Establishing an Evolutionary Learning Laboratory for Improving the Quality of Life of Vietnamese Women in Small-scale Agriculture: Part I-The Current Situation

• Published in: Systems research and behavioral science 2016-07, Vol.33 (4), p.532-543
• Main Authors: Ha, Tuan M., Bosch, Ockie J. H., Nguyen, Nam C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture; Data acquisition; Devices; Evolutionary; gender; Laboratories; labour; livelihood; Markets; Quality of life; Rivers; Roots; Strategy; Women; women smallholder farmers
• ISSN: 1092-7026; 1099-1743
• DOI: 10.1002/sres.2346

The study was carried out in Haiphong, a typical lowland area of the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam. The main objective of this research was to analyse the current conditions under which women smallholders are operating (Part I), in order to serve as a basis to identify major challenges and potential intervention strategies to reduce labour hardship and improve their quality of life (Part II). Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed to gain an in‐depth understanding of the current conditions. It was found that issues associated with the target group were multi‐dimensional, requiring multi‐stakeholder related interventions. These varied from interrelated problems such as a lack of capital and production devices to market constraints, production capability and gender‐biased domestic chores and production tasks. A comprehensive and informed approach is therefore required that focuses on (i) coordinated planning and multi‐stakeholder cooperation; (ii) enhanced transparency and accountability; and (iii) utilization and mobilization of available resources. Although the suggested solutions are legitimate as based on the traditional approach of context and problem analyses, it is clearly insufficient to understand the systemic interplays among different issues and to address the real issues and root causes of the difficulties the women are facing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.