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Browsing by Author "Ha, Dang Thanh"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27
  • Agroforestry and sustainable vegetable production in Southeast Asian Watersheds: TMPEGS Vietnam team
    Ha, Dang Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Nong Lam University, 2008)
    Major activities conducted by the Vietnam team during the reporting period include the implementation of the experiments and on-farm trials with drip irrigation on vegetables, termite control in young cacao planting, experiment with shade-tolerant indigenous root crop under cashew and vegetables grown under different light regimes, drip irrigation on perennial crop, review of policy related to VAF and stakeholder discussion, conducting field survey on integrated crop and pest management and policy, and preparing research abstracts and posters for the annual SANREM meeting. The team has found that Vetiver grass can be used not only as a tool for soil erosion control, but also has a high potential to be used for natural termite control, instead of chemical, in cacao development in agroforestry systems. In on-farm trial with drip irrigation small system, all vegetables have higher yield when cultivated with drip irrigation than with hand irrigation. small scale low cost drip irrigation system has a potential for adoption in small scale vegetable cultivation for home consumption and for local market to improve farmers' income and nutrition status of their family members. Yield of vegetables planted under different light condition in cashew garden varied depending on types of vegetable and light intensity. With vegetable integration, the average yield of cashew trees was recorded to be higher as compared that of cashew trees without vegetable integration. The team has also found that the integration of cacao into existing cashew system will have a high potential for improving the income of small farmers. The survey on pesticides use by local farmers showed that preventive method is common among local farmers but this practice is ineffective and has also posed threats to the environment and farmers' health. Findings from this study implies that promoting sustainable pest management practices in a cashew-based VAF system with less pesticide use will reduce production and farmers' health cost as well as other negative environmental impacts at the watershed. Findings from the policy review revealed that national level policy in forestry sector is encouraging the adoption of VAF system. Major policy incentives include increasing land tenure security, allocating forest and forest land to individual households for forest development, protection and practice of agroforestry models, investment and credit policy, benefit-sharing policy, extension and technology transfer, and promoting the processing and marketing of timber and non-timber forest products. In vegetable sector, incentives are more favorable for commercial vegetable and fruit producers.
  • Application of SWAT model to assess sub-watershed in Nghia Trung, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam
    Loi, N. K.; Nhat, T. T.; Quynh, T. L. N.; Ha, Dang Thanh; Reyes, Manuel R.; Srinivasan, R. (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Nong Lam University, 2009)
    Summary: The study uses the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to evaluate the impact of two land-use scenarios on sediment yield in the Nghia Trung sub-watershed. (Summary by record creator.)
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    Balancing economic and environmental concerns in the uplands of Vietnam: A continuing challenge
    Ha, Dang Thanh; Espaldon, Maria Victoria O. (2001)
    This paper presents results of a case study of the SANREM's research project and two other UAF case studies in the Central Highland of Vietnam. These studies used similar participatory research approach to generate empirical evidences to patterns of land use change as these are influenced by multidimensional factors. Environmental consequences associated with these land changes were also reported. The paper shows that changes in economic policies, institutions and market access led to a large transformation of forestland into agriculture. The rapid expansion and intensification of agricultural production, driven in part by expanding population, places high pressure on the natural resource base and causes high negative externalities in the uplands, particularly in marginal lands. In all case studies, rates of degradation of forests, soils, and water remain high and threaten agricultural sustainability. Recently, national and local government took some efforts to overcome negative environmental consequences of agricultural development in the uplands, but their impacts are still limited. Balancing agricultural development and environmental protection is currently a major challenge for upland development. For meeting this challenge, the paper emphasizes the need for setting enabling policies and institutional framework that better promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices in the uplands.
  • Baseline studies: Key findings in Vietnam
    Ha, Dang Thanh; Nong Lam University Team (2007)
    This presentation describes the methodology and key findings done for a baseline study in Vietnam.
  • Coffee boom, coffee bust, and smallholder response in Vietnam's central highlands
    Ha, Dang Thanh; Shively, Gerald E. (Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2007)
    This paper studies the recent boom and bust in Vietnam's coffee economy. Data from smallholder coffee farms in the Central Highlands are used to examine responses to a drop in producer coffee prices. A multinomial logistic regression model is used to identify several factors associated with four specific patterns observed among coffee farmers: no response to price change, reductions in use of purchased inputs, changes in crop mix, and responses aimed at enhancing liquidity through off-farm work or borrowing. Patterns of response are shown to have differed systematically across sub-groups of smallholders. Policy implications raised by the findings are discussed.
