Promotion of agro-forestry in a shifting cultivation area : a case study of an upland community in northern Vietnam | |
| Author | Mai Van Thanh |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-03-04 |
| Subject(s) | Agroforestry--Vietnam Shifting cultivation--Vietnam |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This is a case study at Tat hamlet in the upper Da river watershed of North region of Vietnam. This river watershed plays significant role in protecting the Red river delta including Hanoi capital. In recent years, deforestation has assumed an alarming proportion in this area. Shifting cultivation, which is still prevalent among ethnic minority groups in the area, despite efforts of government to overcome it, significantly contributes to this deforestation. To ensure the success of the transition from shifting to fixed cultivation, the features of shifting cultivation in the area as well as its driving forces need to be well understood, so that an alternative to shifting cultivation can be introduced. Hence, this study primarily attempts to understand the dynamics of shifting cultivation and agro-forestry practices among farmers of Tay ethnic group (which is one of the largest ethnic group in the region) and suggest to appropriate measures to reduce shifting cultivation by strengthening agroforestry as an alternative livelihood base. The analysis is mainly quantitative in nature with some supplementary qualitative inputs. The result of the study shows that shifting cultivation is widespread in the study area. Poverty associated with food shortages is the main cause of continuance of shifting cultivation in this area. Population pressure, inadequate agricultural land for cultivation, limited access to credit and extension services, low education level, land insecurity, faulty policy planning and implementation without peoples' participation and lack of coordination in actions between government organizations, etc. are all responsible to influence the farmer's decision to continue with shifting cultivation. The main livelihood pattern of shifting cultivators is very much dependent on farming and exploited forests. This study also attempted to understand the perception and participation of the farmers on these issue and finds that a majority of them want to switch over to agro-forestry. There are many associated factors influencing them to adopt agro-forestry practices. The most important of them is "land tenure insecurity" Finally, agro-forestry system can be promoted as a potential alternative of shifting cultivation. However, this requires initial support from the government and NGOs operating in this area. |
| Year | 2003 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Routray, Jayant K. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Wickrarnnayake, B.W.E.;Shivakoti, Ganesh P. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | FORD Foundation;AIT Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2003 |