Mekong Delta Research Articles

A holistic approach to salinity intrusion vulnerability assessment using geospatial technologies: An application for mekong delta of vietnam

Saltwater intrusion is a critical natural hazard impacting millions of lives globally, particularly in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. This study presents a comprehensive approach to assessing saltwater intrusion vulnerability, combining hazard, exposure/sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. We developed a salinity intrusion hazard map using data from 68 monitoring stations and 156 prevention culverts collected on February 23, 2020. Twenty-eight indicators representing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity were standardized and weighted using the Iyengar-Sudarshan method. Our analysis revealed that 15.74 % of the study area, particularly Mo Cay Bac and Mo Cay Nam districts in Ben Tre province and Dam Doi district in Ca Mau province, exhibits very high vulnerability to saltwater intrusion. These findings provide critical insights for designing effective saltwater intrusion warning systems and implementing targeted disaster risk management strategies in the Mekong Delta. The approach and results are also applicable to similar coastal deltas and regions worldwide, offering a valuable framework for mitigating saltwater intrusion impacts.

Navigating transitions: Vietnamese students’ experiences and challenges in the first year of higher education

ABSTRACT This qualitative research delves into the intricate transitional experiences of Vietnamese students during their first year in higher education (HE). Grounded in the dynamically shifting socio-cultural landscape of Vietnam, the study captures the narratives of 15 students, emphasising the unique challenges faced by those from the Mekong Delta region. Utilising a robust analytical blend of sociocultural theory, transition theory, and constructivist grounded theory, the research surfaces seven poignant themes. These are: (1) ‘Cultural Dislocation’, capturing the tension between traditional values and modern, global influences; (2) the ‘Struggle with Academic Independence’ highlighting the challenges of autonomous learning; (3) the intricacies of navigating ‘Interpersonal Dynamics in Diversity’ in a multicultural academic environment; (4) the evident ‘Digital Divide’ accentuating the disparities in technological access and proficiency; (5) the delicate act of ‘Balancing Commitments’ between academic pursuits and deeply rooted familial responsibilities; and (6) the profound ‘Quest for Autonomy and Identity Formation’, signifying the transformative nature of HE as a space for profound self-discovery and personal growth. While offering specific insights into the Vietnamese context, the study resonates with global academic transitions, underscoring the urgent need for holistic educational approaches that address the diverse challenges and aspirations of contemporary students.

Erosion of mangrove dominated muddy coasts in Vietnam and Indonesia: Processes and accelerating factors

Although there have been extensive studies of the erosion of mangrove-dominated muddy coasts, the information on the processes and drivers of erosion at fine scales of analysis is still lacking. Without this knowledge, the existing efforts to minimize erosion are just piecemeal solutions that only address the symptoms of the erosion process. The coastlines of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam (VMD) and Brebes Regency in Indonesia have been selected as case studies to address this issue. The aim of the paper is to document coastal erosion and the factors that accelerate the erosion process. This is achieved by using the participatory diagramming technique, which combines the analysis of photographs of erosion sites taken during field trips, detailed field observations, and responses from semi-structured interviews with erosion-affected communities in VMD and Brebes Regency, Indonesia. The results show that five dominant erosion processes identified in these two regions were burrow-induced erosion, clearcut-induced erosion, farming-induced erosion, pond-induced erosion, and boating-induced erosion. Of the five erosion processes, human activities have altered the characteristic of the mangrove forests, and are likely to have exposed areas to erosion, with wave action providing a tipping point by severely reducing the structural integrity of the coastal soil in sensitive areas and making them susceptible to collapse. However, many other areas in VMD and Brebes Regency, Indonesia have remained stable over time. The methodological approach proposed here appears to be applicable to other mangrove-dominated muddy coasts, which are characteristic of most anthropogenically affected tropical deltas. As human activities are closely linked to forestry policies in Vietnam and Indonesia, enforcement should be strengthened to significantly increase the impact of these policies in controlling coastal erosion and minimize the vulnerability of these areas to erosion.

