Mekong Delta Of Vietnam Research Articles

Changing agricultural practices as a result of variable water resource availability in a hilly area of An Giang province, Vietnam

Abstract Located in the Southwest of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, An Giang province is an important center of agricultural production, especially rice cultivation. Climate change impacts are one of several man-made factors affecting water resource availability for agriculture in the province. It is recognized that new solutions are crucial to adapt to the present and future conditions of a scarcer water supply. This paper explores climate factors affecting water resource availability in agriculture and some recent adaptations being adopted by farmers in one district of An Giang province. Hydro-meteorological data was collected together with in-depth interviews as a tool to point to proximate changes in water status and availability and to evaluate local inhabitants’ awareness of climate risks and adaptive strategies. The results noted that climate factors (temperature, humidity, annual rainfall) have altered over time, causing decreased availability of water supplies for agriculture. Recognizing this situation, both structural adaptation and non-structural solutions may occur simultaneously to maintain agricultural production efficiency. The types of crops, tolerant varieties, and irrigation projects suitable for various geographical areas were considered for more adaptive agriculture production locally. To address some of the problems that farmers face, water-saving technologies are an essential part of a range of potential solutions to maintain agricultural production and protect the environment in the future.

Effects of Accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDDs) on Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Growth and Yield under Greenhouse Condition in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Sesame has high nutritional value, sesame seeds contain oil, protein, sugar, water, ash, and two kinds of oleic acid and linoleic acid; sesame is commonly used in the diet or as a vegetable oil. Sesame is grown in many tropical countries, and the optimum temperature for sesame growth is 25-30 °C. Due to climate change, the temperature is increasing, in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, the temperature in summer can reach nearly 35 °C. The research question is whether high air temperature affects sesame growth and yield. To answer the above question, the study was conducted in greenhouse conditions in An Giang province with different temperature conditions, including 3 extreme chambers from 32.7, 32.9, and 34°C; automatic fan and a misting system for to control temperature. Black sesame plants were grown in 42 pot (34 x 28 x 28cm), each chamber with 4 plants per pot. All pots were filled with the same amount of alluvial soil (Fluvi Mollic Gleysols). Results showed that accumulated growing degree days in chambers 1, 2, and 3 were 2115, 2019, and 1994 GDDs, respectively. At 2115 GDDs gave the highest value of fresh biomass (1417g/pot), dry biomass (276 g/pot), dry weight capsule (109 g/pot), and dry seeds (51 g/pot). Regarding harvest index, chamber 3 with 1994 GDDs gave the highest harvest index of 0.22; the other chambers were in the range of harvest index of 0.18-0.20. In conclusion, under greenhouse conditions with 2115 GDDs is ideal for the growth and yield performance of black sesame.

Loan accessibility for social housing in Vietnam's Mekong Delta: An empirical study

The purpose of this study is to examine how easily low-income workers can get loans for social housing projects under a Vietnamese government policy. This policy, outlined in Decision 388/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister on April 3, 2023, aims to build at least 1 million apartments for low-income individuals and industrial park workers from 2021 to 2030. The study focuses on four branches of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policy (VBSP) in the Mekong Delta region: Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Soc Trang provinces. The research involved surveying 280 workers who applied for loans at these banks between May 2003 and September 2023. Half of these applicants met the loan criteria, while the other half did not. Using a Binary logistic regression model, the study identified several factors that influence the likelihood of obtaining a social housing loan from VBSP. These factors include the applicant's age, education level, number of dependents, marital status, total income, equity ratio, and the value of collateral. Among these, the total income, value of collateral, and equity ratio were found to have the most significant effect on loan accessibility. Based on the findings, the authors suggest policy recommendations to make it easier for low-income workers to access loans for social housing in the future, enhancing the effectiveness of the VBSP's lending program in the Mekong Delta.