  • Coffee vs. cacao: A case study from the Vietnamese Central Highlands
    Ha, Dang Thanh; Shively, Gerald E. (American Society of Agronomy, 2005)
    Mr. Nam, the vice chair of a village in Dak Lak province of Vietnam, was keen to protect farmers in his village from the sharp decline in prices of coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner). He did this by encouraging farmers in his village to plant cacao (Theobroma cacao L. subsp. cacao). Cacao was suitable to the soil and climate of the area, and because a foreign company had promised to buy cacao from the farmers, it seemed to offer greater financial security. However, uncertainty about crop losses due to pests, the cost of chemicals such as pesticides, and potential fluctuations in the prices of cacao made it imperative to carefully evaluate the benefits of cacao production. In making his recommendation to the village, Mr. Nam utilized additional information about the potential demand and the marketing networks for cacao. The decision to switch from coffee to cacao provides a village-level example of learning about agricultural supply and demand issues, perennial crop production, and economic and environmental consequences of growing particular crops. This case was written for undergraduate students in agriculture and forestry programs at Nong Lam University. Students were expected to understand
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    Environmental and socio-economic impacts: Research framework and planning
    Loi, N. V.; Ha, Dang Thanh; My, T. V. (2005)
    Assess the short and long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts of integrated vegetable-agroforestry systems.
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    Impacts of changes in policy and market conditions on land use, land management and livelihood among farmers in central highlands of Vietnam
    Duc Phuoc, Pham Hong; Ha, Dang Thanh; Thuy, Nguyen Ngoc; Van Du, Le; Hung, Pham Trinh; Espaldon, Maria Victoria O.; Magsino, Annielyn O. (2001)
    This study outlines the changes in agricultural policies and market conditions in Vietnam for the last 20 years characterized with gradual decentralization and integration in the global economy. Using a case study approach, the study examines how these institutional changes influence land use and land management and the impacts on the environment and the livelihood systems among members of a local community in the uplands of Vietnam. Preliminary analysis at the local level shows that changes policies and market conditions result in a rapid transformation of the socio-economic and biophysical landscape in this upland community. Large forest area had been converted into commercial agricultural land. Results of the study also show that farmers base their decisions on short-term market expectations rather than on long-term market information. This lends them more vulnerable to greater economic losses in the long term as shown by the behavior of mulberry and coffee production in the study area. Farmers had not only opened new forest land for coffee cultivation but also shifted from mulberry to coffee after 1994 when the price of coffee beans increased. However, there are risks associated with coffee, as a monocrop in a large area such as fluctuation in market prices and environmental degradation. The study provides empirical evidence to the complex interplay of policies and market conditions on land use, land management and livelihood system of the Vietnamese upland farmers. The study raises issues relating to the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the need for agricultural land use planning that aims to deal with the fluctuating global market without compromising the welfare of small farmers and landholders.
  • Impacts of pesticide use on cashew yield and farmers’ health cost: A case study in Nghia Trung commune, Binh Phuoc province
    Ha, Dang Thanh; Trang, P. T. K. (2010)
    In Vietnam, cashew is a critical perennial crop. Attempts at its commodification has led to increased use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. The purpose of the study was to determine the outcomes of pesticide use related to yield and farmer health. A survey of eighty farmers was analyzed using the Cobb-Douglas production function (pesticide productivity) and a health cost model (quantification of health outcomes). The study revealed that pesticides used in a preventative manner had less than desired effects on yield, but raised production costs and health costs for the farmers. These results are relevant to future policy-making and implementation regarding pesticide use in cashew systems.
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    Introduction to the TMPEGS study site in Vietnam - Nghia Trung village
    Ha, Dang Thanh (2005)
    This presentation gives an overview of the location of the study site. It outlines the topography, climate, hydrology and population of the site. It discusses the land resources available, agriculture production and production systems, vegetable production, and problems associated with production at the study site.
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    Linking watershed protection and water consumption: WTP by domestic water users in Ho Chi Minh City
    Ha, Dang Thanh (2008)
    In many watersheds of Asia, the demand for water is increasing while the supply of water is challenging due to on-going deforestation and watershed degradation. To ensure a stable supply of water for satisfying this growing demand, the protection of watershed is critical. Vietnam also faces similar situation, particularly in the Dong Nai watershed where high population growth, rapid industrialization, agricultural production, and economic growth are putting tremendous pressure on this watershed. Policy makers have explored various mechanisms to address sustainable watershed management and poverty alleviation. Payment for Environmental Services (PES) is currently being considered as a promising mechanism to address both of these goals. One of the challenges in PES is how to ensure a sustainable financing for watershed protection services. In a response to this problem, a new study from Vietnam has looked into the potential for a sustainable financing for a sustainable management of the Dong Nai watershed. It found that majority of urban residents in Ho Chi Minh City would be willing to pay more for water protection service that would help to ensure the provision of a reliable water supply for their households. Payments in form of a watershed protection fee added to their monthly water bill would generate a significant fund to support upstream communities to protect the watershed supplying the city's drinking water.
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    Market value chain research: Case study in Nghia Trung commune, Bu Dang district, Binh Phuoc province, Vietnam
    Le, T. L.; Duong, T. K. L.; Ha, Dang Thanh (Blacksburg, VA: SANREM CRSP, OIRED, Virginia Tech / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Nong Lam University, 2006)
    Using participatory approach in focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and weighted scoring method, the study aims to identify the most profitable and marketable crops in pursuit of achieving the greatest opportunity for market-driven development from existing farming systems, marketing constraints, strategies and interventions to improve the SSFWM's market access in Nghia Trung.