Multi-scale characteristics of drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological phases: variability and impact in the Upper Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Multi-scale characteristics of drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological phases: variability and impact in the Upper Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Recurrence interval of riverbed sand mining hotspots in the Mekong delta: Potential indications of unsustainable replenishment rates

Rampant and illegal river sand mining in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) has led to substantial sediment losses and bank erosion. However, regulation of this issue remains a significant challenge due to insufficient monitoring and enforcement efforts, partly attributed to limited data and technology. To support an improved monitoring system in the VMD, this study investigates the spatiotemporal changes in sand mining hotspots and their underlying drivers. The recurrence intervals of sand mining boats were assessed from 2014 to 2020 using Sentinel-1A, and its association with riverbed incisions were examined from bathymetry field surveys between 2017 and 2020. Our results attest to sand mining intensification from 2015 to 2020, particularly in the upstream section of the VMD, where 70% of the activity was recorded. Not only was there an apparent increase in sand mining hotspots by 32.4%, but most hotspots recorded a recurrence interval of 2 years. This potentially indicates a minimal timeframe of sediment replenishment before the same locations become economically viable for further sand extraction. Additionally, a correlation was detected between sand mining hotspots and significant riverbed incisions, although the lack of spatial overlaps in some regions suggests other upstream influences like bank collapse and river damming. Our study, through the meticulous assessment of sand mining boat movement and river bathymetry data, ultimately sheds light on the potentially unsustainable scale of sand mining activities in the VMD. It aims to support informed decision-making and effective regulations that tackle excessive sand extraction amid the dynamic environmental challenges we face, while offering valuable insights to similar deltas worldwide.

Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos in Paddy Rice Soil in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos in Paddy Rice Soil in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Pedagogical Business Training Activities for Majors in Primary Education Students from a Management Perspective: A Quantitative Survey

The mission and purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the survey results on 06 measures to manage pedagogical training for primary education students at universities in the Mekong Delta. This study conducted a survey method with 315 people including 53 managers, teachers, 205 students and 57 former students of majors in primary education through survey questions focusing on assessing the necessity and feasibility of management measures such as organizing awareness raising for managers, teachers and students; enhancing innovation in planning; enhancing direction and supervision of training activities; innovating inspection and evaluation of training activities; Strengthening the conditions of facilities, equipment, staff and financial resources for training activities; innovating models, organizing feedback, adjusting and improving the training process. The results of quantitative research combined with qualitative assessments have identified the necessity and feasibility of the proposed measures, based on which universities in the Mekong Delta can apply them to innovate management activities and improve the quality of pedagogical training for majors in primary education students at universities in the Mekong Delta.

Contingent valuation versus choice experiment: estimating the willingness to pay for organic oranges in Vietnam

PurposeThe study estimates the willingness to pay for organic oranges and identifies its influencing factors among consumers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe study used survey data from 413 households in the Mekong Delta from March 2022 to July 2022. The choice experiment (CE) and contingent valuation method (CVM) were employed to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP). STATA 17 software was used to analyze research data in the logit model and mixed logit model.FindingsThe research results from the CVM approach show that a number of demographic characteristics have a direct impact on WTP, such as education, educational attainment, family size, the presence of children and the elderly in the household, food safety and environmental awareness. The CE model shows product attributes that influence consumers’ WTP, such as country of origin, traceability, quality grade, organic certification, ecolabel and organic content. Both approaches show that price is the main barrier to organic orange consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study surveyed four large cities in four provinces representing the Mekong Delta region.Practical implicationsOur study helps administrators have a deeper insight into consumer preferences and behavior, specifically the factors that affect consumers' WTP, an important indicator of demand for the success of manufacturers and marketers in developing as well as improving marketing strategies. Knowledge of a product’s WTP on behalf of (potential) customers plays an important role in many areas of marketing management, such as pricing decisions or new product development.Social implicationsFurthermore, this understanding will inform policymakers about the future of agricultural markets in Vietnam and help them better prepare for the making of sustainable agricultural policies. Develop organic agriculture to both protect human health, protect the living environment and protect the soil from degradation, ensuring sustainable agricultural production. This is also one of the measures to help people stay away from diseases to limit the social burden.Originality/valueThe study confirms that both CVM and CE models can be used to estimate WTP. However, CVM fits the overall WTP estimate, while CE is more appropriate when estimating WTP for individual scenarios through combining attributes with different levels.

