Co-construction of datasets dealing with agroecology practices in the Mekong Delta

The STAR-FARM Workshop, held on October 22–23, 2025, at Can Tho Univer- sity, Vietnam, marked a key milestone in advancing international collaboration at the crossroads of agroecology, artificial intelligence (AI), and participatory science. Jointly organized by FAO, CIRAD, IRD, VAAS, CTU et ISPAE, the event gathered experts from Southeast Asia and Europe to co-construct multilingual datasets and lexicons capturing agroecological practices and innovation processes in the Mekong Delta. Over two dynamic days, participants explored how AI-driven text mining and participatory methods could enhance access to and understanding of agricul- tural knowledge. Core activities included lexicon development, corpus annotation, evaluation of AI tools, and discussions on open-access strategies. Beyond its tech- nical outputs, the workshop served as a vibrant forum for intercultural dialogue, debating key notions such as community-driven innovation, local knowledge sys- tems, and the ethical use of AI in research. The workshop's outcomes, particularly the creation of the STAR-FARM Lexicon (Versions 1 and 2) and annotated corpora, lay the foundation for long-term cooperation, capacity building, and open science in the region. By blending technological innovation with participatory values, STAR- FARM exemplifies how AI can empower local communities and foster sustainable, inclusive agricultural transformation across the Mekong Delta and beyond.