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    Market value chain research: Case study in Nghia Trung commune, Bu Dang district, Binh Phuoc province, Vietnam
    Loan, L. T.; Lan, D. T. K.; Ha, Dang Thanh (2008)
    Using participatory approach in focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and weighted scoring method, the study aims to identify the most profitable and marketable crops in pursuit of achieving the greatest opportunity for market-driven development from existing farming systems, marketing constraints, strategies and interventions to improve the SSFWMs market access in Nghia Trung.
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    Overview of the work plan for the Vietnam TMPEGS Team
    Ha, Dang Thanh (2005)
    This presentation is a schematic of the summary of the TMPEGS Work Plan, with six points including: technology, markets, policy, environmental and socio-economic impacts, gender and scaling up.
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    Pesticide use and farmers' health cost in cashew production system in Nghia Trung Village
    Trang, P. T. K.; Ha, Dang Thanh (2008)
    Agricultural production in the study area of Nghia Trung village is characterized by perennial crop production systems with cashew as the main cash crop. The cultivation of cashew has been intensified over time with increasing input application, particularly inorganic fertilizer and pesticides to improve the yield of cashew and income for farmers. The increase in the use of pesticides has posed threats to the environment such as adverse health effects on farmers and others and pollution to the watershed. In the light of the adverse effects of pesticides, it is vital to know how current use of pesticide endangers farmers' health and labor productivity and whether the marginal gain from reduced pesticide through sustainable pest management practices could surpasses the marginal loss in cashew productivity and farmers' benefit. This paper reports main results of the study conducted by NLU team on pesticide use and farmers' health cost in cashew-based production system. The study has examined pesticide productivity, types of health impairments and health costs caused to farmers by pesticide use, and estimated farmers' willingness to pay for avoiding health impairment brought about by pesticide exposure. The Cobb-Douglas function analysis was employed to examine pesticide productivity on cashew production using data collected through a survey of 80 farmers in Nghia Trung village. To quantify the health impairment of farmers with respect to personal characteristics of farmers and their use of pesticides, a health cost model was also employed. Information generated from the study provide important basis for the identification of policies and measures to promote sustainable pest management practices in a cashew-based VAF production system.
  • The policy context of vegetable-agroforestry (VAF) in the Philippines and Vietnam: Are there incentives for small farmers?
    Catacutan, Delia C.; Ha, Dang Thanh; Duque-Piñon, Caroline; Thanh Loan, L. (2008)
    This presentation examines the policy incentives for smallholders in vegetable agroforestry production. The research reveals that while generic incentives for the adoption of vegetable agroforestry systems in Vietnam and in the Philippines have a positive impact, these programs are insufficient to encourage widespread adoption amongst smallholders. The presentation concludes with suggestions for scaling up incentive structures geared towards smallholders.
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    The policy context of vegetable-agroforestry (VAF) systems in the Philippines and Vietnam: Are there incentives for small farmers?
    Catacutan, Delia C.; Ha, Dang Thanh; Duque-Piñon, Caroline; Loan, Le Thanh (2009-05-14)
    Vegetable-Agroforestry (VAf) is a viable farming system that provides multiple benefits, including provision of micronutrients to the diet of the rural community and enhancement of on-farm biodiversity and environmental
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    The policy environment of vegetable-agroforestry in the Philippines and Vietnam: A scoping study
    Catacutan, Delia C.; Ha, Dang Thanh; Duque-Piñon, Caroline; Loan, L. T. (Malabalay City, Philippines: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF-Philippines), 2009)
    The viability of Vegetable-Agroforestry (VAf) system is constrained by various factors, including farmers' inability to invest in the system, inadequate institutional structures for facilitating information flow, and lack of market incentives. This paper reports on a scoping study of the policy environment of VAf in Vietnam and the Philippines. We hypothesized that policy incentives are needed to stimulate smallholder investments in VAf.
  • Progress report for SANREM gender cross-cutting research
    Chiong-Javier, Elena (Manila, Philippines: De La Salle University, 2008)
    The study aims to describe and compare the gendered marketing networks of women farmers that link them to local markets for their products in three countries namely Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. It also seeks to determine how these networks influence the women's access to market information and their household bargaining status. The study employs a qualitative multi-method approach that combines review of related literature and project documents/ reports, in-depth interviews, participatory network mapping, and participatory focused discussions. The study's subjects are selected women farmers belonging to a formal women's association (Philippines and Vietnam) or informal women's group (Indonesia).
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    Progress report: Agroforestry and sustainable vegetable production in Southeast Asian watersheds
    Reyes, Manuel R. (2008)
    Work on vegetable-agroforestry compatibility is advancing rapidly with new findings that