Vol. 6 No. 3 (2023): Vietnam Journal of Agricultural Sciences

The spread of organic farming has led to the need for identifying alternative sources of high-quality organic fertilizer. Azolla is a genus of floating aquatic ferns which has high nitrogen and organic matter content due to its fast growth and symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Anabaena-azollae). However, little research has been done on the use of Azolla as an organic fertilizer for vegetable production. The study evaluated the effects of different levels of Azolla fertilizer on the growth and yield of Malabar spinach (Basella alba). The experiment included 6 treatments: Without application – as a control (T1); 1 ton ha-1 soybean meal (T2); 16 tons ha-1 cow manure (T3); 12 tons ha-1 Azolla fertilizer (T4); 16 tons ha-1 Azolla fertilizer (T5); and 20 tons ha-1 Azolla fertilizer (T6). The results showed that the application of Azolla fertilizer significantly increased shoot length, number of leaves, leaf size, dry matter, leaf area index (LAI), and SPAD of Malabar spinach compared to the control or cow manure. The application of Azolla fertilizer at the rates of 12, 16, and 20 tons ha-1 significantly increased the yield of Malabar spinach by 150, 192, and 205%, respectively, compared to the control; and by 37, 60, and 67%, respectively, compared to the cow manure treatment. Yields and parameters of harvested vegetables were the highest in treatments with 16 to 20 tons ha-1 Azolla fertilizer. The results suggest that Azolla fertilizer can be used as an alternative organic nitrogen source in organic vegetable production.

The traditional linear economy has created unstainable development. A circular economy (CE) is considered as a crucial means and has been adapted by many governments to achieve sustainable development goals. By narrative literature review, this article aims to discuss the concepts of linear and circular economies and CE models, examine countries’ CE development experiences, and make recommendations for successfully adapting a CE. The findings show that a CE is different from a linear one in terms of the step plan, focus, system boundaries, reuse, and business models. The CE model includes slowing and closing resource loops and a narrowing of resource flows and is based on the foundation of renewable and non-toxic resources as well as through long-lasting design, and reducing, maintaining, repairing, reusing, remanufacturing, refurbishing, recovering, and recycling. Many countries around the world have adapted a CE model with different circularity levels with the main focus to reduce waste. The paper also recommends that a CE should be percieved as the central point of socio-economic development programs and policies that must address the full cycle, from product design to production processes, consumption, and recycling rather than having only a waste reduction focus. Producers should use a CE framework as the basis for product design, manufacturing, and recycling strategies. Consumers should change their perception of CE and adjust their behaviors towards making decisions to buy and consume toward circularity. Also, there is a need to change the perceptions of policy makers and other stakeholders on the CE concepts and framework.

This study aimed to provide a clear overview of the vegetable distribution system in Hanoi city which is dominated by traditional combined with the emergence of modern distribution channels, including supermarkets. The analysis was based on secondary data sources, a primary survey among 60 vegetable farmers, and in-depth interviews with other marketing system stakeholders including two agribusiness farms, four agricultural cooperatives, trade intermediaries (five collectors, three wholesalers, and three trading companies), and three supermarkets. Comparative and descriptive statistics were applied to get the full picture of vegetable distribution system, including  traditional and modern channels. While traditional distribution channels involved various intermediaries, supermarket channels tended to be shorter due to direct producer-buyer relationships. In addition, while supermarket distribution channels focused on safe vegetables, including VietGAP and organic certified vegetables, there was no difference between safe and conventional vegetables in traditional channels. Therefore, producers may get 50% higher prices when supplying supermarkets compared to traditional channels. Recommended solutions to strengthen the distribution system of vegetables are to encourage the development of agricultural cooperatives, raise vertical integration, and develop sustainable cooperation among stakeholders in the supply chain.

The high demand for Davao pomelo and its suitability to the local climate in the Philippines have given rise to expansion potentials and provided possibilities in curbing poverty levels in the agricultural sector of the region. In order to design intervention projects and policies, the present study investigated the pomelo industry in Northern Mindanao covering specifically the product flow and challenges in the industry. The study area was four provinces of Northern Mindanao, namely Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. The data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire with 22 respondents composed of 9 pomelo producers and 13 traders. The majority of the pomelo products that were sold in the markets in Northern Mindanao come from outside the region, such as Davao and Cotabato provinces, while pomelo produced in the region were sold outside the region. Among the three marketing chains of pomelo, the producer to consumer is considered the most efficient chain based on the estimated losses. Challenges in the pomelo industry include the lack of technical knowledge among the producers, poor quality of the pomelo, high buying price, and information asymmetry. Improvement in the industry could be enhanced by addressing the challenges identified.

Tea farming households in Lung Vai commune, Muong Khuong district have been facing different types of risks. This study aimed to analyze their current risk-coping strategies, then to propose some solutions for the future. A total of 90 farmers in 3 villages with different production scales had been interviewed using semi-constructed questionare of how they identified and measured risks based on their observations and experience. The statistical descriptions and comparisons results pointed out that most of them were very proactive and flexibly applied different strategies and measures to prevent and minimize losses. However, the differences in the strategies chosen and the level of application among the households depended largely on the household’s resource capacity as well as the awareness of the household head. To promote the sustainable development of tea production in this area, the government and relevant actors in the local tea value chain should work together in order to develop solutions to intervene and support households to improve their capacity to apply risk-coping strategies more effectively in the future.

This study investigated the role of perennial crop systems in enhancing sustainable livelihoods among rural households in Dak Lak province, Vietnam, with a particular focus on coffee and pepper crops. To gather data for this study, structured interviews were conducted with 86 households (90 farms) through a multi-stage sampling approach from January to May 2019. Moreover, the effectiveness of two agroforestry systems, monoculture and multitrophic agroforestry, was compared. The findings highlighted numerous significant conclusions. First, perennial crop systems contributed significantly to the improvement of rural households' livelihoods through improved monetary income, job creation, the participation of women, and expanded work prospects. Second, intercropping systems were the most economically viable sources of income and less susceptible to market price risk. This conclusions emphasize the importance of farmers and local governments understanding the roles of perennial crops to livelihoods.