Rural livelihood diversification of Dzao farmers in response to unpredictable risks associated with agriculture in Vietnamese Northern Mountains today

An Thinh Nguyen (), Le Truc Nguyen, Hanh Hong Nguyen, Hanh Ta, Hong Nguyen, Tuan Anh Pham, Bich Thi Nguyen, Thao Thi Pham, Nhan Thi Thanh Tang and Luc Hens
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An Thinh Nguyen: Vietnam National University
Le Truc Nguyen: Vietnam National University
Hanh Hong Nguyen: Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE)
Hanh Ta: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Hong Nguyen: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Tuan Anh Pham: Tay Bac University (TBU)
Bich Thi Nguyen: Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF)
Thao Thi Pham: Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE)
Nhan Thi Thanh Tang: Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE)
Luc Hens: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2020, vol. 22, issue 6, No 21, 5387-5407

Abstract: Abstract Vietnamese rural mountains are undergoing a significant transformation process in agriculture-based economy nowadays. A challenge facing ethnic minorities is identifying more appropriate way of life to cope with unpredictable risks associated with agriculture. This paper deals with livelihood diversification by the Dzao, an indigenous ethnic minority group in the Vietnamese Northern Mountains. One hundred and six Dzao households from 11 villages are surveyed with a systematic random sampling. The Simpson diversity index and the Average Agricultural Livelihood Diversification Index are used to measure the livelihood diversification of villages. Eighteen survey questions are developed from six determinants of livelihood diversification such as seasonality, risk strategies, labor markets, credit market failures, asset strategies and coping behavior and adaptation. The results show that livelihood diversification aligns Dzao farmers’ goals to the short-term economic feasibility and long-term sustainability. Farmers diversify their livelihood by combining livelihood strategies for agricultural intensification, agricultural extensification and migration. Diversification should range from a temporary change in the household livelihood portfolio (occasional diversification) to a deliberate attempt to optimize the household capacity taking advantage of opportunities and coping with unexpected constraints (strategic diversification).

Keywords: Livelihood diversification; Livelihood capitals; Dzao farmers; Cinnamon production; Unpredictable risks; Vietnamese Northern Mountains (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-019-00429-x

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