Sustainability of Agricultural Systems in Vietnam

Having been supported by the government, farmers in the Central Highlands of Vietnam have been practicing coffee mono-cropping for a long period. However, due to sharp fall in the market price of coffee, since recently the Vietnamese Government has been encouraging farmers to practice mixed farming system (MFS), comprising coffee, cereals, livestock and aquaculture. Some farmers have positively responded to this government policy, while majority of them are still practicing mono- cropping. Based on selected indicators, this study evaluated the ecological, economic and social sustainability of coffee mono-cropping and MFS, specifically with reference to the Eakar district of Daklak province. The results of the analysis revealed MFS more sustainable than the coffee mono- cropping from the perspective of ecological, economic and social sustainability. This opens up a good opportunity for wider discussion on promotion of sustainable agricultural systems in the mountains of Vietnam and elsewhere. This book may be useful for students, social researchers and policy markers.

Autorentext

Long, Chau Thi Minh, MSc: Regional and Rural Development Planning at Asian Institute of Technology,Reseacher, Vice Head of Livestock and Pasture Division, The Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, Vietnam.