Farmer adoptability for livelihood transformations in the Mekong Delta: a case in Ben Tre province. Issue 9 (29th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Hong Quan; Korbee, Dorien; Ho, Huu Loc; Weger, Jacob; Thi Thanh Hoa, Phan; Thi Thanh Duyen, Nguyen; Dang Manh Hong Luan, Pham; Luu, Thi Tang; Ho Phuong Thao, Dang; Thi Thu Trang, Ngo; Hermans, Leon; Evers, Jaap; Wyatt, Andrew; Chau Nguyen, Xuan Quang; Long Phi, Ho
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental planning and management. Volume 62:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1603
• Page End: 1618
• Publication Date: 2019-07-29
• Subjects: delta plan -- MOTA -- plan implementation -- livelihood transitions -- Mekong Delta; City planning -- Periodicals; City planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2019.1568768
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-0568

Abstract

Abstract : Sustainable livelihood development is an ongoing challenge worldwide, and has regained importance due to threats of water shortages and climate change. To cope with changing climatic, demographic and market conditions in Vietnam's Mekong Delta (VMD) an agricultural transformation process has been suggested in the recent Mekong Delta Plan. This agricultural transformation process requires the implementation of alternative livelihood models. The majority of current agricultural livelihood models in the VMD have been introduced by the government in a top-down manner. In this study, we applied a bottom-up approach to understand the motivations and abilities of local farmers to adopt alternative livelihood models. It is based on the MOTA methodological framework, which is further tested with the use of multivariate analyses. The study was conducted in Ben Tre coastal province. Results showed that farmers' motivations and abilities to apply alternative models vary substantially among different groups, driven by their perceptions on triggers and opportunities. Acknowledging this diversity is essential to the development of agricultural transformation plans. Furthermore, based on the analysis, a projection of the precise support that communities need to supplement their knowledge, skills and financial capacities, as well as interventions to reduce the risks of new livelihood models, is given.