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• Circular Agriculture: A General Review of Theories, Practices, and Policy Recommendations

  Do Kim Chung, Luu Van Duy, Le Thi Thanh Loan

  Received: Jan 18, 2024 / Published: Jun 28, 2024

   Abstract PDF

  The conventional agricultural sector is threatened by several factors that cause unsustainable development and serious environmental damage. Circular agriculture is regarded as an essential means and is being adopted globally by many countries. Through a narrative literature review, this article aims to discuss the concepts, theories, and practices of circular agriculture, and to draw recommendations for successful implementation. The findings reveal that circular agriculture focuses on promoting resource circularity in the agro-food value chain, minimizing external inputs, reducing resource requirements, regenerating bio-ecosystems, and reducing environmental impacts to meet increasing food demands and improve producers' livelihoods. Circular agriculture differs from conventional agriculture in terms of its principles, levels of circularity, evaluation criteria, and practices. Circular agriculture practices have been adopted globally due to their economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, circular agriculture still encounters obstacles to widespread adoption, such as vested interests and existing policies. Thus, a comprehensive strategy for circular agriculture development should include rethinking and repurposing the sector development strategy; enhancing changes in producer and consumer awareness and behaviors regarding circular agriculture and organic products; increasing investments in circular technology research and development; providing more incentives for producers to access credit and extension services, produce organic products, and to reuse and recycle agricultural resources; and strengthen farmers' organizations to adopt circular farming technologies.

• Factors affecting members’ satisfaction with the quality of support activities of cooperatives: A case of horticultural cooperatives in Son La province, Vietnam

  Le Thi Minh Chau, Nguyen Dang Hoc, Ngo Thi Thu Hang, Tran Quang Trung

  Received: Sep 08, 2023 / Published: Jun 28, 2024

   Abstract PDF

  This study explored the factors affecting members’ satisfaction with the quality of support activities of cooperatives using data collected from 301 members of horticultural cooperatives in Son La province. The study applied the SEVERQUAL concept and cooperative principles to develop the research model. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the regression model were used for data analyses. Members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives was specifically evaluated by measuring members’ satisfaction with collective input purchasing; collective marketing; self-help activities; support activities for directly receiving government support; and capacity-building activities. It was found that “Responsiveness” was the prominent factor, followed by the “Assurance and Reliability”, “Empathy”, “Competency of cooperative managers”, and “Tangibles” factors, which were found to positively affect the members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives. To enhance the members’ satisfaction with the quality of the support activities of the cooperatives, the responsiveness of cooperative managers to market risks; social relationships among members; members’ awareness about voluntary participation opportunities in the cooperatives; competency of managers in management and negotiation; internal control systems of the cooperatives; involvement of members in the decision-making process; investment of equipment with internet connections; and the number of members should be improved.

• Current Situation and Solutions for Vocational Training in Extremely Isolated Communes, Lowland and Coastal Areas, and on Islands in Vietnam

  Nguyen Dang Hoc, Le Thi Minh Chau, Hoang Thi Mai Anh, Phi Thi Diem Hong, Tran Quang Trung

  Received: Oct 10, 2023 / Published: Mar 30, 2024

   Abstract PDF

  This study aimed to analyze the current situation of vocational training for farmers and farmers’ needs for vocational training in the next years in extremely isolated communities. The primary data were collected from 480 farmers in 16 communes. The selection of the study sites was based on the list issued in Decision No. 353/QD-TTg dated March 15, 2022 of the Prime Minister. The secondary data on vocational training in the period of 2016-2022 were collected from the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in the study sites. The research results showed that vocational training programs for farmers in the period of 2016-2022 had some achievements. The numbers of courses and trained workers increased every year (except the period of 2020 to early 2022 because of Covid-19), and the contents of the training courses were designed in accordance with the special requirements of local conditions and production and business characteristics. However, the vocational training program for farmers in extremely isolated communes in the period 2016-2022 still had limitations in terms of training contents, training methods, and training duration. It was found that in the 2023-2025 period, 73.5% of surveyed farmers desired to participate in vocational training. Based on the limitations of the vocational training program in the past, some proper solutions were proposed to improve the effectiveness of vocational training and to meet the farmers’ expectations.

• Who cares more about the environment?: An empirical study in Vietnam

  Tran Cong Chinh, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang

  Received: Nov 11, 2020 / Published: Dec 31, 2021

   Abstract PDF

  Environmental problems have become one of the top concerns in Vietnam since 2016. This study aimed to investigate what groups of people were most concerned about the environment and to what extent their concerns differed from each other. Logistic regression models were used to perform the analyses. The analysis on the gender - environmental concern relationship indicated that males were more likely to be concerned about the environment than females. The age - environmental concern relationship suggested higher concern levels of younger people as compared to older people. In the examination of the social class - environmental concern relationship, people who were wealthier, well-educated, and had greater occupational prestige tended to have more concerns. People with higher education levels also expressed higher levels of concern toward the environment. People with postgraduate degrees reported the highest level of concern, while people with no formal education showed the least concern. From the perspective of the political involvement - environmental concern relationship, it was shown that while people who were not a member of any organization were the least environmentally concerned, the members of university alumni associations were the most concerned. Finally, the exploration of the residence - environmental concern relationship pointed out that Kinh people were more environmentally concerned than Vietnamese ethnic minority groups, and people in the North Central Coast paid the highest attention to the environment in Vietnam.

• Factors Influencing Green Purchase Intention of Students: A Case Study at Vietnam National University of Agriculture

  Chu Thi Kim Loan

  Received: Jul 28, 2020 / Published: Mar 05, 2021

   Abstract PDF

  The objective of the paper was to analyze factors influencing the green purchase intention of students through a case study at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), Hanoi, Vietnam. The primary data were collected from a survey of 121 undergraduate students in 2020. The study employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multiple regression analysis. The survey indicated that VNUA students were highly concerned about the environment. Their green buying intention was significantly and positively affected by two groups of factors, including: (i) social influence and product knowledge; and (ii) environmental concerns and subjective norms; in which, the later group of factors has shown greater effects in this study. The study would help managers in formulating and implementing key measures to encourage students’ green purchase.