Effects of urea types combination with alternate wetting and drying irrigation on rice yield in the Vietnam Mekong Delta

A field experiment was arranged with a split-plot design with three replications, two irrigation methods including continuous flooding (CF) and Alternate Wet Drying (AWD) combination with three amounts of two fertilizers, nitrogen White Urea and Black Urea. Actual yield, yield components, leaf N content, and chlorophyll index were investigated. The results showed that AWD application saved 9.5% of freshwater. Compared with FC, OM18 did not respond to AWD combination with white and black urea. Applying 100 or 120N of both nitrogen types gave better performances in panicles, filled grain, and yield under both FC and AWD. Regarding OM 18 yield, 100N (Black Urea)– 80 P2O5 – 60K2O in CF gave the best yield (8.0 tons/ha), but this treatment showed non-significant differences from 120N(Black Urea) – 80 P2O5– 60K2O in AWD as well as 120N (Black Urea) – 80 P2O5 – 60K2O in CF (7.2 tons/ha). OM 18 responded to Black Urea better than White Urea under AWD and FC. OM 18 showed the best yield in 100N(Black Urea) – 80 P2O5 – 60K2O under CF. AWD application saved up to 9.5% freshwater.

Adopting construction 4.0 to promote sustainability in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam: a fuzzy delphi study

ABSTRACT This study contributes to the understanding of Construction 4.0 (C4.0) adoption in developing countries, with a specific focus on the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Due to a lack of innovative methods in construction, developing nations struggle to promote sustainability. To cover this research gap, prior studies have addressed the critical success factors (CSFs) and motivations but neglected the complexity and interconnections of CSFs. This study proposes a Fuzzy Delphi – Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis to discern the most influential factors for successful C4.0 adoption. The results underscore that the motivation to reduce the use of natural resources and establish an effective logistics network supersedes cost-related considerations. Collaboration, information sharing, and strategic management emerge as pivotal CSFs. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote sustainable construction practices through C4.0 technology in a developing context.

Harmonising traditions and modernity: Exploring the characteristics of healthy working environments in Mekong delta higher education institutions in Vietnam

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the characteristics defining a healthy working environment within higher education institutions in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, emphasizing the interplay of regional cultural, historical, and natural elements. The study employed a Social Constructivist Framework, Symbolic Interactionism, and the Phenomenological Approach to interpret findings from semi-structured interviews with five leaders from two institutions. These methodologies facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the institutional leaders’ perspectives on the elements integral to a thriving academic setting. The findings revealed several key themes: the significance of interpersonal relationships and mutual respect; the importance of continuous professional development; the role of institutional transparency and open communication; an emphasis on cultural and historical reverence; and a unique relationship between the institution and the natural environment of the Mekong Delta. These insights contribute to the global discourse on academic environments, highlighting the universality of certain educational values while underscoring the importance of context-specific factors. The study’s practical implications suggest the need for future research to further investigate these themes, aiming to enhance our understanding of healthy academic settings in diverse cultural and geographical contexts.

Practice of Vietnamese tertiary learners’ intercultural competence: An influential factor affecting entrepreneurial capabilities

Intercultural competence (IC) is believed to enhance new graduates' entrepreneurial capabilities and employability in this 21st century. This quantitative study investigates learners' perceived levels of IC, regarding its four components: knowledge, attitudes, skills, and awareness [1,2]. An online survey comprising 40 items adapted from Baroudi's questionnaire [3] based on Byram's conceptual framework of IC [1,2] was administered to learners at a recently established state university in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. 148 eligible respondents were recruited on a volunteer basis. SPSS was used to analyze collected data. Results show learners' high perceived level of IC. Learners' intercultural attitudes component was found to be at the highest perceived level. In addition, knowledge and skills equally stood at the lowest level of learners' perceived IC. Learners' gender and academic field did not affect their perceived IC levels. However, participants' academic major showed to have a significant impact on learners' intercultural awareness. The findings inform stakeholders about the appropriateness of currently-implemented curricula for intercultural education and raise their awareness of the possible gap between learners' perceived levels of IC and their actual IC. The study also contributes insights into the literature on the relationship between learners' IC and entrepreneurial capabilities and employability. Finally, suggestions for future studies on IC are included.