Prognostic Value of the Lactate/Albumin Ratio for 28-Day Mortality in Pediatric Septic Shock: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Septic shock remains a leading cause of mortality in children. The lactate/albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a potential prognostic marker for mortality in septic shock, yet most existing research focuses on adults, with limited data available for pediatric populations, particularly in Vietnam. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of the LAR in predicting 28-day mortality among children aged two months to 15 years with septic shock in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study involving children diagnosed with septic shock at the largest pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, from July 2022 to June 2024. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including lactate and albumin levels, were measured at the time of septic shock diagnosis. Patients were followed for 28 days, with outcomes categorized as either survival or mortality. The prognostic performance of LAR was assessed through its discrimination and calibration capabilities. Results The 28-day mortality rate was 63.4%. LAR was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for LAR was 0.91, indicating superior discriminatory power compared to lactate alone and comparable to albumin. Using a Youden index-derived cut-off of 1.84, LAR demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 80%. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank testing revealed significantly lower survival probabilities in children with LAR ≥1.84 (p < 0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed good calibration of LAR in mortality prediction (p > 0.05). Conclusion The lactate/albumin ratio exhibits excellent discriminatory and calibration properties, making it a valuable tool for predicting 28-day mortality in pediatric septic shock. This ratio should be considered for routine use in clinical practice to improve prognostic assessments in this vulnerable population.

Variations in some Morphological Indicators of Tubuca rhizophorae Regarding Sex and Site at Bac Lieu and Ca Mau

This study was conducted to supplement information on the fluctuation of some morphological characteristics for species identification of Tubuca rhizophorae in some coastal provinces of the Mekong Delta. A total of 407 individuals (296 males and 111 females) were collected by hand in Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces from January 2024 to April 2024. The analysis results showed that Tubuca rhizophorae exhibited differences in manus width (MW3), pollex width (PW5), and dactyl width (DW7) between the two sampling sites (p&lt;0.05). Specifically, MW3, PW5, DW7 values in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu were 1.55±0.01 and 1.62±0.02; 0.54±0.01 and 0.59±0.01; 0.48±0.01 and 0.53±0.01, respectively. Similarly, carapace width [CW(L-R) and CW(R-L)] and manus width (MW2) showed significant change with sex (p&lt;0.05). Specifically, CW(L-R), CW(R-L), and MW2 of females and males were 12.30±0.10 and 12.99±0.08; 12.31±0.09 and 12.93±0.08; 1.03±0.02 and 1.17±0.03, respectively. The results also noted that environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and pH displayed a positive relationship with morphological trait variations of this species.

Mobilizing Frontiers

Since the late 17th century, the Mekong Delta has become a vibrant place for Vietnamese, ethnic Khmer, and ethnic Chinese settlements, forming mixed communities in terms of race and culture. As a new frontier, the Delta has continuously undergone state-sponsored “civilizing” processes. The resulting hybridity in folk culture gave birth to various religious sects, especially on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. From the view of late imperial Confucianism, these groups were judged as “heretical sects” and their leaders “heretical masters”. Despite being classified as “heretical”, these local “masters” and their communities still insisted on the core Confucian values of benevolence, righteousness and patriotism. Chinese secret societies and rebels escaped to the Delta in different times, bringing new ideas to the region, especially the cults of Five Lord Buddhas, Maitreya, and the concept of the birth of the wise king. Under French suppression, these “heretical masters” changed their religious strategies, supported local military leaders and secret societies to “fight the French and restore Đại Nam”. This research aims to investigate and analyse the “heretical” religious movements and ideological transformation of “heretical masters” in the Mekong River Delta in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thereby strengthening the argument that although Vietnam’s local religious elites were marginalized and suppressed by state governance (the Nguyễn dynasty, French colonialists), they always cared about national independence and social prosperity, and therefore transformed their sectarian strategies into a special form of religio-political hybridity. National independence was definitely prioritized, and therefore the concept of “loyalty” in the traditional Confucian view turned into “patriotism” in the new context of French invasion and colonialization. This study uses a mixture of extensive field data collected between 2015‒2017 and 2022‒2024 (the primary data source for this study) with limited original texts from the Nguyễn dynasty and the research findings of selective previous scholars, and applies the theoretical concept of “standardization” and/or “orthopraxy” from the pre-modern Confucian tradition to examine and analyse political-religious practices, ideological transformation, and implicit narratives among local religious masters in rural Southern Vietnam, confirming that the Mekong Delta has fostered an environment of cultural and religious dynamism and pluralism since the late 19th century.

Indigenous Knowledge in Tourism Development: The Case of Hô River Island, Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

Abstract Climate change is affecting various aspects people’s lives in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, especially those who are living in the low-elevation terrain such as small river islands. Some studies revealed that indigenous knowledge can assist local people in mitigating the damage to agricultural production caused by climate change. Thus, this paper analyzes the application of indigenous knowledge of the people in Hô Island, Tra Vinh province in tourism development in the context of climate change. The qualitative approach was utilized in this paper including 35 semi-in-depth interviews and participant observations in 13 events. The results showed that indigenous knowledge not only greatly contributed to creating impressive tourism products and services but also formed secondary livelihoods aside from agriculture, which improved the living standards for the people in Hô Island. This research implies that there is a need for policies and training courses to raise general awareness of the adaptation of indigenous knowledge in economic development, and particularly, tourism development in vulnerable geographic areas (such as small river islands) in the context of climate change observed in the Mekong Delta.

