Farmer Perceptions and Demand for Pesticide Use: A Case Study of Rice Production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Rice farmers’ perceptions and demand for pesticide use were analyzed using survey data in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The study showed although the majority of farmers could recognize the harmful effects of pesticides, they did not wear protective clothing suggested by WHO for pesticide safety use because they did not feel comfortable to use under local climatic conditions. Most of farmers declared that they asked for information or instructions related to pesticide use and pest prevention from retailers (72.5 percent) and over half of them (52.5 percent) sold their pesticide empty packages. The study also investigated that an increase in output price or farmers who thought an increasing tendency of insects and diseases had positive impacts on pesticides, while farmers who had knowledge on natural enemies or took part in short trainings or workshops applied less pesticides than others

Assessing Consumer Preferences for Organic Vegetables: A Case Study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

An increase in consumer’s demand for environmental and health quality has generated the movement of organic agriculture in terms of high-value products. Understanding consumer preferences is very necessary and important for policy-makers to design appropriate policies promoting and developing organic agriculture. This study employed a dichotomous choice contingent valuation model to analyze consumer’s willingness to pay for organic vegetables in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Results indicated that the majority of consumers were interested in organically grown products and willing to pay an average price premium of 59% for organic vegetables. Consumers concerned about health and food safety were more likely to purchase and those who have high household income and education also accepted to buy organic vegetables with higher price than conventional ones

The Demand of Urban Consumers for Safe Pork in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

This study applied the contingent valuation method to analyze the consumers’ demand for the proposed safe pork. The data was collected by face-to-face interviewing 884 urban households in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The results revealed that the majority of consumers (about 64%) paid attention to the proposed safe pork. Their willingness to pay was about VND 176,000 ($ 7.65) per kg, nearly double compared to the market price of conventional pork. The results showed that the respondents who had higher household income, larger proportion of elderly and children in the family, paid higher price of a conventional pork, and get more knowledge score on the safe pork are more likely, while the respondents who have more number of family members are less likely to pay for the proposed safe pork

Choice modeling approach to evaluate the economic value of renewable energy development

Purpose. This research aims to quantify the willingness to pay (WTP) of urban residents in the Mekong Delta for the environmental and social benefits associated with renewable energy projects. By analysing their preferences and priorities regarding renewable energy implementation, this study aims to contribute to the increasing knowledge on the drivers of sustainable energy transitions in developing regions. Methodology / approach. This paper leverages a choice modeling (CM) framework to analyse the economic viability of renewable energy investments in Vietnam. The CM technique is advantageous for its ability to capture individual preferences for complex goods or services characterised by multiple attributes and trade-offs. This enables a detailed assessment of the diverse economic values associated with renewable energy sources, beyond their traditional energy generation capacity, including environmental externalities, social impacts, and potential synergies with other sectors. Results. Residents showed significant WTP for renewable energy initiatives improving landscape aesthetics, wildlife habitats, air quality, and job opportunities. Higher income, education, and knowledge level are positively associated with greater WTP. Younger respondents showed a strong position in favor of renewable energy sources. Households with more children were less likely to support the status quo, and married respondents were more pro-renewable. Perceived community involvement emerged as a significant factor in supporting renewable energy policies. Originality / scientific novelty. This study represents a novel application of CM within the Vietnamese context, providing valuable quantitative data for policymakers and stakeholders. By estimating WTP for specific renewable energy attributes, we inform cost-benefit assessments and support the development of efficient policies for managing renewable energy investments. This data facilitates resource allocation and prioritisation of projects with the highest societal value. Practical value / implications. Our findings underscore the crucial role of public awareness and education in driving renewable energy implementation. Residents with a clear understanding of the benefits demonstrate a higher WTP. Hence, we recommend a multifaceted communication strategy to educate the public about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of renewable energy. This involves utilising diverse channels like community meetings, media outreach, online platforms, and expert engagement to disseminate accurate and engaging information. By fostering knowledge and understanding, we can cultivate a strong public mandate for renewable energy investment, facilitating informed decision-making and accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future in the Mekong Delta