Impact of agricultural modernization and diversification on rural development: case study in Northern Viet Nam

Details

Supervisors

lebailly, Philippe

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master de spécialisation en développement, environnement et sociétés

Abstract

With the Renovation in 1986 (Doi Moi), Viet Nam’s economic takeoff was reflected in the rapid growth of the agricultural sector. By 1989, Viet Nam had not only ensured national food security, but also started to export rice. By 1990, agricultural share of the GDP had reached 41.7 percent. This was accompanied by improvement of peoples’ livelihoods and social outcomes. Since the 2000s, Viet Nam’s development strategy is more focus on industrial development and modernization, the last including the agricultural sector. During field studies, it is clear how land reforms have triggered modernization and intensification of agriculture, affecting socioeconomic dynamics of rural households. Agriculture innovation and intensification have resulted in increased yields and productivity, increasing farms outputs. Yet, such increases were not always reflected in the final profits, efficiency and products quality; and environmental externalities are now happening. This, together with markets instability and land use change due to gradual urbanization and industrialization, have had several impacts on rural development. To asses this situation, a case study was performed in Nam Dinh province in two villages, one whose main production is rice and the other with intensive aquaculture. Results show that land reforms, particularly land concentration polices have had a great impact in agriculture intensification and in social dynamics. Income diversification is now a common strategy between rural households, which in many cases members migrate in the search of other employment opportunities. Normally women stay in the village with children and produce, while men and young only come back for special occasions or just for family visit. Many rural households now continue to farm as a safety net, but not for commercial purposes. Viet Nam’s agricultural development strategy should now be focused on increasing efficiency and adding value, while at the same time finding sustainable agricultural practices that will have less impact on the environment.