Comparing the process of converting land use purposes between socio-economic regions in Vietnam from 2007 to 2020

Abstract Reporting land use changes over time is important for evaluating land resource management. This study applied GIS technology to determine land use fluctuations for the entire mainland territory in Vietnam. In particular, the research focused on two main issues: (1) spatial fluctuations of some main land groups in Vietnam, and(2) the rate of land use change in socio-economic regions in the two periods 2007–2016 and 2016–2020. Research results showed that the Forests land group showed a growth of over 14% and spatial fluctuations took place in all regions, except for two regions with little change in this land group: Red River Delta (RRD) and Mekong River Delta (MRD). Meanwhile, crops decreased by over 16% from 2007–2020 and appeared heavily in the Northern Midlands and Mountains (NMR), North Central and Central Coast regions (NCR), and Central Highlands region (CHR). Urban land group increased by 3% during 2007–2020. The speed of land use conversion also showed different results between economic regions and inthe two research periods. The results showed that the recent research period witnessed a higher rate of land use conversion in the regions compared to the period 2007–2016. In particular, the NMR region showed that the conversion rate was the largest in both stages.

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Language Learning Strategies Used by High School Students

Emotional intelligence (EI) is widely recognized as a crucial determinant of success in several domains, including education. In addition to EI, language learning strategies (LLS) also play a significant role in facilitating a learner's achievements. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the extent to which students possess EI, their utilization of LLS, and the potential correlation between EI and LLS. In this study, 425 students at FPT high school in Mekong Delta are involved in completing the questionnaire, built on the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire – Short Form (TEQue-SF) framework of Petrides and Furnham (2001) and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) of Oxford (2017). Then, ten of them are selected to conduct a semi-structured interview to gain more insights of their thoughts. The results showed that both the general scale of EI and LLS were at the moderate level. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship exists between the degree of EI and the utilization of LLS. The study concluded by proposing recommendations for enhancing students' EI and LLS, as well as delineating potential avenues for further research.

Advancing sustainable rice production in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta insights from ecological farming systems in An Giang Province

Rice serves as a crucial staple food crop for half of the world's population. In the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), rice production plays a vital role in national food security. However, the majority of the existing intensified rice cultivation schemes in the VMD, which are typically traditional, have rendered many farmers' livelihoods unsustainable due to issues such as land degradation, water pollution, health risks, and low profitability. Therefore, it is imperative to explore alternative sustainable farming systems. This study investigates the benefits of two ecological farming systems, specifically organic rice and rice mixed with lotus, as alternatives to conventional rice farming in the upper VMD floodplain province of An Giang. These two farming systems have demonstrated long-term socioecological and economic advantages. On the one hand, they allow the introduction of rice products to the market at more affordable prices. Additionally, they contribute to improved water quality, improved soil fertility, and increased biodiversity such as bird, fish, and plant species compared to traditional rice farming systems. Although we acknowledge that the availability of floodwater poses a significant constraint for alternative farming systems, the business opportunities and socioecological benefits associated with these systems outweigh the limitations. Our findings provide evidence that ecological farming practices that support rice cultivation represent promising alternatives to sustainable rice production, which can help mitigate vulnerabilities in intensified rice farming systems and can be scaled up for other floodplain provinces in the VMD and beyond.

Enhancing the Role of Historical and Cultural Relics in Tourism Development: A Case Study of Can Tho City

This article examines the efforts and challenges associated with promoting the values of historical and cultural relics in Can Tho City, focusing on their integration into tourism development. Can Tho, a centrally administered city in the Mekong Delta, possesses a rich cultural heritage that includes numerous historical relics and sites of revolutionary significance. These tangible cultural assets are pivotal for the city's tourism potential, serving as critical attractions for domestic and international tourists. The article explores the various initiatives local authorities undertake, including policy implementation, investment in infrastructure, and community engagement, to enhance the preservation and promotion of these cultural sites. It also addresses the limitations, such as inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and the uneven awareness of heritage value among stakeholders. Recommendations are provided for improving the management and promotion of Can Tho's cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for better coordination among local agencies, increased investment, and the development of professional tour guide services. The article concludes that while significant progress has been made, further efforts are needed to realize the potential of Can Tho's cultural heritage in contributing to sustainable tourism and economic development.