Vietnamese EFL Learners’ Production of English Lexical Stress

This study investigated the extent to which Vietnamese EFL learners were able to produce English stress patterns in words with two, three, and four syllables. Data were garnered from 45 participants studying at an English language center in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The results indicated that the participants exhibited different levels of competence in producing stress patterns across syllables of varying lengths. They demonstrated comparable proficiency in correctly placing stress on the penultimate and ultimate syllables in two-syllable words. However, it was observed that significant challenges arose in three-syllable words, particularly in accurately placing stress on the final syllable. Likewise, when it came to four-syllable words, the participants demonstrated a lack of proficiency in correctly placing stress on the pre-antepenultimate syllable. The study enhanced our understanding of the difficulties encountered by Vietnamese EFL learners in acquiring English stress patterns. It, therefore, emphasized the necessity of implementing focused instructional interventions to enhance the ability of EFL learners to produce stress accurately.

Understanding groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the Mekong Delta: The case of Tra Vinh province, Vietnam

Groundwater has been increasingly used for water supply to sustain local livelihood and socio-economic development in the Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD). Yet, intensive groundwater use raises concerns on sustainability as available fresh groundwater is finite with little or limited natural recharge in the area on one hand and, on the other hand, groundwater levels have been decreasing, with induced land subsistence, increased flooding and inundation, and exacerbated salinity intrusion. This study aimed to develop understanding of groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the VMD. It was motivated by both the significance and little knowledge of decentralized groundwater use of small capacity by rural communities that is not monitored and managed. In this study, we designed and conducted a structured survey in selected rural communities to collect information related to water supply and groundwater use for domestic purposes and agriculture. Combining survey data and information from different sources, our analysis found that: 1) groundwater plays a varying role in domestic water use, with a heterogeneous pattern consistent with the spatial distribution of groundwater salinity; 2) local dependence on groundwater increases spatially from inland towards coastal areas; 3) poor households in coastal areas are of high vulnerability to groundwater limitations imposed by salinity or resource depletion for domestic use; 4) groundwater use in agriculture appears to be complementary to available fresh surface water, non-essential while exhibiting a spatial pattern corresponding to groundwater salinity or availability; and 5) there is indication of groundwater depletion associated with groundwater use in agriculture. The study revealed locally developed water use behavior adapting to local water conditions and wealth level, with fresh groundwater being of strategic importance, particularly to domestic water use and poor households in coastal areas. The findings fill the knowledge gap in the literature while providing relevant information for welfare improving management decision making on groundwater in the VMD.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Epidemiological Characteristics and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

The influence of organizational culture and shared leadership on work-family conflict and employee job satisfaction

This study aims to investigate the influence of organizational culture and shared leadership on work-family conflict (WFC) and employee job satisfaction, within the context of businesses in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. A survey was conducted involving 592 employees, and linear structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized for data analysis. With the exception of the negative impact of external orientation culture value and task-oriented leadership style on job satisfaction, the study revealed that organizational cultural values and shared leadership have a favorable impact on reducing WFC and enhancing employee job satisfaction. A noteworthy discovery from this research is that organizational cultural values and shared leadership style not only mitigate WFC but also foster higher employee job satisfaction. As a result, it is recommended that enterprises prioritize the development of organizational cultural values and shared leadership models to bolster job satisfaction, increase employee loyalty, and consequently, enhance overall firm performance.

Reproductive Performance of Local Noi Chicken over Two Generations in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Reproductive Performance of Local Noi Chicken over Two Generations in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Characterization and molecular identification of the lumpy skin disease virus in cattle in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus, exhibiting clinical symptoms ranging from mild signs to the development of nodules. LSD emerged in Asia and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, in October 2020 and has since spread throughout the region, resulting in productivity and economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the virus-causing papular dermatitis in cattle from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam by analyzing its GPCR gene and assessing its evolutionary relationship with sequences in the GenBank database. Blood samples (n = 180) were collected from cattle farms in Ben Tre, Tien Giang, and Tra Vinh provinces. PCR targeting the P32 antigen gene was utilized to detect LSDV presence, and GPCR gene amplification was performed to assess genetic variability. LSDV was detected in 8.33% (15/180) of the samples using PCR targeting the P32 antigen gene. Each sample that tested positive for LSDV demonstrated complete amplification of the GPCR gene. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses of the GPCR gene revealed that Mekong Delta LSDV isolates shared genetic similarities and possessed a 12-nucleotide insertion comparable to strains from China in 2019 and Northern Vietnam in 2020. This study provides preliminary insights into the molecular characteristics of LSDV in cattle from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The observed genetic relatedness to other LSDV sequences from Asia and Southeast Asia underscores the importance of regional surveillance and control measures. These findings contribute to the development of effective strategies for LSDV control and prevention.

