Rural Youth Aspirations in the Face of Environmental, Economic and Social Pressures: Transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Michael Coleman, Sang Thanh Le, Nhu Huynh Mao, Khoi Minh Chau, Jason Condon and Paul Kristiansen ()
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Michael Coleman: University of New England
Sang Thanh Le: Can Tho University, Ninh Kieu District
Nhu Huynh Mao: University of New England
Khoi Minh Chau: Can Tho University, Ninh Kieu District
Jason Condon: Charles Sturt University
Paul Kristiansen: University of New England

The European Journal of Development Research, 2025, vol. 37, issue 3, No 3, 524-547

Abstract: Abstract Farming communities in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) face a range of socio-economic and environmental pressures. With out-migration and changing career opportunities, many young people are unwilling to remain in agriculture and prefer careers elsewhere due to poor perceptions of farming as a career. To better understand the educational choices and career aspirations of rural youth in the VMD and the contextual factors affecting these choices, we used an online survey and several focus group discussions to consult university students about their selection of university major, their career aspirations, the role of climate change and other pressures, and opportunities available to alleviate these pressures. Farming itself was an unattractive career pathway, though agricultural services, research and extension were relatively popular. Climate change may reduce agricultural employment prospects, requiring some respondents to pursue other, less impacted careers. Other pressures reported included a lack of certain workplace skills; gendered differences in career prospects and sectors; inadequate personal networks; and COVID-19 economic impacts. Government and private sector initiatives may help alleviate these pressures via educational, financial and entrepreneurial support, valourising diverse career pathways, and ensuring improved inclusivity for youth in rural communities.

Keywords: Agriculture; Rural development; Adaptation; University students; Career; Climate change; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-024-00685-2

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