Evaluating Lactate and D-Dimer as Mortality Predictors of Paediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome: A Prospective Study in a Low-Middle Income Country.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is a complex medical condition characterised by dysfunction across multiple organs. With limited information available on mortality prediction in the paediatric population, particularly in low-middle income countries, this study evaluates the mortality predicting capabilities of lactate, D-dimer, and their combination. This prospective study involved paediatric patients admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the largest central children's hospital in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam, from 2019 to 2021. The discriminative ability and calibration of both individual and combined tests were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Among the patients studied, 63.1% did not survive. Lactate and D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher in the non-survivor group (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) values for lactate, D-dimer and the combined lactate-D-dimer test were 0.742, 0.775 and 0.804, respectively, with the combination showing the highest AUC value, though without statistical significance. Specific thresholds for lactate, D-dimer and the combination yielded sensitivities of 75.5%, 71.7%, and 66.0%, respectively. All three tests showed no statistically significant differences between observed and predicted mortality in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (all P-values > 0.05). Lactate and D-dimer levels showed a significant association with mortality, along with good discrimination and calibration abilities. These results highlight the utility of lactate and D-dimer as effective predictors in paediatric MODS, particularly in resource-limited settings, and their role in improving patient outcomes.

Price and Non‐Price Factors in Development of Rice Cultivation: Case Studies From Southern India and Mekong‐Delta Vietnam

ABSTRACTThe high rice prices of 2023 have highlighted the need for increasing rice productivity. But improving productivity, especially in low‐performing rice‐producing regions, should also improve incomes for the numerous smallholder cultivators. This article examines what we can learn from the experience of high‐performing rice‐growing regions, which have both high rice yields and incomes. We focus on two best‐performing villages from Kerala, southern India and Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Using a detailed case study approach combining farm budget analysis, counterfactual simulations using agricultural household models, and qualitative insights, our analysis shows the contribution of price support, irrigation, and agricultural research in these two regions to the current situation. While price support was the prominent factor in Keralaʼs village, irrigation and extending the cropping intensity was important for farm incomes in the Mekong Delta village. This comparative analysis demonstrates the need for an ongoing evaluation of price and non‐price factors and supplementing farm incomes through specific interventions for developing low‐performing rice‐producing regions.

Detection and mitigation of soil salinization risk from saline/brackish water aquaculture in coastal areas: an application of remote sensing and managed aquifer recharge

This study focuses on detecting and mitigating soil salinization in four coastal areas of the Mekong Delta (Vietnam). Salinity patterns in the soils of the Mekong River Delta are not random but linked to land use practices and distance to the sea. We examine two quick yet reliable remote sensing-based techniques to detect the coastal aquaculture area and separate it from the inland freshwater farmland. These techniques can eventually be used to identify locations with an elevated risk of salinization in other coastal regions. Finally, we investigate a salinization mitigation solution based on creating a managed aquifer recharge system along the buffer zone that separates the coastal aquaculture area from the inland freshwater agriculture area. The implementation of an infiltration pond system is technically feasible in the Mekong Delta provided that hydrogeological characteristics, the fresh-saline interface position, and freshwater demands are considered. The transitional zone between freshwater agriculture and brackish water aquaculture in Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh and Ben Tre provinces is optimal for implementing an aquifer recharge/freshwater barrier scheme.

Effectiveness of the lockdown policy in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the absence of vaccines and effective treatments, governments worldwide have implemented lockdown policies as non-pharmaceutical interventions to flatten the infection curve. This study evaluates the effectiveness of containment policies implemented at the local level in Vietnam. Data were synthesized from 143 policy interventions across 49 provinces and centrally run cities from April 27 to October 1, 2021, and an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to estimate the effectiveness of each intervention. A random-effects meta-analysis was then conducted to combine the results based on different criteria. This analysis found that Directives No.15/CT-TTg and No.16/CT-TTg were successfully implemented in the provinces of Northern Midlands and Mountains, Red River Delta, North Central, Central Coastline, and Central Highlands. However, these directives were less effective when employed in the Southeast and the Mekong Delta areas. Furthermore, the ITS analysis indicates that Ho Chi Minh City and provinces in the Southeast region implemented stringent lockdown directives later than other regions, leading to the loss of control over the pandemic during the study period. In-depth studies on lockdown interventions could provide valuable insights for policymakers in managing future outbreaks, particularly considering the time required for the development of vaccines and drugs.