Innovation, export orientation, export assistance, and SMEs' export performance: a case in Vietnam's Mekong delta provinces

Innovation, export orientation, export assistance, and SMEs' export performance: a case in Vietnam's Mekong delta provinces

Assessing impacts on rice production and quantifying economic cost losses with PM2.5–based damage – A case of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, Vietnam Mekong Delta

Control measures of PM2.5 pollution mitigation are identified as an important strategy for food security. This is remarkably crucial with Long Xuyen Quadrangle (LXQ), which exports more than 50% of Vietnams rice. PM2.5 pollution impacts on rice production need to be assessed to determine the extent of effects on economic losses. The given objectives of this study are to build a research framework that combines models and data to quantify the economic damage to rice seasons affected by PM2.5 pollution, taking LXQ as a research case study. The models used include quantitative models of output loss due to loss of productivity, productivity function, and quantification of economic loss model to assess economic loss due to loss of productivity caused by PM2.5, based on damage to rice plants. The data used included: (i) 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration data in the environment to represent the process of estimating negative impacts on rice yield, (ii) formal characteristics of rice crops, (iii) rice area/total agricultural land area, (iv) rice production level achieved by each crop, and (v) minimum support prices for rice. The total loss of rice yield in the LXQ in 2018 was estimated at 15,729 tons/ha. The results associated with calculated damage levels into economic values showed that the total losses due to the reduction of rice production in 2018 in LXQ were at about 2,728 billion VND, which was equivalent to approximately 121 million USD, or 1.47% of the total GRDP of LXQ in 2018. The obtained results will be the basis for further development, contributing to the building of a dataset for the management of the air environment as well as effective agricultural farming solutions for the LXQ area.

Assessing the risk and morphological characteristics of weedy rice outbreak in Thap Muoi district, Dong Thap province, Vietnam

The Thap Muoi district in Dong Thap province, Vietnam, is renowned as the largest rice producer, cultivating 112,762 hectares and specialising in three rice crops per year, with some areas achieving 3.5 annual crops. However, changing farming practices, low-quality rice seeds, and mechanisation have led to the emergence and spread of weedy rice (Oryza spp.) in Thap Muoi and the broader Mekong delta. This comprehensive assessment of weedy rice outbreak risks in Thap Muoi provides a vital foundation for effective management strategies to prevent its spread in the Mekong delta. Sixty questionnaires were collected from rice-farming households. Approximately 80% of farmers reported the appearance of weedy rice approximately five years ago. Alarmingly, 95% of surveyed farmers (57 individuals) reported weedy rice infestations, with 40% of them encountering infection levels ranging from 11 to 20 plants/m2. To distinguish weedy rice from cultivated varieties, seven distinct types were identified based on various morphological characteristics, including growth time, leaf blade structure, plant height, leaf/stem colour and shape, grain beard/tail, seed/husk colour, grain length, ripening time, and seed dispersal potential. However, all seven weedy rice varieties exhibited short growth cycles and the capacity to produce seeds, posing significant challenges to rice production management in Thap Muoi. This research underscores the critical importance of assessing weedy rice outbreak risks in Thap Muoi and understanding its morphology and prevalence. This understanding is essential for developing effective preventive measures to mitigate the threat of weedy rice outbreaks across the entire Mekong delta in Vietnam.

Characteristics and diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in Vietnam

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a contagious disease in shrimp with extremely high mortality rate, causing an estimated $23.6 billion loss to the global shrimp industry during 2009–2016. A binary toxin, PirAB, is the causative agent, which is encoded by the pirABvp genes on a virulent plasmid typically found in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Here, seventeen strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated from the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, of which 15 harboured identical pirABvp genes. The remaining two strains, which were PCR-negative for pirAB, and nine positive strains were selected for whole genome sequencing. Multi-locus sequence typing revealed five sequence types (STs), including one novel, that were associated with sites of isolation. A maximum likelihood tree of core genomes revealed that our strains formed three clusters and were closely related to strains from Thailand, South Korea, China, and Philippines. All sequenced strains carried β-lactam (including blaOXA-10 and blaNDM-1) and tetracycline resistance genes, with a range of 3–13 resistance genes. The pirAB-positive strains shared large regions of homology with the prototypical AHPND virulent plasmid. In summary, this work revealed the characteristics of AHPND-causing strains in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam and suggested possible transmission routes among Vietnam and other shrimp farming countries.

