development of provincial food system profile, (iii) prioritizing food system issues and mapping actors and actions, (iv) backstopping for co-developing the Provincial Implementation Plan (PIP) and Multi-sectoral Investment Plan. Key knowledge products developed include the Son La food system profile and three sub-national food system guidelines. Son La has transitioned from concept to action, with the PIP approved through Plan 161/KH-ND in July 2025. This provincial coordination mechanism provides a replicable model for food systems transformation implementation across Vietnam.