Evaluating topsoil salinity via geophysical methods in rice production systems in the Vietnam Mekong Delta

AbstractThe Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD) is threatened by increasing saltwater intrusion due to diminishing freshwater availability, land subsidence, and climate change induced sea level rise. Through irrigation, saltwater can accumulate in the rice fields and decrease rice production. The study aims at evaluating topsoil salinity and examining a potential link between topsoil salinity and rice production systems in a case study in the Tra Vinh province of the VMD. For this, we applied two geophysical methods, namely, 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ARES II) and electromagnetic induction (EM38‐MK2). 3D ARES II measurements with different electrode spacings were compared with EM38‐MK2 topsoil measurements to evaluate their respective potential for monitoring topsoil salinity on an agricultural scale and the relationship between land‐use types and topsoil salinity. Results show that EM38‐MK2 is a rapid and powerful tool for obtaining high‐resolution topsoil salinity maps for rice fields. With ARES II data, 3D maps up to 40 m depth can be created, but compared with EM38‐MK2 topsoil maps, topsoil salinity was underestimated due to limitations in resolution. Salt contamination of above 300 mS m−1 was found in some double‐cropped rice fields, whereas in triple‐cropped rice fields salinity was below 200 mS m−1. Results clearly show a relation between topsoil salinity and proximity to the saline water sources; however, a clear link between rice production and topsoil salinity could not be established. The study proved that geophysical methods are useful tools for assessing and monitoring topsoil salinity at agricultural fields scale in the VMD.

The potency of a liquid biofertilizer containing bacterial strains of Rhodopseudomonas spp. on recovery of soil properties damaged by Al3+ and Fe2+ toxins and enhancement of rice yield in acid sulfate soil

In the Mekong Delta Vietnam, rice is heavily affected by Al3+ and Fe2+ ions appearing in local acid sulfate soils (AAS). Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the efficacy of a liquid biofertilizer (LB) containing nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial strains of Rhodopseudomonas spp. on remediation of soil characteristics and improvements of rice uptakes, growth, and yield. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design with nine treatments and four replications in an ASS. The results have shown that the LB application could contribute to the remediation of soil properties, including an increase in concentrations of NH4 + by 12.9%–19.4%, soluble P by 25.7%–42.6%, total N uptake by 40.7–64.0 kg ha−1 and total P uptake by 5.60–12.6 kg ha−1, and a decrease in concentrations of toxins, such as Al3+ by 12.1%–19.7% and Fe2+ by 16.6%–19.0%, compared to the treatment with the farmer-based fertilization. Thereby, grain yield was improved by 31.9%–32.2% with the LB versus the treatments without the bacteria and by 9.5%–11.1% compared to the commercial biofertilizer treatments. The application of LB reduced 25% N and 50% P of the recommendation versus the farmers’ fertilization and improved performance of rice growth and yield cultivated on ASS which suffered from Al3+ and Fe2+ ions.

Effects of principals’ leadership styles on teachers’ commitment in Vietnam

<span lang="EN-US">In recent years, styles of transformational and transactional leadership have become an important area of research because of its significant impact on teachers’ outcomes such as commitment, job satisfaction, self-efficacy. However, the relationships between transformational and transactional leadership styles of school principals and teachers’ organizational commitment have been rarely investigated in the educational context in Vietnam. This study aimed to determine how transformational and transactional leadership styles influence the organizational commitment of Vietnamese high school teachers. The study employed two standardized surveys to collect data from 387 teachers at 24 public high schools in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The results of correlation coefficient analyses indicated that teachers’ organizational commitment was positively influenced by transformational leadership and negatively influenced by transactional leadership. In addition, the results of multiple regression analyses showed that the organizational commitment of teachers was predicted by all components of both leadership styles of principals. The present study suggested that school leaders might combine both transformational and transactional leadership styles in their leadership practices to improve teachers’ organizational commitment.</span>